Giles Co. Man Charged with TennCare Drug Fraud

Wednesday, April 17, 2013 | 05:49am

NASHVILLE, TN – A Giles County man is charged with TennCare fraud involving “doctor shopping,” or using TennCare to go to multiple doctors in a short time period to obtain controlled substances.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) today announced the arrest of Joseph E. Bowen, 25, of Lynnville. Bowen is charged with two counts of fraudulently obtaining TennCare benefits he was not entitled to by “doctor shopping” for prescription drugs, using TennCare as payment.

“With the technology we have available today, it’s a lot harder to get multiple prescriptions for painkillers and other narcotics, and that’s been beneficial to us in our efforts to stop drug fraud in TennCare,” Inspector General Deborah Y. Faulkner said.

TennCare fraud is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years per charge in prison.   District Attorney General Mike Bottoms is prosecuting.

The OIG, which is separate from TennCare, began full operation in February 2005 and has investigated cases leading to over $3.5 million paid in restitution and recoupment to TennCare, with a total estimated cost avoidance of over $173 million for the TennCare program, according to latest figures.  To date, over 1,700 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 www.tn.gov/tnoig and follow the prompts that read "Report TennCare Fraud."

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