Unreported Custody Change Leads to TennCare Fraud
Tennessee families receiving TennCare must report household changes like custody, since failing to do so can bring criminal charges.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Child Care
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A Vonore, Tennessee woman, Bridgett Garrett, 34, was sentenced for TennCare fraud and theft of services after failing to report to the state Medicaid program that she no longer had custody of her child. Tennesseans who keep their TennCare benefits accurate by reporting household changes can avoid the kind of case that led to this conviction.
Why it matters
TennCare eligibility depends on accurate household information, so a change in custody can directly affect whether a family qualifies for coverage. The case shows that failing to report such a change can lead to criminal charges, not just a loss of benefits, for anyone receiving TennCare.
This is a single court sentencing with two convictions, one for TennCare fraud and one for theft of services, tied to one unreported custody change. The extraction gives no comparison data or broader caseload figures, and the date of the custody change is unknown.
The players
TennCare
Tennessee's Medicaid program, which provides state-administered health coverage to eligible residents.
Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC)
The state agency that supervises probation sentences in Tennessee, including those imposed on Garrett.
The details
TennCare, Tennessee's Medicaid program, provides health coverage based on household circumstances, including who is in a family's custody. Garrett was convicted of failing to tell TennCare that she no longer had custody of her child, a change that would have made her ineligible for benefits had it been reported. Her sentence includes three years of TDOC supervised probation for fraud, four years for theft of services, and repayment of $13,824.73 in restitution.
Timeline
Garrett's sentencing for TennCare fraud and theft of services was reported on November 5, 2026.
The date on which Garrett failed to report the loss of custody to TennCare is unknown.
Health Landscape
TennCare, Tennessee's Medicaid program, relies on households reporting changes such as custody, income, and residence so that coverage matches eligibility. Cases like Garrett's show how the state enforces those reporting duties, which affects how families and child care arrangements interact with public health coverage.
Families receiving TennCare should keep household details, including custody arrangements, current with the program because unreported changes can lead to benefit loss and criminal charges. If you have questions about how a custody change affects your coverage, it is worth discussing with your caseworker or a benefits advisor.
The takeaway
Reporting household changes to TennCare promptly protects both eligibility and legal standing for families receiving coverage. Tennesseans who suspect TennCare fraud can report tips at 1-800-433-3982, and tips that lead to convictions may qualify for cash rewards.
Further reading
For more on how family arrangements affect benefits, explore Child Care coverage in Tennessee.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wvlt.
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