We recently held our AEP Kickoff, covering the key industry trends that agents need to know and new features in Spark that will help them succeed. If you missed the session, check out the replay and the presentation here:
View the slides here.
Q&A
Agents asked so many great questions during the Q&A that we couldn’t get to them all. Here are the answers to the top questions we received:
Plan Cheatsheets
How can I access the cheatsheet tool?
How can I access the cheatsheet tool?
You’ll be able to access the tool via the Spark platform. It will be released in early October after 2026 benefits are public.
What’s the best way to use the tool?
What’s the best way to use the tool?
Use the tool to compare core benefits between different plans for the locations you’re licensed in.
Will the tool show which plans are not commissionable?
Will the tool show which plans are not commissionable?
The tool will include all plans for a given county, including non-commissionable ones. It won’t show which ones are commissionable or not, but we have a database of non-commissionable plans here.
Can you filter the results to only show 2, 3 or 4 plan options to clients?
Can you filter the results to only show 2, 3 or 4 plan options to clients?
The tool will help you query high-level benefits in a county, but Sunfire comparisons will still be the best way to share quotes with your clients.
How will we be able to select the plans we are interested in?
How will we be able to select the plans we are interested in?
You’ll be able to search by county.
Sources
How do I generate my personalized QR code? Can I link it to my Calendly?
How do I generate my personalized QR code? Can I link it to my Calendly?
Within the tool, click Add source to generate a unique QR code. It’ll automatically pull information from your Marketing profile to show customized contact information and scheduling links. See the tutorial for more information.
Can we email a link to our clients instead of using a QR code?
Can we email a link to our clients instead of using a QR code?
Yes! You can generate a URL as well as a QR code.
Is the QR code compliant for use at an educational event?
Is the QR code compliant for use at an educational event?
Yes! All of our marketing resources are approved by CMS for compliance. The Sources tool collects a PTC when the client fills out the form.
Can the QR code be translated to any other language besides English and Spanish?
Can the QR code be translated to any other language besides English and Spanish?
It is available in just Spanish and English currently.
Can the QR code be added to a social media post?
Can the QR code be added to a social media post?
Yes, you can create and download unique QR codes for each social media post to get a better idea of how they perform and which post converts best.
Is the completion of the needs assessment optional for the prospect?
Is the completion of the needs assessment optional for the prospect?
Yes, a client does not need to complete a needs assessment to be enrolled. However, we strongly encourage all agents to follow up with those clients to ensure they are accurately capturing providers, medications, conditions, and more, and matching them with a plan that fits their needs.
Does the needs assessment specifically ask for PCP and specialists? Does it ask clients to specify their specialty?
Does the needs assessment specifically ask for PCP and specialists? Does it ask clients to specify their specialty?
Yes, our needs assessment has fields for PCP and specialists. Our database flags the doctor's area of expertise in your contact’s record.
Can the person return to the needs assessment if they close the SOA? At a table event, prospects may not be able to do the needs assessment.
Can the person return to the needs assessment if they close the SOA? At a table event, prospects may not be able to do the needs assessment.
Yes, a client can bypass the needs assessment in the tool. To have them fill it out at a later time, ressend the needs assessment through Spark.
Are the needs assessment and SOA the same as the ones in the AEP retention campaign?
Are the needs assessment and SOA the same as the ones in the AEP retention campaign?
Yes, the needs assessment and SOA are the same as the ones sent through the AEP retention campaign.
Can you please confirm that Spark does not sell uploaded client data to another party?
Can you please confirm that Spark does not sell uploaded client data to another party?
We will never sell your data. You own all the information, data, and materials you upload to Spark. See our terms of service here.
Can Spark be integrated with GoHighLevel to run marketing campaigns?
Can Spark be integrated with GoHighLevel to run marketing campaigns?
Yes, use webhooks to integrate with GoHighLevel. See this Help Center page for instructions. You can also join our Sep. 22 Zapier + Webhooks webinar to learn more.
Does Spark offer a personal URL for a client to self-enroll?
Does Spark offer a personal URL for a client to self-enroll?
Yes, through Sunfire. You can send the personalized URL to your clients. Spark then automatically captures that data.
AI Assistant
When will the AI Assistant start working?
When will the AI Assistant start working?
Early October!
How often does the AI Assistant update?
How often does the AI Assistant update?
Plan disruptions and plan analysis will happen prior to AEP. After AEP, we will continue to update your book anytime we get carrier updates (about once a week).
Can you only use the AI if you’ve opted into the AEP retention campaign?
Can you only use the AI if you’ve opted into the AEP retention campaign?
The AI Assistant will run a disruption analysis for all clients uploaded to Spark. However, it requires up-to-date needs information to work properly. If you didn’t opt into the AEP retention campaign to send needs assessments automatically, you can still send them manually through the platform.
Can we upload the book of business and client info at any given time throughout the year? Is it basically just file dropping and mapping the fields?
Can we upload the book of business and client info at any given time throughout the year? Is it basically just file dropping and mapping the fields?
We ask that you upload your book at one time. We can support ongoing leads uploads but not the book.
Will the AI Assistant clean up my entire book if I upload it to Spark, including contacts who were with me before I joined Spark and didn’t enroll through the platform?
