Hardeman Co. Woman Arrested in Mississippi on TennCare Fraud Charges

NASHVILLE, TN – A Hardeman County woman has been apprehended in Mississippi and charged with TennCare fraud. 

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), along with the McNairy County Sheriff’s Office, today announced the arrest of Jennifer P. Davis, 37, of Toone, Tennessee.  She was located in Corinth, Mississippi, and faces a TennCare fraud charge out of McNairy County, Tennessee.  She is now lodged at the McNairy County Jail.

Davis is accused of using TennCare healthcare insurance benefits to obtain a prescription for the anti-anxiety medication Xanax, which she is accused of later selling. 

“Even if a person leaves the State of Tennessee, we will work with other police agencies to locate, apprehend and extradite anyone accused of TennCare fraud,” Inspector General Deborah Faulkner said. “Drug fraud is an issue the nation is working to eliminate, and we will not tolerate the activity in the TennCare program.”

The TennCare fraud charges against Davis could result in a two year sentence per charge, if convicted. District Attorney D. Michael Dunavant 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 1,700 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."