Knox Co. Woman Charged with TennCare Doctor Shopping

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Knox County woman is charged in an indictment with TennCare fraud involving doctor shopping for controlled substances, using TennCare state healthcare insurance benefits as payment.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG), assisted by Knox County Sheriff’s Officers, today announced the arrest of Steveie Lanosha Hicks, 29, of Knoxville.  She is charged with three counts of fraudulently using TennCare to go to multiple doctors in a short period of time to obtain prescriptions for controlled substances.  Hicks is also charged with six counts of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud.

"We are becoming increasingly proactive in our investigations to stop TennCare fraud, especially where prescription drugs are involved," Inspector General Manny Tyndall said. "The Knox County Sheriff´s Office is one of many state law enforcement agencies contributing to our aggressive effort to thwart TennCare fraud."

TennCare fraud involving doctor shopping is a Class E felony carrying a sentence of up to two years in prison.  Obtaining a controlled substance by fraud is a Class D felony that carries a sentence of up to four years in prison.  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, 2,189 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."