Arkansas Woman Charged with TennCare Fraud

Thursday, December 09, 2021 | 05:48am
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NASHVILLE – A woman living in West Memphis, Arkansas is charged with TennCare fraud and theft of property for allegedly reporting she and her six children still lived in Tennessee.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), in a joint effort with the West Memphis, AR Police Department, today announced the arrest of 39-year-old Angelee Patterson. Investigators say Patterson was living in Arkansas when she reported a Tennessee address to the state, resulting in TennCare paying $82,512.04 in fees and claims on behalf of the family.

“TennCare benefits are designed to assist those who qualify and who reside within the borders of our great state,” Inspector General Kim Harmon said. “The Office of Inspector General strives to protect taxpayers’ hard-earned money by ensuring those committing fraud will face consequences, one being restitution to TennCare.”

The theft of property charge is a Class B felony and the TennCare fraud charge is a class D felony.  The case is being prosecuted by Shelby County District Attorney General Amy T. Weirich.

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has identified and investigated more than 130,349 potential fraud cases leading to more than $9.2 million being repaid to TennCare.  In the last year ending June 30, 2021 total estimated cost avoidance was more than $7.5 million. TennCare's budget is comprised of 65 percent federal and 35 percent state dollars. To date, 3,146 people of been charged with TennCare fraud. 

The OIG’s most wanted list of fugitives from TennCare fraud are online at https://www.tn.gov/finance/fa-oig/fa-oig-most-wanted.html. Anyone with information about a wanted subject is urged to use the contact information on the page. 

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 or by logging on to www.tn.gov/oig/ and following the prompts that read “Report TennCare fraud.”