RUTHERFORD CO. COUPLE MUST REPAY TENNCARE $80,000

NASHVILLE, TN – A Rutherford County Couple accused of TennCare fraud have pleaded guilty to charges in Murfreesboro.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), an agency separate from TennCare, today announced that John C. Young, 38, and his wife Denise, 41, must repay TennCare for $80,000 in benefits received while they were fraudulently enrolled in the program.

The Youngs were charged in July of this year with concealing from the state that the wife had access to health insurance through her employer. The couple had enrolled in TennCare during a time when adults were not eligible for Medicaid could get TennCare insurance if they met other health care or income requirements.

“We will prosecute both husband and wife when an investigation points to both individuals, no matter who completes the TennCare application,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said. “We are hoping to make it clear that anyone who fails to report insurance benefits from an employer will be indicted and arrested for TennCare fraud.”

John and Denise Young pleaded guilty to TennCare fraud and theft of services. They each received a suspended sentence of six years, and must report to a probation officer during that time, on the condition that they repay TennCare for the benefits used while they were enrolled. District Attorney Bill Whitesell prosecuted this case.

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 from anywhere in Tennessee, or log on to www.tncarefraud.tennessee.gov and follow the prompts that read “Report Fraud Now.”