Missed our AEP Kickoff? Catch the replay and presentation to explore key industry trends and new Spark features to help agents succeed. We received more great questions than we could answer live—check out our top Q&A responses below.

2026 AEP Kickoff

Once you have completed AHIP and have your certificate, you can upload that certificate to various carriers from the AHIP site.  Every year you must re-certify with the carriers you wish to contract with to sell their MA/PDP Plans for the next Plan Year.

Use the following chart as a resource to quickly find certification open dates and first looks (when available).

National Carriers

Regional Carriers

View a database of verified non-commissionable plans at the resource HERE from our carrier partners. Please note that this list may not be comprehensive. Please reach out to support@sparkadvisors.com if you have any questions.

Check out our the features coming to your Spark platform before this AEP. Keep an eye out for more info and training to help you make the most of Spark this AEP.

Identify which clients need extra support this year. Spark’s AEP retention campaigns send needs assessments to your clients, helping you evaluate whether their current plans still meet their needs, while ensuring every client hears from you before AEP begins.

Learn more about this year’s program HERE.

Key Dates and Deadlines

This year, choose from four campaign start dates throughout September. See their deadlines for submitting your book of business and confirming opt-ins. 

• Campaign Start Date: The date that the first email and postcard are sent to your clients. For those who do not configure a date, the default date is September 9th.
• Book of Business (Contacts) Upload Deadline: The final date to upload your contacts/book of business to Spark to participate in this campaign option. If you have not uploaded your book of business to Spark you can do so HERE.
• Configuration Deadline: The final date to configure your survey to participate in this campaign option. Configuration will be live in your Spark account on 8/13.

Contracting Prep

If your contract is currently under a different top-of-hierarchy and you wish to move it to Spark before this year’s AEP, please see AEP 2026 Contracting Prep for more information.

Agent/Agency Created Communication and Marketing Materials

Agents and Agencies who are creating materials to use for lead generation during AEP must submit them to Spark Compliance no later than Jul 15, 2025 to have them approved in time.

To submit your marketing materials, please fill out the following form: Marketing Compliance Review.

Enrollment and Marketing Guides

Instructions for how to order sales and enrollment kits for various carriers are available HERE.

Training Opportunities to Learn about PY 2026 Changes

Visit our Spark Events page to register for learning opportunities.

Our Agent Training page contains valuable resources for your reference.

Spark AEP Retention Program

Refer to the resources linked below for more information on our retention program and other useful features:

• Client Retention: Improve your client retention without lifting a finger!
• Platform Features: Access the tools to grow your business, manage your admin, and serve your clients.
• Quote & Enroll: Quote Medicare Advantage and Supplement plans from 100+ companies and enroll your clients directly from the Spark platform.
• Marketing: Explore a wealth of resources for marketing strategy, creativity, and success.
• Client Services: Spark’s team of healthcare experts help resolve many of your clients’ issues on your behalf.
• Record Your Calls: Information and resources regarding mandatory call recordings.
• Platform Changelog: View the changes we’ve been making at Spark!

AHIP and certification season is in full swing! Use the resources in this guide to get ahead on completing your 2026 certifications.

Discount

You must recertify with AHIP every year.

Spark provides a discount link, which is available HERE.

No coupon is required. The discount brings the cost down to $125 ($50 off the standard $175 exam price). For additional details, you can review the discount link instructions here.

AHIP Office Hours

Need Support with AHIP? Join one of our Office Hours:

• Wednesday, July 9, 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM PDT
• Thursday, August 14, 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM PDT

Our weekly emails highlight key dates and tasks to keep you on track. Missed a newsletter? You can find them here:

July 23, 2025

July 30, 2025

Aug 6, 2025

Aug 13, 2025

Aug 20, 2025

Aug 27, 2025

Sep 3, 2025

Sep. 10, 2025

Sep. 17, 2025