Freedman

BACKGROUND FACTS AND PROCEDURE

Covered California is an independent public entity that administers the state health insurance exchange established to comply with the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. (Gov. Code, § 100500 et seq.; King v. Burwell (2015) 576 U.S. 473, 478-479 [192 L.Ed.2d 483, 489-490].) The health insurance exchange enables eligible individuals and small businesses to compare and purchase private health insurance coverage. (Stats. 2010, ch. 655.) Many of those purchasing coverage through the exchange are eligible for tax credits or cost-sharing subsidies to help offset the cost of health insurance premiums (also known as “premium assistance”). (Stats. 2010, ch. 655, § 2; 26 U.S.C. § 36B(b); Cal. Code Regs., tit. 10, § 6474, subd. (c).) In 2014, Freedman entered into a standard agreement with Covered California. The purpose of the contract was to secure Freedman’s services as an insurance agent to assist consumers with subsidized health care eligibility and enrollment services.

Self-represented litigants are held to the same legal standards as parties represented by attorneys. (Kobayashi v. Superior Court (2009) 175 Cal.App.4th 536, 543.)…