Two people in Rutherford County are charged with TennCare fraud in connection with allegedly giving false information so one of them could enroll in the state’s healthcare insurance program. The Office of Inspector General (OIG) with the help of the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Department today announced the arrest of Phillip Johnson and his girlfriend Dusty Brown. Both are 45 years old. Johnson is also charged with theft of services. Investigators allege the girlfriend provided false documents and statements to the state where Johnson’s son was living. The statements resulted in TennCare paying more than $8,440.00 in fees and claims on behalf of Johnson.

The TennCare fraud and theft of services charges are class D felonies. The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began its entire 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, the total estimated cost avoidance was more than $7.5 million. TennCare’s budget comprises 65 percent federal and 35 percent state dollars. To date, 3,168 people of been charged with TennCare fraud.

CLICK HERE  for the OIG’s “Most Wanted” list. Anyone with information about a wanted subject is urged to use the contact information on the page.

FULL STORY HERE