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Dandridge man accused of TennCare fraud, doctor shopping

Howard L. Cagle, 38, of Dandridge was arrested in both Greene and Hamblen Counties on charges including TennCare fraud involving doctor shopping or using TennCare to go to multiple doctors in a short period of time in order to get prescriptions for controlled substances.

A Jefferson County man is accused of doctor shopping with TennCare.

Howard L. Cagle, 38, of Dandridge was arrested in both Greene and Hamblen Counties on charges including TennCare fraud involving doctor shopping or using TennCare to go to multiple doctors in a short period of time in order to get prescriptions for controlled substances.

According to the Office of Inspector General, Cagle was first booked into Hamblen County. After he posted bond, he was transported to the Greene County Sheriff's Office.

An investigation led to the identification of at least five separate instances in which he allegedly used TennCare to get prescriptions for Hydrocodone from various providers -- all in a short time period, the OIG said in a release.

District Attorney General Dan E. Armstrong will be prosecuting both cases.

TennCare fraud is a Class D felony punishable by up to four years in prison per charge.

“The opioid crisis is a problem in our communities, our cities, our state, and our nation,” Inspector General Kim Harmon said. “We work diligently with local law enforcement to deter prescriptions from hitting our streets and from TennCare resources being wasted.”

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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