Fayette Co. Woman Charged in Memphis with TennCare Fraud

Wednesday, April 17, 2013 | 05:18am

NASHVILLE, TN – A Fayette County woman is charged in nearby Shelby County with TennCare fraud and theft of property after receiving healthcare insurance benefits through TennCare, even though she was not eligible for the state program.  

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Morgan Myers, 26, of Somerville. She is charged with three counts of TennCare fraud and one count of theft of property. Charges against Myers accuse her of knowingly receiving TennCare medical assistance benefits she did not qualify for, by means of a willfully false statement or other fraudulent means.

“People who misrepresent something about their current situation in order to qualify for TennCare are going to be caught and prosecuted,” Inspector General Deborah Faulkner said. “TennCare fraud is a felony, and a conviction could mean jail time and paying the state back for any medical services received.”

The TennCare fraud charge carries up to a two-year sentence per charge, and the theft of property charge could result in a sentence up to six years per charge. District Attorney General Amy P. Weirich 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."

Press Releases | TennCare Fraud