Aetna Reminder: Medicare Advantage Compliance Training & Attestation Due by October 31, 2026

Aetna | Medicare Compliance Training & Attestation — Deadline: October 31, 2026 

Aetna is issuing an important reminder to all providers participating in its Medicare Advantage (MA) plans: annual CMS compliance training and attestation must be completed no later than October 31, 2026. This requirement applies to all First-Tier, Downstream, and Related Entities (FDRs) contracted under Medicare Advantage plans, including HMO, PPO, and Special Needs Plans (SNPs). 

Why This Matters  

CMS mandates that all entities maintain an active compliance program and demonstrate awareness of fraud, waste, and abuse (FWA) prevention policies. Failure to complete the required training and submit a timely attestation is a contractual and regulatory violation that can result in network termination or corrective action. Providers in SNPs have an additional obligation to complete the Model of Care (MOC) training. 

How Aetna Will Contact You  

Beginning in 2026, Aetna will send training and attestation notices directly to the compliance email address you provided in your 2025 submission. It is essential that this email is current and actively monitored. If the email is invalid or bounces, a postcard reminder will be mailed. Proactively verify and update your contact information with Aetna now. 

Training Materials  

All required documents are available on Aetna’s Medicare Resources and Support page. Ensure all clinical and administrative staff complete the appropriate modules before the deadline: 

• FDR Medicare Compliance Guide (PDF) — covers core compliance program requirements, FWA awareness, and CMS expectations for first-tier and downstream entities. 
• SNPs Model of Care (MOC) Provider Training (PDF) — required for providers participating in Special Needs Plans; outlines care coordination standards for dual-eligible and chronically ill populations. 
• Provider and Delegate FAQ (PDF) — addresses common questions about training requirements, attestation procedures, and delegate responsibilities. 

Attestation Forms by Contract Type 

Once training is complete, providers and delegates must submit the attestation form that corresponds to their contracted plan type. Using the incorrect form may result in processing delays or an incomplete compliance record. 

Providers: 

• MA/MMP: Complete the MA and/or MMP Attestation (PDF) 
• MA/SNP: Complete the MA and SNP Attestation (PDF) 

Delegates: 

• MA/MMP: Complete the MA/MMP Attestation for First-Tier Entities (PDF) 
• MA/SNP: Complete the MA and/or SNP Attestation for First-Tier Entities (PDF) 

Electronic Signature 

Aetna recommends using Acrobat Sign to complete and return attestation documents quickly and at no cost. This free e-signature platform streamlines the submission process and eliminates delays associated with printing, signing, and mailing paper forms. 

Additional Resources 

For ongoing compliance guidance beyond the annual training cycle, providers are encouraged to review Aetna's quarterly FDR Compliance Newsletters, which provide updates on regulatory changes, audit findings, and best practices for maintaining compliant Medicare Advantage operations throughout the year. 

Action Items for Your Practice 

• Confirm that Aetna has your current compliance email address on file. 
• Assign responsibility for training completion to the appropriate compliance or billing staff. 
• Complete all required training modules, including MOC if applicable, before October 31, 2026. 
• Select and submit the correct attestation form based on your contract type. 
• Retain documentation of training completion for audit purposes. 
• Use Acrobat Sign for fast, paperless attestation submission. 

Non-compliance with CMS training and attestation requirements may result in corrective action or termination from Aetna's Medicare Advantage network. 

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