A Blount County citizen is accused of committing TennCare fraud and theft of services for allegedly misrepresenting her household status to obtain benefits for herself and her family.

The arrest report states 48-year-old Kendall Hall failed to report that her husband was in the home and gainfully employed, which made them ineligible for TennCare. As a result, TennCare paid more than $60,000 in fees and claims on behalf of Hall and her family.

The theft of services charge is a class B felony and the TennCare fraud charge is a class D felony. If convicted, Hall could face penalties up to 42 years in prison.

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, 3,072 people have been charged with TennCare fraud.