Tennessee officials have charged people from Murfreesboro, Memphis, and Mississippi with TennCare fraud.
This, according to press releases members of the state Office of Inspector General released last week.
Authorities charged a Murfreesboro woman, Jordan Miller, 26, with TennCare fraud and theft of services for allegedly giving false information to enroll herself and her three children in TennCare.
“Investigators say Miller falsely reported her marital status, failing to report that her husband lived with the family,” according to a press release.
“Their combined income would have made them ineligible for TennCare. As a result, officials say TennCare paid $25,653.44 on their behalf for healthcare benefits.”
Theft of services is a class C felony and TennCare fraud is a class D felony. Authorities could sentence Miller, if convicted, to a maximum of 27 years in prison. District Attorney General Jennings H. Jones of Rutherford County is prosecuting, the press release said.
Meanwhile, OIG officials charged a Memphis woman with TennCare fraud and theft of property after investigators say she allegedly and fraudulently enrolled herself and her children in the state’s healthcare insurance program.
This, according to a Tennessee Department of Finance and Administration press release.
OIG officials said Sharon Conley, 34, allegedly and falsely reported her income and marital status to obtain TennCare. Investigators allege that her husband, also employed, was living in the home and their income was over the limits for TennCare enrollment. As a result, officials say TennCare paid $16,357.46 on their behalf, the press release said.
If convicted Conley could face up to a maximum 27 years in prison for the charges, which are class C and class D felonies. District Attorney Amy T. Weirich of Shelby County is prosecuting the case, the press release said.
Authorities also charged a Southaven, Mississippi woman with TennCare fraud and theft of property in an indictment accusing her of claiming to have a Tennessee residence in order to access TennCare healthcare insurance benefits.
This, according to another press release.
OIG officials said Summer Hall-Bobo, 38, falsely reported a Tennessee residence in order to obtain TennCare benefits, the press release said.
“As a result, TennCare paid $43,170.32 in fees and claims on behalf of her and her son,” according to the press release.
Had they reported a Mississippi residence, she would not have qualified for TennCare.
Theft of property is a class C felony and TennCare fraud is a class D felony. If convicted Hall-Bobo could face up to a maximum of 27 years in prison, the press release said.
Weirich is also prosecuting this case, according to the press release.
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Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star. Follow Chris on Facebook. Email tips to [email protected].
Lock them up and trow away the key.
Make it hurt to steal from us.
26 year old Mother of three charged with TennCare fraud and theft of services faces 27 years in prison. A non profit over bills TennCare more than 7 million dollars, pays its top executive nearly half a million dollars a year in salary. Gets several years to pay back the taxpayers the money it over billed. No fines no fees no foul? Medical costs continue to skyrocket in this country due in large part to fraud. Vigorous prosecution of fraud must include all types.