Record Month For TennCare Fraud

The month of July brought a record for the state’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) in terms of the amount of money people have been ordered to repay the state for TennCare fraud. In July, people convicted of TennCare fraud were ordered to make $154,000 in restitution to TennCare. In total, TennCare fraud restitutions have led to more than $3 million being repaid to the state.
The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to more than $3 million being repaid to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of more than $163.6 million for TennCare, according to latest figures. To date, 2,395 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 Office of Inspector General and follow the prompts that read “Report TennCare Fraud.”