A release policy in writing. Nobody is trapped.
Releases are granted January 2 to August 31. Below are every AEP 2027 carrier transfer deadline and the ACA blackout periods.
Jan 2 to Aug 31
Release window. Requests outside it are not processed.
Up to 14 days
Business days for Top of Hierarchy signatures after the reciprocal release is returned.
7 carriers
With no blackout date: BCBS TN, El Paso, Essence, Imperial, Prominence, Solis, Verda.
AEP 2027 transfer deadlines
| Carrier | Transfer type | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| UnitedHealthcare | Without Release | May 31, 2026 |
| CareSource | Without Release | Jun 3, 2026 |
| Healthspring | Without Release | Jun 17, 2026 |
| Anthem | Without Release | Jun 30, 2026 |
| Freedom | Without Release | Jun 30, 2026 |
| HealthSun | Without Release | Jun 30, 2026 |
| Select Health | Without Release | Jun 30, 2026 |
| Clover | Without Release | Jul 1, 2026 |
| Highmark | Without Release | Jul 1, 2026 |
| Aetna | Without Release | Jul 3, 2026 |
| Humana | With Release | Jul 15, 2026 |
| Humana | Without Release | Jul 15, 2026 |
| Gold Kidney | Without Release | Jul 17, 2026 |
| Kelsey Seybold | Without Release | Jul 31, 2026 |
| Eternal | Without Release | Aug 2, 2026 |
| Wellcare | Without Release | Aug 7, 2026 |
| DevotedTransfers 8/15-10/8 will not be effective until 12/8 | Without Release | Aug 14, 2026 |
| BCBS MI | With Release | Aug 31, 2026 |
| BCBS MI | Without Release | Aug 31, 2026 |
| BCBS SC | With Release | Aug 31, 2026 |
| BCBS SC | Without Release | Aug 31, 2026 |
| CareSource | With Release | Aug 31, 2026 |
| Kelsey Seybold | With Release | Aug 31, 2026 |
| Memorial Hermann | With Release | Aug 31, 2026 |
| Memorial Hermann | Without Release | Aug 31, 2026 |
| UnitedHealthcare | With Release | Aug 31, 2026 |
| SCAN | Without Release | Sep 1, 2026 |
| Banner | With Release | Sep 14, 2026 |
| Banner | Without Release | Sep 14, 2026 |
| HealthSpring | With Release | Sep 14, 2026 |
| Alignment | With Release | Sep 15, 2026 |
| Alignment | Without Release | Sep 15, 2026 |
| SCAN | With Release | Sep 15, 2026 |
| Wellcare | With Release | Sep 20, 2026 |
| Aetna | With Release | Sep 30, 2026 |
| Astiva | With Release | Sep 30, 2026 |
| Astiva | Without Release | Sep 30, 2026 |
| BCBS AZ | With Release | Sep 30, 2026 |
| BCBS AZ | Without Release | Sep 30, 2026 |
| Clever Care | With Release | Sep 30, 2026 |
| Clever Care | Without Release | Sep 30, 2026 |
| Clover | With Release | Sep 30, 2026 |
| Eternal | With Release | Sep 30, 2026 |
| Highmark | With Release | Sep 30, 2026 |
| Molina | With Release | Sep 30, 2026 |
| Molina | Without Release | Sep 30, 2026 |
| Select Health | With Release | Sep 30, 2026 |
| Zing | With Release | Sep 30, 2026 |
| Zing | Without Release | Sep 30, 2026 |
| Gold Kidney | With Release | Oct 14, 202611 days left |
| Doctor's Health Plan | With Release | Estimated AugustEstimated |
| Doctor's Health Plan | Without Release | Estimated AugustEstimated |
| HAP | With Release | Estimated end of SeptEstimated |
| HAP | Without Release | Estimated end of SeptEstimated |
No carriers match that search.
Source: Spark Advisors, confirmed as of June 30, 2026 (AEP 2027); ACA periods: BenaVest.
ACA carrier blackout periods
Ambetter
06/16 to 04/15
Avmed
11/2024 to TBA
BCBS AZ
11/01 to 01/31
BCBS MI
09/01 to 01/31
BCBS NC
10/01 to 03/31
BCBS SC
09/01 to 03/01
Christus Health
09/01 to 01/31
Harbor Health
10/15 to 01/01
Highmark
10/01 to 12/10
Imperial Health
08/31 to 03/31
Jefferson Health
06/30 to 03/01
Molina
10/01 to 01/31
Oscar
09/01 to 05/31
Priority Health
08/01 to 08/31
Priority Health
10/01 to 01/10
SummaCare
10/15 to 12/12
UHC
10/01 to 02/01
Release questions
Still unsure? Email support@topflightagent.com and a real person answers.
When can I request a release from Topflight?
Releases are granted only between January 2 and August 31. Requests outside the window are not processed, and no release is granted within 90 days of marketing support or event sponsorship.
How long does a release take?
Allow up to 14 business days after the reciprocal release is returned to obtain all Top of Hierarchy signatures. Cigna Med Supp takes 1 to 3 days for the upline signature; Aetna MAPD adds 1 to 2 weeks for Top of Hierarchy.
What is the difference between a transfer with and without release?
With Release means your current upline signed a release letter, so the transfer processes immediately. Without Release usually starts a 60 to 90 day waiting period with most carriers.
Which carriers have no blackout date?
BCBS TN, El Paso, Essence, Imperial, Prominence, Solis, Verda can be transferred at any time, with or without release. Anthem with a valid release can transfer at any time.
Moving your contracts to Topflight?
Tell us your current carriers and upline. The Care Team maps every deadline before you sign anything.