Humphreys County Woman Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE –  A Humphreys County woman is charged with TennCare fraud and theft. The Office of Inspector General (OIG) and the Humphreys County Sheriff’s Office today announced the arrest of 29-year-old Heather Farlow. She’s accused of falsely reporting that she had custody of her children so she would appear eligible for TennCare. As a result, TennCare paid more than $28,036 in fees and claims on her behalf, even though investigators say she wasn’t eligible for the program.

“Providing misleading or false information for personal benefit will get the same result in TennCare as it does when anything is taken illegally,” Inspector General Chad Holman said. “When we open an investigation, we work it until we determine whether a crime has occurred. We are committed to preserving TennCare for those who are eligible.”

TennCare fraud is a class D felony and theft of property in this case is a class C felony.  The case is being prosecuted by District 23 Attorney General Ray Crouch, who serves Cheatham, Dickson, Houston, Humphreys and Stewart counties.

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 year ending June 30, 2021, the 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, 3,170 people of been charged with TennCare fraud.

The OIG’s “Most Wanted” list can be located 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.”