Kentucky Woman Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE, TN – A Kentucky woman is charged with TennCare fraud and theft of services after she received healthcare insurance benefits through the program, even though she was not eligible for TennCare.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Angelia Gibbs, 44, of Danville, Kentucky. She is charged with seven counts of TennCare fraud and one count of theft of services over $10,000.  The Smith County Sheriff’s Office assisted in Gibbs’ arrest.

Charges accuse her of obtaining TennCare benefits by claiming to live in Smith County, Tennessee, and claiming her minor children were members of her household. 

“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.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison per charge, and theft of services over $10,000 is a Class C felony, punishable by three to six years in prison. District Attorney General Tom P. Thompson 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 2,109 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."