From News 12: A Rhea County woman has been convicted of TennCare fraud, according to the Tennessee Department of Finance and Administration. &n
From News 12: A Rhea County woman has been convicted of TennCare fraud, according to the Tennessee Department of Finance and Administration.
On October 5, 31-year-old Erica J. Sumner was charged with theft of services for misrepresenting her household structure. She was also charged with receiving TennCare healthcare insurance benefits for herself.
The Office of Inspector General (OIG) said Sumner falsely claimed her child lived in her home. She was not actually eligible for TennCare, they explained.
The OIG announced that she was convicted on Tuesday, December 5.
She must now pay restitution of over $22,000. She was also sentenced to six years of supervised probation, the OIG stated.
“The actions committed by Ms. Sumner as revealed through the subsequent investigation directly impact Tennessee taxpayers,” said Inspector General Chad D. Holman. “As a result of the OIG investigation and conviction, Ms. Sumner has been ordered to repay TennCare for the benefits that she illegally received.”
Tennessee residents can receive cash rewards for submitting TennCare fraud tips that lead to convictions, according to the OIG. These rewards come from the OIG Cash for Tips Program.
