CARROLL COUNTY, TN — A Carroll County caregiver was arrested this week on charges of TennCare fraud and identity theft after allegedly billing the state Medicaid program for in-home care services she never provided, according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
Tatyana McClerkin, 25, was booked into the Carroll County Jail on Tuesday and released on $2,500 bond, as reported by the TBI's Medicaid Fraud Control Division. The charges stem from alleged fraudulent billing between March and August 2024.
Investigation Details
According to TBI investigators, the Medicaid Fraud Control Division received a fraud referral in March 2025 from the TennCare Office of Program Integrity regarding allegedly falsified time records. During the investigation, agents determined that McClerkin had been employed as a paid in-home caregiver during the six-month period in question.
Investigators allege that McClerkin submitted time records claiming payment for hours she did not actually work while providing in-home care services. Additionally, according to the TBI, McClerkin is accused of using a TennCare member's signature without obtaining proper authorization.
An arrest warrant was secured in August 2025 charging McClerkin with TennCare Fraud and Identity Theft. The TBI emphasized that the charges are accusations of criminal conduct and that McClerkin is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt through due process of law.
TennCare Fraud Enforcement
TennCare fraud cases are investigated by the specialized Medicaid Fraud Control Division within the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. This division focuses specifically on fraud committed against the state's Medicaid program, including fraudulent billing by healthcare providers and caregivers.
According to the TBI, the Medicaid Fraud Control Division receives 75 percent of its funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under a federal grant totaling $11,616,724 for federal Fiscal Year 2025-2026. The remaining 25 percent, totaling $3,872,240 for the same fiscal year, is funded by the State of Tennessee.
In-home care fraud represents a significant challenge for state Medicaid programs nationwide. Federal regulations require that Medicaid payments be made only for services actually rendered, and that proper documentation be maintained for all billable hours. Time and attendance fraud in home care settings can be difficult to detect because services are provided in private residences without direct institutional oversight.
Legal Implications
TennCare fraud is a criminal offense under Tennessee law. The charge typically applies when someone knowingly obtains or attempts to obtain TennCare benefits or payments through false statements, misrepresentation, or fraudulent means. Identity theft charges involve the unauthorized use of another person's identifying information.
If convicted, defendants in TennCare fraud cases may face penalties including restitution to the state, fines, and potential imprisonment depending on the amount of fraudulent billing involved.
The case follows standard investigative protocols for Medicaid fraud referrals. The TennCare Office of Program Integrity conducts initial reviews of suspected fraud and refers cases with sufficient evidence to the TBI's Medicaid Fraud Control Division for criminal investigation.
Impact on In-Home Care Programs
TennCare provides in-home care services to eligible members who require assistance with daily living activities but do not need institutional nursing home care. These services are designed to help beneficiaries remain in their homes while receiving necessary support.
Paid caregivers in the TennCare program are required to accurately document all hours worked and services provided. Time records serve as the basis for Medicaid reimbursement and must reflect actual hours of care delivery.
Fraudulent billing in home care programs diverts limited Medicaid resources away from legitimate patient care needs. According to healthcare fraud experts, time and attendance fraud schemes can result in significant financial losses to state Medicaid programs while potentially leaving vulnerable patients without adequate care.
The investigation underscores ongoing efforts by state and federal authorities to identify and prosecute fraud in government-funded healthcare programs. The TennCare Office of Program Integrity works to detect billing irregularities and suspicious patterns that may indicate fraudulent activity.
Resources for Families
Family members concerned about potential fraud or abuse in long-term care settings should contact the Tennessee Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, which advocates for residents in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home care programs. The National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center can be reached at 1-800-677-1116.
To report suspected TennCare fraud, Tennessee residents can contact the TennCare Office of Program Integrity or the TBI's Medicaid Fraud Control Division. Reports can be made confidentially, and providing detailed documentation of suspected fraudulent activity helps investigators build stronger cases.
The case remains pending in the Carroll County criminal justice system. Court dates and additional proceedings have not been announced publicly. McClerkin's presumption of innocence remains in effect pending the outcome of legal proceedings.
💬 Join the Discussion
Comments are moderated. Please keep discussions respectful and relevant to nursing home care quality.