The month of July brought a record amount of money recovered for Tennessee's TennCare program, according to the state's Office of Inspector General.
Last month, people convicted of TennCare fraud were ordered to make $154,000 in restitution to TennCare. Since the inspectors office began pursuing TennCare fraud in 2005, the office says it has recovered more than $3 million of ineligible payments made to out-of-state residents or others who don't qualify for TennCare benefits.
"We hope those that are abusing the TennCare program are getting the message that we are aggressively pursuing TennCare fraud and making arrests statewide," Inspector General Manny Tyndall said. "We have made 36 arrests this month and we are working many more cases across Tennessee."
The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, said it has charged 2,395 people with TennCare fraud in the past five years.
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.