Help us report! Share your health costs story and search prices
How you can help CBS News and ClearHealthCosts bring more transparency to health care prices
Medical Price Roulette
Man relieved of $1.7 mllion debt relief
An update on the story of Alexis Hernandez, who fought to survive after an explosion only to be hit with a $1.7 million medical debt for his treatment at a burn center in Brooke Army Medical center. While his debt was finally waived after the story and urgings of legislators, others with similar stories still face their huge medical bills. Anna Werner reports
COVID long-haulers may face financial hurdles
Some long-haulers suffering from long-term coronavirus symptoms are now facing financial challenges as well. Anna Werner spoke with several people who faced challenges getting disability and health care coverage.
Some Cologuard users hit with unexpected high bills after cancer test
"I am mad because I pay so much every month for this insurance," on Cologuard user told CBS News. "I just feel like I'm really getting raked over."
Man billed $1.7 million by government for life-saving burn treatment
"I never expected, never in my life to live through something like this," Alexis Hernandez told CBS News' Anna Werner.
Company pauses plan to send 9,000 back to office after pushback
Epic Systems, a medical records software company, "is going to have to adhere by the same rules as everyone else," a local official said.
COVID-19 tests should be free, but these people still got big bills
People returning to their jobs could wind up having to pay for COVID-19 tests, experts warn.
His coronavirus test wasn't processed, but he got billed $9,000
Congress passed a law making coronavirus tests free, but all costs may not be covered by all insurers.
Alabama couple struggling after hospital sues over medical debt
KC and Daryl Roberts were paying what they could each month toward the more than $30,000 hospital bill.
Woman fighting with insurance for follow-up breast cancer tests
Mammograms can save lives, but in some cases, insurance companies are refusing to cover follow-up tests ordered by doctors.
Women shocked by "hidden" cost of mammograms
Health insurance covers mammograms every one to two years, but many women often need secondary tests that aren't covered
Man drives five hours for surgery insurance won't cover
Around the country, middle-class Americans with high-deductible insurance plans are heading to dozens of cash-based surgery centers
Regulators want to change law after CBS News report
"After hearing about — and resolving — a recent issue, we know that if it could happen to one consumer, it could happen to others"
Even with insurance, woman hit with $40,000 in medical bills
When Molly McKenna went to a clinic in agonizing pain, doctors told her it was an emergency. Only later did she learn much of her treatment was out-of-network
How to find out health care costs in advance
How much will that cost? Why did that cost so much? Always ask. Take notes, take names, take numbers
Man hit with $650,000 in medical bills finally gets relief
Frank Esposito was hit with $650,000 in medical bills after his insurance company said his surgery didn't qualify as an emergency
Medical bills jump from $220 to $4,000 a month – for treatment her life depends on
"I was like, how is this even possible?" one patient said of the unpredictable charges
She needed two rounds of ultrasound exams. Why did one cost 10 times more?
Medical prices vary greatly, even within the same city. "It's either unethical or dishonest," said one patient hit with a surprise bill
Ways to save on health care costs
ClearHealthCosts offers some practical tips to help you beat back your health care costs
How to read a medical bill or explanation of benefits
An insurance company's "explanation of benefits" often confuses matters more
Back surgery saved him from paralysis. Then the bills arrived: over $650,000
Frank Esposito, a tool and die maker from Long Island, New York, drained $49,000 from his retirement account and still owes over $220,000
Appealing a claim denial, or how to turn "no" into "yes"
If your insurance company denied a treatment or a medication in advance, and you want help, here's where to start
10 steps for appealing a claim or bill
So you got a huge bill, and you're sure there's been a mistake. Here's a step-by-step course of action
CBS News investigates lack of transparency in health care prices
"Nothing about the United States' health care system really makes sense," one doctor said
Health
Baby formula supplies dwindle amid widening shortage
FDA working to boost formula supplies, with more than half of popular products out of stock in some U.S. states.
Omicron surge adds complications to U.S. economy
The spread of the Omicron variant is causing an additional complication to the U.S. economy, which is already struggling with high inflation and a supply chain crisis. And data shows nearly 9 million Americans were out of work in January because they were caring for someone with COVID-19 or being ill with the virus themselves. Joshua Hausman, associate professor of public policy and economics at the University Of Michigan and research associate at the National Bureau Of Economic Research, joins CBSN's Lana Zak with more.
FDA works to approve vaccines for kids under 5
The White House is now working to provide Americans with free N95 masks and at-home COVID-19 test kits. Meanwhile, the Food and Drug Administration is reviewing the vaccines for kids under the age of 5. Emergency medicine physician Dr. Owais Durrani joins CBSN's Lana Zak to discuss the latest efforts to combat the virus.
