Dyer, TN Woman Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE – A woman in Dyer, Tennessee is charged with TennCare fraud and theft of services.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), in a joint effort with the Gibson County Sheriff’s Office, today announced the arrest of 45-year-old Amy Haynes. She’s accused of failing to report her marriage and both her own and her spouse’s income. As a result, TennCare paid $62,315.04 in fees and claims on behalf of Haynes and her family.

“The TennCare program is designed to help those who rightfully qualify for benefits,” Inspector General Kim Harmon said.  “OIG strives to ensure that those taking advantage of Tennessee’s Medicaid program will be brought to justice.”

Haynes is charged with TennCare fraud, a class B felony and theft of services, a class D felony. The case is being prosecuted by District 28 District Attorney General Frederick Hardy Agee, who serves Crockett, Gibson and Haywood counties.

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has identified and investigated more than 130,349 potential fraud cases leading to more than $9.2 million being repaid to TennCare.  In the last year ending June 30, 2021 total estimated cost avoidance was more than $7.5 million. TennCare's budget is comprised of 65 percent federal and 35 percent state dollars. To date, 3,151 people of been charged with TennCare fraud.

The OIG’s most wanted list of fugitives from TennCare fraud are online at https://www.tn.gov/finance/fa-oig/fa-oig-most-wanted.html. Anyone with information about a wanted subject is urged to use the contact information on the page.

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.”