Sixth Person in Alabama Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – An Alabama woman is the sixth person in the last month to be charged in Marion County with TennCare fraud for falsely reporting her residence in order to obtain benefits from the taxpayer-funded program.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, today announced the arrest of Ladreamer Garrett, 27, of Bridgeport, Alabama.

A Marion County indictment charges Garrett with TennCare fraud and theft of services stemming from allegedly applying for and receiving TennCare benefits for herself and her minor child by fraudulently reporting her residency in order to appear eligible for TennCare.  Authorities say records show that a month before applying for TennCare, she signed a lease for her residence in Bridgeport, Alabama, where she and her child continue to live.

"Lying about one’s residence in order to receive TennCare benefits is a crime,” Inspector General Kim Harmon said. “We work diligently to preserve TennCare benefits for its intentional use.  We welcome information of anyone abusing the system.”

District Attorney General J. Michael Taylor is prosecuting.  TennCare fraud is a Class D felony punishable by up to four years in prison per charge.

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, 3,104 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.”