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Agent of Record Change

An Agent of Record letter is required whenever a group requests to change from their existing agent to a new agent or, in the case of an orphan group where an agent is servicing the customer.


The Agent of Record letter should be typed on the group's letterhead* and include:

  • Group name, address, group number(s) and suffix(es)
  • Name of individual agent (not just the agency)
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield and Blue Care Network of Michigan Agent identification number
  • Signature and title of an officer of the group
  • Reason for new agent
  • Date signed

*If the group does not have letterhead, the letter must be notarized by a disinterested third party notary and include the group's name, address and phone number for verification.


The Agent of Record letter must have an original signature and be submitted to Agent Administration within 120 days of the group signing the letter. Letters not containing all requested information will be returned to the agent, which can delay the commission's effective date.


Upon receipt of an Agent of Record letter, we will send notification recognizing receipt of the letter to:

  • Current agent
  • New agent
  • BCBSM/BCN regional sales office
  • Managing agent (if applicable)
  • Group

Commissionable groups

Commissions become effective with premiums paid one month following 30 days from receipt of Agent of Record letter. For example, an Agent of Record letter received on January 15 will result in commissions becoming effective with March premiums (January 15 plus 30 days is February 15; one month following February 15 is March 15).


Non-Commissionable groups

The agent's name will be placed in group's file, allowing the agent to access group information.


Twelve-Month Rule

Only one Agent of Record change is allowed for each group in a 12-month period unless:

  • Negligence has been documented by the group. Documentation must be sent to Agent Administration for determination.
  • The new owner of the company, through merger or acquisition, appoints a new agent of record.

Note: Securing Agent of Record letters from a group under questionable circumstances is considered a violation of your contract with BCBSM and BCN.


Rescinding Agent of Record Letters

If the current agent obtains a rescinding letter from the group prior to the effective date of the new Agent of Record change, there will be no interruption in commissions.


If the current agent obtains a rescinding letter from the group after the effective date of the new Agent of Record change, the former agent's commission will resume with the next payment cycle. The former agent is not entitled to any commission paid to the other agent.


Note: The rescinding letter must be signed by the same person who signed the original Agent of Record letter.