Knox Co. Man Charged with TennCare Drug Fraud

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Knox County man is charged with doctor shopping for prescription drugs, using TennCare as payment for the pills.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Edward Page, Jr., 50, of Knoxville.  The Knox County Sheriff’s Office assisted with his arrest.

Page is charged with visiting multiple healthcare providers within a short time period to obtain the same or similar controlled substances, using TennCare to pay for either the clinical visits or the prescriptions.  He was charged with four counts of TennCare fraud by doctor shopping and four counts of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud.

“Tennessee is fortunate to have the laws and the authority to pursue people who are doctor shopping for drugs, whether it’s for personal abuse or with the intent of distribution,” Inspector General Manny Tyndall said.

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony, carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison per charge. District Attorney General Charme P. Allen is prosecuting.

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to over $5 million being repaid to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of over $176 million for TennCare, according to latest figures.  To date, 2,256 people have been charged with TennCare fraud.

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 Office of Inspector General and follow the prompts that read "Report TennCare Fraud."