You can view your contract status for each carrier directly in the Spark platform. In some cases, your carrier's status will be pending. Please use this guide to understand what your status means.
Status | Meaning |
Agent requested | We received a request to add this contract, but haven’t taken action yet! |
Contract sent | Spark has sent you a contracting link via email or a carrier portal with instructions. |
Contract sent by downline agency | Your direct agency has sent you a link. |
Contract sent to complete transfer | Prior to the end of the contract transfer period, you need to complete a link to complete the transfer. |
Expired | You did not complete the contract within the time frame allowed by the carriers. Most carriers have a 15 to 30-day window. Please resubmit your request if you’d like to be contracted with this carrier. |
In-transfer or release window | You have submitted all your paperwork and are now waiting to be moved to Spark. For certain carriers, you may need to take an additional step at the end of the transfer period, but Spark will inform you if that happens. |
No longer contracted | Used to indicate that you were ready to sell for a prior year but not this year. |
No longer interested | You no longer wish to move forward with the contract. |
Pending: Carrier Is Processing | The carrier is processing your contract. You do not need to take any action. However, if you have been in this stage for more than two weeks, we will escalate the situation to the carrier. |
Pending: Complete Certifications | The carrier is waiting to move you to "Ready to Sell" for the current year because you have not completed certifications. |
Pending: Confirm your level with Spark sales team | [Agency Principals only] You must confirm your contract level with Spark. |
Pending: Email us your missing information | Email us the information specified to proceed. |
Pending: Email us your release | You have shared that you’re getting your release. Please send it to us so we can proceed. |
Pending: Request carrier to cancel outstanding contracting link | The carrier is preventing Spark from sending a link because there is already a link outstanding. You must email or call the carrier to cancel the outstanding link. |
Pending: Resubmit after blackout period | You are in a period during which the carrier restricts any transfers or new contracts. You must wait for this “blackout period” to end before proceeding. Spark will proactively reach out once a blackout period is over. |
Pending: Waiting for the carrier to respond | There is an unforeseen issue with contracting and we're waiting for the carrier to confirm the next steps with us. |
Pending: Waiting for your upline to add a state | Your upline hasn't added a state that's required by the your contract. We are waiting for your upline to add the state first. |
Pending: Waiting for your upline to be contracted | Your upline is not Ready to Sell and contracted with the carrier you are requesting. |
Pending: Waiting for your upline to confirm your level | There is an open question about your level and we need the your direct upline to confirm. |
Ready to Sell [plan year] | You have completed all contracting & certification steps and are Ready to Sell for this current year. Spark confirms your status directly with the carrier for compliance purposes. |
Ready to Sell [prior plan year] | You need to recertify for the next plan year (applies to Medicare Advantage & PDP products only). |
Rejected by carrier | Your contract was rejected by the carrier, e.g. for a failed background. |
Under other FMO | Your contract is under another FMO (other than Spark). |
Waiting for Upline to Contract | This status indicates that the agency's contracting form is incomplete or the agency does not meet the minimum number of downline agents (e.g., five agents). Your upline can resolve by completing the necessary contracting steps and meeting required thresholds.| |
Additional Information on Contracting Processes
Carrier-Specific Email Addresses
Each carrier uses specific email addresses to send contracting invitations. Agents should be aware of these addresses to ensure they do not miss important communications. Here are some examples:
Humana: Contracting invitations are sent from
[email protected]. If you are expecting an invitation, ensure you check your inbox and spam folder for emails from this address.WellCare: Invitations are sent from
[email protected].Cigna: Invitations come from
[email protected]. Allow up to 48 hours for the link to arrive.
Best Practices for Email Management
Verify the email address on file with each carrier to ensure it is accurate and accessible.
Regularly check your spam or junk folder for contracting emails.
Blackout Periods and Their Impact
Some carriers, such as Humana, may implement contracting blackout periods. During these times, new contracting invitations are not issued, and transferring agents cannot proceed with their contracting processes. This can delay onboarding and other related activities.
Humana Blackout Periods: If you have not received a contracting invite from Humana, it may be due to an ongoing blackout period. Invitations will be sent once the blackout ends.
Impact on Agents: Both new and transferring agents are affected during blackout periods. Updates will be provided once contracting reopens.