Robertson County Woman Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE – A Robertson County woman is charged with using another person’s TennCare in order to obtain benefits.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with assistance from the Springfield and Greenbrier Police Departments, today announced the arrest of Fancy M. Duffer, 33, of Springfield. She turned herself in to authorities at the Robertson County Detention Facility.

Duffer is charged with five counts of TennCare fraud and is accused of using the identification of a TennCare enrollee in order to receive TennCare medical assistance benefits that she was not entitled to receive.

“It is particularly troubling when someone who’s not in a situation where they are eligible for TennCare tries to find a way to use the program to pay for their medical services,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said. “When we find people doing so, we will pursue charges.”

The TennCare fraud charges against Duffer could result in a two year sentence per charge, if convicted. District Attorney General John W. Carney is prosecuting.

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to over $3.5 million paid in restitution and recoupment to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of over $173 million for the TennCare program, according to latest figures.  To date, over 1,380 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.tn.gov/tnoig and follow the prompts that read "Report TennCare Fraud."