Mississippi Woman Charged with TennCare Fraud

NASHVILLE – A woman in Southaven, Mississippi is charged in Memphis, Tennessee with TennCare fraud in connection with continuing to use TennCare benefits after moving out of state.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) with Shelby County Sheriff’s Officers today announced the arrest of 25-year-old Candis Lavender. Investigators say continued to receive TennCare benefits for two years after moving out of Tennessee. As a result, TennCare paid more than $14,059 in fees and claims.

“TennCare is a program for people who live in Tennessee, as the state manages the benefits for Tennesseans and the program is partly funded by Tennessee taxpayers,” Inspector General Chad Holman said. “We will continue to seek the accountability of those we find evidence against to indicate fraud and abuse against the TennCare program.”

The TennCare fraud charge is a class D felony, and the theft of property charge is a class C felony.  The case is being prosecuted by Shelby County District Attorney General Steve Mulroy.

The OIG is separate from TennCare and was created to identify and investigate potential fraud among members of TennCare, which is funded by state and federal tax dollars. To date, 3179 have been charged with TennCare fraud.

The OIG’s “Most Wanted” list can be located 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 800-433-3982, toll-free, or by logging on to www.tn.gov/oig/ and following the prompts that read “Report TennCare fraud.”