Mississippi Woman Charged with TennCare Fraud
NASHVILLE – A woman currently living in Southaven, Mississippi is charged with TennCare fraud and theft of property after investigators say she allegedly gave the state false information so she could continue receiving TennCare healthcare insurance benefits.
The Office of Inspector General (OIG), in a joint effort with the Southaven Police Department, today announced the arrest of 29-year-old Angeleake McQuerter. She’s accused of living out of state but reporting a Tennessee address to remain enrolled in TennCare. As a result, the program paid $21,864.73 for healthcare fees and claims for McQuerter and her four children.
“The TennCare program is designed to help those who rightfully qualify for benefits,” Interim Inspector General Interim Chad Holman said. “We strive to ensure those taking undue advantage of Tennessee’s Medicaid program are brought to justice and TennCare dollars are preserved.”
The TennCare fraud charge is a class D felony and theft of property is a Class C 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 repayment of more than $9.2 million to TennCare. In fiscal year 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, 3,152 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.”