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AEP 2026 Contracting Prep

Updated over a month ago

Deadlines for the Major Carriers

If your contract is currently under a different top-of-hierarchy and you wish to move it to Spark before this year’s AEP, you must complete the transfer by the deadlines listed below. To initiate the transfer process, request the contract on the Spark Platform.

For additional information, please see the Carrier Details section below.

Carrier

With NO Release

With Release

Aetna

7/03

9/30

Anthem

6/30

No blackout with release

Cigna

7/15

9/14

Devoted

8/14

10/8

Humana

7/10

9/30

Scan

9/15

N/A- No release accepted

UnitedHealthcare

5/31

8/31

Wellcare

8/7

N/A- No release accepted

Carrier Details

The following carrier-specific information indicates whether the transfer is initiated in bulk by the AP or if it must be completed individually by each agent. Additionally, we provide information on how to complete the transfer process.

Please note, the transfer process is initiated by the Contracting Request Form.

Note: For sample text to request a release from your current upline, please refer to Requesting a Release.

Aetna

Note: If you’re an agency principal, your downline agents will transfer along with you if they are formally aligned with you. Only the principal needs to take the action

Anthem

Note: If you have a release, you must upload it during this contract. If you do not have a release, you will need to submit a second link in 90 days to finalize the transfer.

Cigna

  • Complete the Contracting Request Form. The Transfer Form is autocompleted during the Contracting Form process.

  • Spark sends the form to the carrier. To initiate the transfer, the transfer form must be submitted to Cigna by the deadline.

    • Note: If you have a release, you will wait 90 days and then complete the link provided by [email protected].

  • Please see Cigna: Contracting (New & Transfer) for a walkthrough with more information.

Note: If you’re an agency principal, your downline agents will transfer along with you if they are formally aligned with you. Only the principal needs to take the action.

Devoted

  • Complete the Contracting Request Form. The Transfer Form is autocompleted during the Contracting Form process.

  • Spark then sends the form to the carrier.

Humana

  • Complete the Contracting Request Form. The Transfer Form is autocompleted during the Contracting Form process.

  • Spark sends the form to Humana to initiate the 90-day waiting period.

Note: If you have a release from your current carrier, you can provide it along with the completed transfer form, and Spark will send both to Humana. This allows Humana to potentially process your request sooner.

Scan

  • Complete the Contracting Request Form. The Transfer Form is autocompleted during the Contracting Form process.

  • Scan will send a DocuSign from [email protected] that must be signed by the deadline. No release needed.

Note: If you’re an agency principal, your downline agents will transfer along with you if they are formally aligned with you. Only the principal needs to take the action.

United Healthcare

  • An Intent to Move email must be sent by the deadline. Email [email protected] and CC [email protected]:

    • “I, (YOUR NAME), NPN: (YOUR NPN), request a transfer to Spark Insurance Services LLC (NPN: 19742285 / Spark Party ID: 2753128) for myself, and my agency (AGENCY NAME) NPN (AGENCY NPN) if applicable.”

  • Forward the notification of receipt from UHC to [email protected].

  • When you're eligible to move, you'll receive an email from [email protected] to complete the transfer.

    • Note: The wait is approximately 3 months unless you submit after May 31st; if you submit after May 31st, you will have to wait until January 1st, unless you can secure a release.

  • Please see UHC: Contracting (New & Transfer) for more information.

Note: If you’re an agency principal, your downline agents will transfer along with you if they are formally aligned with you. Only the principal needs to take the action.

Wellcare

  • Complete the following instructions detailed in Wellcare: Contracting (Transfer).

    • Note: Transfer is 14 days for agents and 45 days for agencies.

  • The agent must complete a hierarchy change request in the portal before the deadline. No releases are accepted unless the agent is an LOA.

Note: If you’re an agency principal, your downline agents will transfer along with you if they are formally aligned with you. Only the principal takes the action.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact our support team at [email protected] or (212) 847-0697.

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