The Obama Administration has gotten it terribly wrong in its determination of Essential Health Benefits.

During the run-up to the recent election, President Obama's supporters constantly stressed the need to raise taxes on the one-percent to rescue us from the fiscal cliff. But a wedge issue that stirred more passion in that election was whether to sustain or repeal the Affordable Health Care Act.

The primary concern is controlling wages while, to the disadvantage of patients and consumers, broader medical needs such as slowing disease progression or reducing acute events are subordinated.

Since the passage of the Affordable Care Act, we have been reassured that the benefits that are "essential" would be comprehensive yet affordable. But what is an essential benefit and who gets to decide? Tough questions. No easy answers.

When HHS sits down to weigh the evidence, they should consider this: obesity accounts for $270 billion per year in total costs in America.