Madison Co. Couple Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A husband and wife from Madison County are charged with TennCare fraud for not disclosing full information in order to gain healthcare insurance benefits from the state program.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), with the assistance of the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, today announced the arrest of Cynthia Miller, 50 and Gustavie Miller, 49, both of Jackson.

Cynthia Miller is charged with TennCare fraud, aggravated perjury, and theft of property. Charges accuse her of falsifying TennCare documents by failing to disclose her marriage and her spouse’s income, which would have made her ineligible for benefits. Cynthia received approximately $45,000 in TennCare benefits.

Her husband, Gustavie, is charged with TennCare fraud, theft of property over $10,000 and criminal simulation. Charges say Gustavie portrayed himself to be Cynthia’s father, instead of her spouse, during the TennCare application and recertification process.

“It’s a simple message we are carrying across the state - if you lie, cheat or steal to get TennCare benefits, you will be prosecuted,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said. “People who commit TennCare fraud are taking something they’re not entitled to from all the taxpayers of Tennessee.”

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison per charge. Theft of property over $10,000 is a Class D felony punishable by two to four years in prison per charge.  District Attorney General James Woodall is prosecuting.

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to over $3 million being repaid to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of over $163.6 million for TennCare, according to latest figures.  To date, 2,302 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."