The medical loss ratio provision of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is interfering with insurance brokers ability to make a living and harming consumers who rely on brokers for advice and customer service, according to a new survey by the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors.

In fact, 80 percent of respondents say they have experienced lowered commissions since the MLR went into effect. That includes another 52 percent of respondents who have seen compensation drop by 25 percent or more. An additional 12 percent said insurers have told them commissions will be going down in the near future. At the same time, 94 percent of the respondents said their clients' premiums either have increased or are set to increase this year.

"Health insurance agents and brokers don't merely sell insurance; they perform crucial services for their clients," says NAIFA President Robert Miller. "They help companies select the right plans for their employees and help individuals understand their coverage and fix problems with claims. For many small businesses, health insurance brokers act as de facto human resources departments. By and large, brokers don't receive additional compensation for these services."