Over two million Californians purchase health coverage on their own in the private individual insurance market.1 Many purchase coverage through one of the more than 27,000 insurance brokers or sales agents in the state.2 When individuals or families purchase coverage through a broker/agent, the broker/agent receives a commission, usually based on a percent of the premium on the plan sold. Many Californians rely on brokers/agents to help them navigate the complicated individual health insurance market. Unfortunately, under the law, the first duty of the broker is to the insurer, not the consumer.