Howard QueenA Rhea County man has been charged in Morgan County with TennCare fraud. He has been charged with doctor-shopping, or using TennCare to visit multiple doctors in a short-period of time in order to obtain a controlled substance, according to a news release from the State of Tennessee Office of Inspector General.
Howard Queen, 41, of Spring City, was intentionally deceiving healthcare providers in order to obtain oxycodone.
TennCare fraud involving doctor shopping is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison, according to the release. Obtaining a controlled substance by fraud is a Class A misdemeanor.
To date, 2,191 people have been charged with TennCare fraud, the release said.
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.tn.gov/tnoig/ and follow the prompts that read "Report TennCare Fraud."