But what reform also did was take employee benefits mainstream. When I took this job nearly 11 years ago, health insurance rarely made the news. And forget about HSAs or HDHPs. No one knew what the hell those things were.

Now they're talking about them everywhere. When people outside the business ask what I do for a living now, I don't get that blank look anymore.There's a level of awareness there that simply wasn't there before. And, sure, it might be riddled with errors and bias, but that only makes the broker's role that much more critical.

Consider this: More than two-thirds of federal exchange enrollments processed through Benefitfocus alone last year were broker-assisted apps. Sure, PPACA's a mess, but it's far from the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. On the contrary, it's probably the single greatest driver of growth right now for brokers willing to brave the individual and small group markets.

I haven't made it through all the press reports yet, but Apple's fancy new watch has the potential to revolutionize a market that's been shuffling along for a few years now. And a vibrant wearables market, coupled with engaged employers, can drag consumer-driven health care into the 21st century. Transparency and accountability can go from being toothless talking points to an everyday part of life.

But a whole new level of regulatory meddling looms that makes PPACA look like small potatoes. We've already had the FDA put the smackdown on 23and Me. I can't help but think they'll team up with their friends at the FTC to slow down progress as best they can.

Regulators have always lagged behind real progress. They're as resistant to change as many of my broker friends — if not more so.

But consumers want — and brokers and carriers need — this transparency revolution. If you doubt me, look for the numbers next month when the Apple Watch goes on sale. Or better yet, try to buy one the day it drops.