Knox Co. Woman Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE, TN –– A Knox County woman is charged with TennCare fraud for apparently reporting a false income in order to obtain TennCare benefits.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, today announced the arrest of Lisa A. Adams, also known as Lisa Ann Stryder, 35, of Knoxville.

She is charged with nine counts of TennCare fraud and two counts of theft of property. Charges accuse Adams of falsely reporting her income to the state in order to appear eligible for healthcare insurance benefits through TennCare, even though she actually did not qualify.

“Ours is a simple message - if you lie, cheat or steal to get TennCare benefits, you risk going to jail,” Inspector General Deborah Faulkner said. “People who commit TennCare fraud are taking something they are not entitled to, and, they are taking it from Tennessee taxpayers.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison. The theft of property charge is a Class D felony punishable by two to four years in prison per charge.  District Attorney General Randall Nichols 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, 2,080 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."