|
Dear Partners and Agents,
As we prepare for the upcoming Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), please be aware of the annual HealthSpring blackout period for hierarchy changes for Medicare Advantage (MA) and Prescription Drug Plans (PDP). Note: This blackout period does not impact contracting for new agents.
Blackout period details:
-
Blackout period: September 15, 2026 through December 31, 2026.
-
Impact: Blackout period rules are outlined below.
-
During this blackout, no hierarchy changes will be processed for agents requesting a move from one topline agency to another topline agency. Hierarchy change requests will need to be submitted at least 90 days prior to September 15 (by June 17). See important deadlines in the next section.
- Upline transfers within the same topline and pay level changes are not impacted by this blackout period.
-
Before June 17: All hierarchy change requests initiated on or before June 17 will be eligible to be completed prior to the start of the annual blackout period.
-
After June 17: Hierarchy change requests submitted after June 17 will only be processed if the agent's current topline approves the release prior to September 15. If the agent's current topline does not approve the release by September 15, the hierarchy change request will be held and delayed until after December 31.
What does this mean for you?
If you need to complete a hierarchy change request prior to June 17, you can do so within our contracting and commissions portal, Evolve. This portal can be accessed by logging in to HealthSpringforBrokers.com (HFB), then navigating to Tools > Contracting.
After logging in to HFB, click the links below to view the Evolve guides designed to help you navigate the portal and its features.
| 
