Fort Polk soldier, ex-wife admit to illegally obtaining medical benefits
A Fort Polk soldier from DeRidder and his ex-wife admitted recently to conspiring to illegally obtain medical benefits from the Department of Defense Health Program, Tricare.
Amanda Elise Morphis, 26, of Sanford, N.C., pleaded guilty Tuesday before Judge Jay C. Zainey to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, according to U.S. Attorney David C. Joseph.
According to the guilty plea, Morphis divorced U.S. Army Sergeant Nathan Chance Louvier, 30, of DeRidder, Dec. 6, 2011.
For more than two years after their divorce, Morphis and Louvier falsely represented to the Defense Department, the Army and Tricare that they were married so that Morphis could receive health care benefits from Tricare after her entitlement to benefits had ended.
A service member is required by U.S. Army regulations and federal statutes to notify the Defense Enrollment Eligibility System of an event, such as a death or divorce, that changes the status of a dependent within 30 days of the event.
Between Dec. 7, 2011, and February 2014, Tricare paid $143,387.56 in fraudulent claims for Morphis’ health care benefits.
Louvier entered his own guilty plea to conspiracy Oct. 3.
The defendants face a maximum of five years in prison, three years of supervised release, a $250,000 fine and mandatory restitution to repay Tricare $143,387.56 for paid fraudulent claims.
Louvier’s sentencing is set for Jan. 9, 2019. Morphis’ sentencing is set for Feb. 13.