Georgia Woman Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE – A woman who moved from the Chattanooga area across the state line to Georgia is charged with TennCare fraud.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), today in a joint effort with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department, today announced the arrest of 34-year-old Sara Crawford for one count each of TennCare fraud and theft of property. Crawford was listed as one of the OIG’s “Most Wanted” for approximately three months before her arrest. She’s accused of continuing to use TennCare and claim eligibility even though she no longer qualified for the program. As a result, TennCare paid more than $18,397 in fees and claims on her behalf.

“The primary requirement for TennCare eligibility is that a recipient must be a resident of the State of Tennessee,” Inspector General Chad Holman said. “The Office of Inspector General remains committed to identifying, investigating, and seeking the accountability of those who commit fraud against or abuse the TennCare program.” 

The TennCare fraud charge is a class D felony, and the theft of property charge is a class C felony. The case is being prosecuted by District 11 Attorney General Coty G. Wamp serving Hamilton County.

The OIG is separate from TennCare and was created to identify and investigate potential fraud among members of TennCare, which is funded by state and federal tax dollars. To date, 3182 have been charged with TennCare fraud. 

The OIG’s “Most Wanted” list is online here and 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 800-433-3982, toll-free, or go to www.tn.gov/oig/ and following the prompts that read “Report TennCare fraud.”