An Altamont, Tennessee, resident has been convicted of TennCare fraud and Theft of Services in Warren County, a wrongdoing that comes with a tangled web of misleading information. Crystal Myers, 38, misrepresented her custody situation to garner TennCare benefits that she was not entitled to receive, an investigation by the Office of Inspector General (OIG) has found.
Myers' claim that she had custody of her two children was a crucial factor in the determination of her eligibility for TennCare benefits. Had she relayed the true nature of her custody situation, it would have been clear, that she did not meet the qualification criteria. Her fraudulent representation swayed the scales just enough to tip the balance in her favor. Due to these revelations, Myers now faces a sentence of four years of supervised probation and the daunting task of paying back a total of $12,339.06, a sum that includes restitution, a fraud fine, and a contribution to the “Economic Crime Fund,” according to a statement obtained by the Tennessee Department of Finance & Administration.
Warren County District Attorney General Chris Stanford, with the assistance of Assistant District Attorney Felicia B. Walkup, prosecuted the case against Myers fiercely, underscoring the importance of full transparency when applying for state aid. Inspector General Chad D. Holman was quoted in the Tennessee Department of Finance & Administration's release, stating, “Failure to provide complete and accurate information when applying for TennCare benefits is a crime.” The OIG's vigilance in such matters serves as a reminder of their unwavering commitment to guard the system against deceit.
In the aftermath of this case, the OIG reissues their call to the public, urging anyone with information about possible TennCare fraud to step forward. They promise cash rewards for tips that eventually lead to a conviction, incentivizing citizens to act as watchdogs for the state’s health care program that is in place to support the truly needy. Tips can be submitted anonymously via call to 1-800-433-3982, email at [email protected], or through the OIG's website. Citizens of Tennessee are crucial allies, in this ongoing battle against fraud.
