Rep. Donna Rowland alerts seniors to TennCare fraud

MURFREESBORO, TN (August 19, 2008) – Representative Donna Rowland (R- Murfreesboro) announced today that she has been contacted regarding a TennCare fraud scheme that has apparently been reported in several communities. The fraudulent misrepresentation of TennCare was reported to the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI). Representative Rowland said she wanted to alert seniors in her community and district to the fraudulent activity, and encouraged those with information to report it.

Representative Rowland was notified that a person (or persons) posing as representatives of TennCare are going into the homes of seniors who are preparing to enter nursing homes and assisted living facilities, and are advising them that they must sign their homes over to the state.

They present a nameless TennCare business card, and asked the individuals to sign documents that would release their home to the state. TennCare stressed in an email warning representatives about the fraudulent activity that TennCare does not ever ask people to sign over their homes in order to receive services.

“Seniors need to be aware of these criminals who are trying to take advantage of their fragile situation,” stated Rep. Rowland. “If someone approaches you about this, please do not sign any documents, and report it immediately to local law enforcement, the TBI or the OIG.”

If you have any information or are approached by anyone, contact the OIG to report the incident at 1-800-433-3982 or visit www.tncarefraud.tennessee.gov.