Davidson Co. Woman Must Repay TennCare in Fraud Plea Deal

NASHVILLE, Tenn. –– A Davidson County woman charged with TennCare fraud must repay the state for benefits received through the healthcare insurance program in a plea deal in Shelby County.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced that 49-year old Undrea Harden of Nashville must repay TennCare $18,896.90 and serve three years of judicial diversion in exchange for her plea.

Harden was indicted in August of 2017 in Shelby County for TennCare fraud and theft of property over $10,000. Officials said she falsely reported her income to the state in order to obtain TennCare healthcare and prescription drug benefits. She otherwise would not have qualified for the program.

“Our mission is to preserve the integrity of the TennCare program, “Inspector General Kim Harmon said. “We do so by diligently investigating anyone who uses or attempts to use the program for unlawful purposes.”

TennCare fraud is a Class D felony punishable by up to four years in prison. District Attorney General Amy T. Weirich prosecuted this case.

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to more than $3 million being repaid to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of more than $163.6 million for TennCare, according to latest figures. To date, 3,070 people have been charged with TennCare fraud.

Through the OIG Cash for Tips Program established by the Legislature, Tennesseans can get cash rewards for TennCare fraud tips that lead to convictions.  Anyone can report suspected TennCare fraud by calling 1-800-433-3982, toll-free, from anywhere in Tennessee; or log on to www.tn.gov/tnoig/ and follow the prompts that read “Report TennCare Fraud.”