Kids' COVID-19 hospitalizations on the rise
COVID-19 hospitalizations for children are climbing, with an average of more than 900 kids admitted a day. CBS News' Michael George reports, then Dr. Gigi Chawla, chief of pediatrics at Children's Hospital and Clinics of Minnesota, joins CBSN to discuss the latest.
COVID-19 infections rising in kids
CBS News correspondent Carter Evans reports on a rise in pediatric COVID-19 cases in communities like Kansas City, Missouri. Then Dr. Bob Lahita, director of the Institute for Autoimmune and Rheumatic Diseases at St. Joseph Health and a professor of medicine at New York Medical College, joins CBSN to discuss the latest on COVID-19.
COVID vaccines don't affect fertility, study finds
Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 does not reduce the chances of getting pregnant, new research shows. Meanwhile, as the Omicron variant continues to strain hospitals, military troops are deploying to help. CBS News' Bradley Blackburn has more on the pandemic response.
Omicron batters states with low vaccination rates
Thursday marks two years since the first case of COVID-19 was reported in the U.S. CBS News' Bradley Blackburn has more on how the virus is impacting states with low vaccination rates, and the battle over masks in schools. Then, emergency medicine physician Dr. Anand Swaminathan joins CBSN's Lana Zak to discuss the latest.
U.S. debuts site for free at-home COVID tests
Some hospitals are overwhelmed, facing an influx of COVID-19 patients. Meanwhile, Pfizer says that its oral pill is showing efficacy against Omicron in lab tests. Dr. Jen Caudle joins CBSN to break down some of the latest coronavirus headlines.
Omicron continues to overwhelm U.S. hospitals
The Biden administration is planning to give out 400 million free N95 masks to Americans in the coming weeks as the coronavirus surge tightens its grip on hospitals in hard-hit areas of the country. CBS News correspondent Carter Evans reports from Missouri, where COVID-19 hospitalizations are rising among the unvaccinated. Then, Dr. Payal Patel, an infectious disease physician at the University of Michigan Medical School, joins CBSN's Lana Zak to discuss the latest.
North Carolina hospitals overwhelmed
COVID-19 infections are continuing to surge in parts of the U.S. In North Carolina, recent data shows one in three people tested positive for the virus. And some local hospitals are struggling to keep up. CBS News national correspondent Manuel Bojorquez reports from Charlotte.
U.S.
More U.S.
Appeals court rejects Trump administration's bid for Michigan's voter rolls
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit is the first appeals court to weigh in on the Trump administration's attempts to obtain sensitive voter information from 30 states and D.C.
Trump has testy meeting with GOP senators, telling Cassidy to sit down
President Trump met with Republican senators soon after canceling plans to sign bipartisan housing affordability legislation at the Capitol.
Some states want to regulate prediction markets. Should the feds let them?
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission has sued nine states to block them from regulating prediction markets such as Kalshi and Polymarket.
Bill Gates said Epstein tried to use knowledge of his affairs "to pressure me"
Bill Gates testified June 10 for nearly six hours before the House Oversight Committee, which is examining the government's handling of the Epstein case and those with ties to him.
Can Slate's $24,950 electric pickup truck win over EV skeptics?
Backed by Jeff Bezos, Slate's EV pickup sells for about half the cost of a typical new vehicle. But car experts say its unconventional design may be a hurdle.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Some states want to regulate prediction markets. Should the feds let them?
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission has sued nine states to block them from regulating prediction markets such as Kalshi and Polymarket.
First on CBS
Trump to ask Congress to make 15% ethanol-gas blend permanent
E15 is usually only available part of the year to help ease high gas prices under a waiver from the EPA.
Can Slate's $24,950 electric pickup truck win over EV skeptics?
Backed by Jeff Bezos, Slate's EV pickup sells for about half the cost of a typical new vehicle. But car experts say its unconventional design may be a hurdle.
Chemours to pay $450M in first federal "forever chemicals" settlement
Chemical maker Chemours allegedly discharged chemicals linked to cancer and other health conditions in three states.
Our new podcast will help you make smarter "Money Moves"
Get clear, actionable financial advice starting June 30 wherever you get your podcasts.
Politics
More Politics
CBS News poll finds more oppose than favor data centers in their area
Most Americans expect data centers to negatively impact the environment, local resources, although some see economic benefits
Espaillat's loss a political earthquake for House Dems, Hispanic caucus
Five-term incumbent Rep. Adriano Espaillat was defeated in the Democratic primary Tuesday night in a stunning upset by political newcomer and democratic socialist Darializa Avila Chevalier.
