Use the templates below to request a release from your current upline. The release must come from your “top-of-hierarchy” agency. Don’t know who that is? Call the carrier directly and ask.
📢 Only the top-of-hierarchy (TOH) agency can submit a release or termination request for agents. If you're an agent asking about your own release, reach out to your upline directly. Starting August 10, 2026, your TOH submits these requests directly in Spark: from the Agents page, select the action menu next to the agent's name and choose Release or Terminate. You'll be asked for the agent's name, carrier selection, email address, and whether the new upline is part of Spark. Requests submitted by anyone other than the top-of-hierarchy will not be processed.
Prefer to see it step by step? Walk through the process below.
Additionally, if a release letter is missing, inform your upline or intermediary to coordinate with Spark to resolve the issue. For release letters on Spark letterhead, contact your former TOH, as Spark does not provide these documents directly to agents.
Email Examples
Version 1
I would like to formally request a release from [List carriers]. While I have enjoyed working with your organization, I’ve decided to go in a different direction. It’s just a business decision, and I thank you for your support, time, and prompt attention.
Respectfully, [Your Name]
Version 2
[Upline Name],
I hope you're doing well - I am writing to request the release of [Agency Name] and all associated agents from [List of carriers]. We have appreciated our partnership with [Upline Name], but after careful consideration, we have decided to move on.
We understand that this may come as a surprise, but please know that our decision is final. We kindly request that you facilitate a smooth transition process for [Agency Name] and its agents, effective immediately.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in this matter. We look forward to your prompt response and a positive resolution.
Sincerely, [Your Name]
Carrier-Specific Forms
If you are requesting a release for any of the carriers below: Aetna or Mutual of Omaha, attach their specific forms to the bottom of the email and ask the release be completed on them. Ask them to include your NPN. For HealthSpring, all hierarchy changes must be submitted digitally through the HealthSpring portal, as paper releases are not accepted.
For agencies: when requesting a release, list all of your agents and their NPN numbers in your request to your current upline. Ask them to list all of the agents on the release, along with your name and agency name.
If you have downlines, their release letters will also be sent to your upline. Ensure you coordinate with your upline to obtain these documents.
Note: Releases must be shared with you in a specific format. For most carriers, it can be on a letter with the upline’s logo and name. However, for certain carriers (below), it must be on their specific forms. Those forms can be downloaded below.
Note: Aetna no longer accepts digital signatures; only "wet" signatures are accepted. You will need to wet-ink sign section 1 of the release form, and your upline will need to complete section 2. Once both sections are complete, please email the form to [email protected]. Spark will then send it to Aetna’s top of hierarchy for final signature. Once the final signature is received, Spark will send the completed release form directly to you.
Release letters are only required for carriers where you are "Ready to Sell." If a release letter was previously issued, it was sent to your former upline. Request a copy directly from them if needed.
Carrier-Specific Release & Transfer Guidelines
Follow the instructions below to complete release and transfer requests. Please note that some carriers have their own specific processes and requirements, so it is important to follow the correct steps for each carrier.
For a full list of carriers and access to their portals, visit: Spark Carrier Details.
Clover Health & Cigna HealthSpring
Navigate to the carrier’s broker portal.
For Cigna HealthSpring, log into the HealthSpring Portal and go to
My Account → My MAPD Hierarchy. ClickChangenext to your current agreement and enter the name of your new upline agency (e.g., Spark Advisors if directly contracted).Submit the release or transfer request through the portal.
Approval Process:
The request is first sent to your new upline for approval.
If approved, it is forwarded to your current upline.
If the current upline approves, the transfer is completed. If not, a 90-day waiting period begins, after which the transfer is finalized.
Monitor the status of your request in the HealthSpring portal. Note that your agency may not see updates until the transfer is complete.
Additional Notes:
HealthSpring does not accept paper releases; all hierarchy changes must be submitted digitally.
For Ready-to-Sell contracts, use the Evolve portal to submit hierarchy change requests.
To ensure commissions are paid directly to you and to retain ownership of your book of business, set the new upline to:
US Insurance Group LLC (NPN 20472911)and choose the subtype:Downline Only.If you receive a termination notice from your previous upline, submit a transfer request directly in the HealthSpring portal. Do not use new contracting links if your NPN and email are already active.
Wellcare
Wellcare
Navigate to the carrier’s broker portal.
Submit the transfer request through the portal.
Upline approval requirements:
Required: LOA and Teledigital agents
Not required: Other agent types
If approval is required, follow the upline approval process in the portal.
LOA agents may have the option to self-terminate, if applicable.
Continue monitoring the request status through the broker portal.
Additional Notes
Even for carriers with “self-service” functionality:
Clover & HealthSpring still require upline approval.
Wellcare does not require upline approval in all cases.
Always verify submission and approval status directly in the carrier’s broker portal when applicable.