Agent education
Building a downline
A downline turns a producer into an agency. The override math is public at Topflight, and so is the obligation that comes with it: you train and support the agents under you.
01
Should you?
Topflight’s view, from the Agent FAQ: overrides come with the expectation that you can train and support the agents under you, that path is not right for everyone, plenty of agents do better producing for themselves, and there is never an expectation that you build one.
02
The levels and what carriers expect
Each level in the override schedule carries the agent count and new-enrollment volume a carrier associates with it. UnitedHealthcare, national, 2027:
| Level | Agents | New enrollments | Override, new | Override, renewal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SMO | 100 | 5000 | $175 | $87.50 |
| FMO | 25 | 750 | $150 | $75 |
| MGA | 10 | 250 | $125 | $55 |
| GA | 5 | 100 | $50 | $35 |
Every carrier’s levels are in the 2027 override schedule.
03
The math
Overrides are paid per application written under you, on top of what the carrier pays each agent. UnitedHealthcare, national, 2027:
| Agency level | Volume under you | Year 1 override | Year 2 override |
|---|---|---|---|
| GA | 100 apps | $5,000 | $3,500 |
| MGA | 250 apps | $31,250 | $13,750 |
| FMO | 750 apps | $112,500 | $56,250 |
Illustration using the published UnitedHealthcare national override rates and the enrollment volume listed for each level. Actual overrides depend on the carrier, level and region.
04
The obligations
- ◆Train your agents: onboarding, certification, compliance and the weekly rhythm.
- ◆Support them: contracting status, missing commissions, carrier issues.
- ◆Stay compliant: your agents’ marketing is your responsibility to the carrier.
- ◆Topflight supports agency builders with Topflight University, the Succession Planning course, co-op and The Tribe.
Frequently asked
Questions agents ask about Building a downline
How much does a downline pay?
An override per application written under you, by level. On UnitedHealthcare nationally in 2027 that is $50 (GA), $125 (MGA) and $150 (FMO) per new enrollment, with renewals at $35, $55 and $75.
What is expected of an agency with a downline?
That you train and support the agents under you and stay responsible for their compliance. Topflight does not expect any agent to build a downline.
Where do I see the levels for other carriers?
In the 2027 override schedule, which lists every carrier by level with the agent count and enrollment volume associated with it.
Last reviewed: · Reviewed by Joanna Wyckoff, Founder. Published by the Topflight Data Desk.