Shelby County Woman Charged With TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE  – A Shelby County woman is charged with TennCare fraud in an indictment accusing her of using TennCare benefits for herself and her children.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of 33-year old Roberta J. Dendy of Memphis.  She’s accused of four counts of TennCare fraud and one count of theft of property in an indictment alleging that through fraud, false pretense and other deceptions, Dendy and her three children received medical services they were not eligible to receive.  If convicted, Dendy could be sentenced up to four years on the class D felony theft of property charge and two years on each class E felony TennCare fraud charge.  District Attorney William Gibbons will prosecute will prosecute this case.

“People who gain access to TennCare benefits that they are not entitled to are committing a crime that carries prison time, not to mention the cost of fines and restitution,” Inspector General Deborah Faulkner said. 

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to over $2.6 million paid in restitution and recoupment to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of over $159 million for the TennCare program, according to latest figures.  To date, over 900 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.tncarefraud.tennessee.gov and follow the prompts that read "Report TennCare Fraud."