Kentucky Woman Charged with TennCare Fraud
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Kentucky woman has been charged with misrepresenting her residency in order to obtain TennCare benefits for herself and her family. The arrest means that July marked the most people charged with TennCare fraud in any July since the program started in 2005. This month, 24 were charged with TennCare fraud by the Office of Inspector General (OIG).
The latest arrest is Natali J. Monrroy, 28, of Adairville, Kentucky. The Robertson County Sheriff’s office assisted the OIG.
A Robertson County indictment accuses Monrroy of TennCare fraud and two counts of theft of services in connection with falsely claiming to reside in Tennessee. The indictment says she failed to notify the state and she, her husband and their children were resideing in Kentucky.
“We will prosecute anyone we find who misrepresents their income, address or employment to gain TennCare benefits,” Acting Inspector General Lawrence S. Saylor, Jr., said. “Tennessee will not tolerate people lying about residency or any other personal information in order to obtain TennCare benefits.”
The TennCare fraud charge against Monrroy could result in a two year sentence, if convicted. Theft of services over $10,000 is a Class C felony that carries a maximum sentence of six years in prison and theft of services over $1,000 is a Class D felony punishable by up to four years in prison. 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 TennCare, according to latest figures. To date, 2,158 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."