Will the AI Assistant clean up my entire book if I upload it to Spark, including contacts who were with me before I joined Spark and didn’t enroll through the platform?
The AI Assistant will run a disruption analysis for all clients uploaded to Spark. However, the AI Assistant can only update the policy history for clients you’ve written under the Spark platform. As you rewrite those clients in 2026, we’ll be able to update their information.
If we sign the client up on the carrier website, do we need to create a client profile with the plan attached in Spark so we get all the updated information on them?
If we sign the client up on the carrier website, do we need to create a client profile with the plan attached in Spark so we get all the updated information on them?
Yes. We recommend always starting in Spark to collect client needs before visiting carrier portals to enroll them. Spark will then automatically pull the data for the contact you created.
Will the AI Assistant monitor all plan exits?
Will the AI Assistant monitor all plan exits?
Yes, CMS will publish 2026 plan data on October 1. The Assistant will process all plan exits within the dataset and start flagging them in your account in early October.
Will you be advising us which clients are on plans that are being crosswalked or terminated?
Will you be advising us which clients are on plans that are being crosswalked or terminated?
Yes, this is part of the AI Assistant's functionality.
Will we be able to see who disenrolled?
Will we be able to see who disenrolled?
Yes! As reported to us by the carrier.
Will the AI Assistant flag and delete dupes?
Will the AI Assistant flag and delete dupes?
No, this is not currently in scope.
Will the AI Assistant help with tracking commissions?
Will the AI Assistant help with tracking commissions?
Currently, if you have access to the agency view in Spark, you can go to the Finances tab to view both your override and street commissions.
In the future, the AI Assistant will be able to cross-reference your commission with any policies that get written.
Will the AI Assistant be available in the LOA portal?
Will the AI Assistant be available in the LOA portal?
Yes!
I have 1000+ ACA members, and am having issues keeping track of turning-65 members. Any suggestions?
I have 1000+ ACA members, and am having issues keeping track of turning-65 members. Any suggestions?
You can add them to Spark and add the policies as an “other” policy type.
Is the AI Assistant free of charge to us?
Is the AI Assistant free of charge to us?
Yes, it is free to use for all Spark agents.
Will the AI Assistant be able to sort by company?
Will the AI Assistant be able to sort by company?
You can currently sort by company using contact filters.
Can we use Spark to bring up a side-by-side comparison of the client's 2025 plan to the chosen 2026 plan?
Can we use Spark to bring up a side-by-side comparison of the client's 2025 plan to the chosen 2026 plan?
No, but Sunfire will have this feature this year.
Client Services
Is there a limit on the number of customer service requests?
Is there a limit on the number of customer service requests?
No limit. You receive 50 free requests per year and can add additional batches of 10 support requests for $300 per batch.
What is the recommended process regarding Client Services? Should I log the support request in Spark or have the client contact the customer support center directly?
What is the recommended process regarding Client Services? Should I log the support request in Spark or have the client contact the customer support center directly?
See our guide. If you want to contact Client Services as the agent, please submit a support ticket for your active client.
Your active clients can also contact the Client Services Team at (346) 771-9967 or email [email protected].
Can Client Services help my clients fill out Medicaid or food stamp applications?
Can Client Services help my clients fill out Medicaid or food stamp applications?
Yes!
AEP Retention Campaign
How does the AEP retention campaign work?
How does the AEP retention campaign work?
If you’re opted in, the campaign sends a maximum of three emails and postcards to your clients, prompting them to complete a needs assessment and/or SOA.
How do we run the AEP retention campaign?
How do we run the AEP retention campaign?
The last day to opt into the AEP retention campaign was Tues, 9/16, but you can still upload your book of business to Spark and send needs assessments manually.
How do we know if we opted into the campaign?
How do we know if we opted into the campaign?
Go to Client Retention Programs in Spark to see if you’ve opted in.
Can we still manually update client information for the Sep. 23 AEP retention campaign?
Can we still manually update client information for the Sep. 23 AEP retention campaign?
Yes you can edit the contact in Spark. Please do this by Sept. 19 as we pre-order postcards and queue up emails in advance.
Can I see the number of clients who have responded to the campaign?
Can I see the number of clients who have responded to the campaign?
Yes, you can access campaign responses by clicking “Contacts to Review” on the Contacts Page: https://platform.sparkadvisors.com/contacts/
Can we remove a client from the drip if they called and gave us the information?
Can we remove a client from the drip if they called and gave us the information?
Yes, you can do this by clicking the blue down arrow on the top right-hand corner of the contact record and clicking “Communication Preferences.”
What if you add a client after the campaign starts? Will they be added to the next email?
What if you add a client after the campaign starts? Will they be added to the next email?
No, they will not.
Does Spark continue to send emails if clients have already completed the assessment?
Does Spark continue to send emails if clients have already completed the assessment?
If a client completes the Needs Assessment form that is sent to them via postcard or email, they will not receive the subsequent emails in the drip campaign.
Will the campaign automatically send an SOA, in addition to the needs assessment?
Will the campaign automatically send an SOA, in addition to the needs assessment?
It’s included in the assessment if you have configured it to send.
Can we print the Needs Assessment for those who do not have email?
Can we print the Needs Assessment for those who do not have email?
Unfortunately, no, this is not possible at this time.