Authorities have charged a Murfreesboro man and a South Carolina woman with TennCare fraud, according to two statements the Tennessee Department of Finance and Administration released last week.
Authorities charged that Murfreesboro man, William Weed, 40 with TennCare fraud, a Class D felony, in connection with allegedly selling prescription drugs obtained using TennCare healthcare insurance benefits.
“Investigators allege that Weed received oxymorphone pills from a co-conspirator in order to settle a debt,” according to the statement.
“The pills were obtained using TennCare as payment.”
Weed could face penalties of up to a maximum of 12 years in prison if convicted. District Attorney General Jennings H. Jones of Rutherford County is prosecuting the case.
As for the South Carolina woman, Crystal Jones, 45, authorities charged her with TennCare fraud and theft of services after authorities said they learned she did not live in Tennessee, according to a separate statement.
“Investigators say Jones falsely reported her residence in order to obtain TennCare benefits for herself and her son,” the statment said.
“As a result, TennCare paid $5,338.29 in fees and claims paid on their behalf. If she had correctly reported her South Carolina residence on her TennCare application, she would not have qualified for enrollment in TennCare.”
Both charges against her are class D felonies. If convicted, she faces a maximum of 24 years in prison. District Attorney General J. Michael Taylor of Rhea County is prosecuting the case, according to the press release.
The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated over 5,760 criminal cases leading to more than $10.8 million ordered in restitution to TennCare. This has helped lead to a total estimated cost avoidance of more than $163.6 million for TennCare, according to the latest figures. To date, authorities have charged 3,150 people with TennCare fraud, the press release said.
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 or by logging on to www.tn.gov/oig/ and following the prompts that read “Report TennCare Fraud.”
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Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star. Follow Chris on Facebook. Email tips to [email protected].
TennCare and government funded health care is a disaster and some want more and more of it. Go figure.
Do any of those proven guilty actually spend time in prison?