Trump admin. asks Congress for $88B in supplemental funding for Iran war, other needs
The Trump administration on Wednesday sent Congress a long-awaited supplemental funding package to help cover the cost of the Iran war.
Appeals court rejects Trump administration's bid for Michigan's voter rolls
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit is the first appeals court to weigh in on the Trump administration's attempts to obtain sensitive voter information from 30 states and D.C.
Trump has testy meeting with GOP senators, telling Cassidy to sit down
President Trump met with Republican senators soon after canceling plans to sign bipartisan housing affordability legislation at the Capitol.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Medicare's AI push snarls patients and doctors in errors and delays
Medicare is testing the use of artificial intelligence to preapprove several healthcare services.
Confirmed Ebola cases in Congo top 1,000, deaths surpass 250, officials say
Confirmed Ebola cases in the outbreak in eastern Congo have reached 1,003, including 254 deaths, officials said, and tracing those who've been in contact with patients remains a major challenge.
Affordable healthcare emerges as a voter priority in purple Nevada
The Trump administration's cuts to Medicaid and SNAP may complicate Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo's reelection chances.
6/21: Sunday Morning
Hosted by Lee Cowan. Featured: Birthright citizenship; the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library unveiled; Shooter Jennings releases recordings by his father, Waylon Jennings; comedian John Mulaney; childhood obesity; and the secrets of seahorses and seadragons.
Fighting childhood obesity, for a healthier, longer life
In 1970, about 1 in 20 children were affected by obesity; today, it's 1 in 5. Dr. Jonathan LaPook looks at programs aimed at helping kids (and their families) get healthy the old-fashioned way, by eating right and exercising.
World
More World
7.1 magnitude earthquake strikes Venezuela, triggers tsunami advisory
A preliminary 7.1 magnitude earthquake was reported Wednesday evening in northwest Venezuela, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
Trump admin. asks Congress for $88B in supplemental funding for Iran war, other needs
The Trump administration on Wednesday sent Congress a long-awaited supplemental funding package to help cover the cost of the Iran war.
TV host sorry for slamming player for leaving World Cup for baby's birth
France Pierron described childbirth as "a disgusting moment, excuse me, where the dad is useless" during a TV appearance.
Ancient Egyptian burial site reveals centuries of changing traditions
Human and animal remains unearthed in Egypt's Nile Delta reveal changing funerary practices over some 600 years, and the evolution of a key site itself.
American boy attacked by shark in Bahamas while swimming with brother
The boy was on a tour of the Bahamas' Exuma Cays with his family when the attack occurred, the Royal Bahamas Police Force said.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Entertainment
Inside Kidz Bop as it celebrates 25 years
Since Kidz Bop started, it has racked up 45 No. 1s on the Billboard kid albums chart. "CBS Mornings" goes behind the scenes as Kidz Bop celebrates 25 years and meets a Broadway performer who credits the company for his start in the industry.
Clive Davis biographer remembers music icon
Record label executive and starmaker Clive Davis died at 94 on Monday. His influence spans genres and decades. Music critic and Davis biographer Anthony DeCurtis reflects on the life and legacy of Clive Davis.
Jim Parsons on Broadway musical debut
Jim Parsons speaks about starring in the musical "Titaníque," which is a comedic retelling of the story of the "Titanic," from the perspective and songs of Celine Dion. Parsons talks about why he wanted to portray's Rose's mother, the show's impact on the LGBTQ+ community and the cast.
Clive Davis dies at 94
Clive Davis, known for propelling artists across genres to stardom, died Monday at the age of 94. "CBS Mornings" co-host Gayle King looks back at his legacy in the music industry.
Actor James Handy's alleged killer found mentally incompetent for prosecution
A judge has found that a man charged with murder in the stabbing of actor James Handy isn't mentally competent for criminal court proceedings.
Technology
More Technology
Technology
Meta creating prediction market app, NYT says
Prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket, which allow people to bet on nearly anything, are big business, and Meta is hoping to get in on the action, according to a new report from the New York Times. CNET senior technology reporter Abrar Al-Heeti joins CBS News to discuss.
CBS News poll finds more oppose than favor data centers in their area
Most Americans expect data centers to negatively impact the environment, local resources, although some see economic benefits
How AI powered robots are helping small farms
From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.
Zuckerberg could be betting on new app
Mike Isaac, a tech reporter for The New York Times, joins CBS News 24/7 to discuss a story he helped break about Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg directing the company to develop a prediction market app.
Tech stocks plummet amid AI bubble worries
Investors are recoiling from tech stocks again over doubts that AI spending will pay off in the long run. Yahoo Finance's Brooke DiPalma explains the current state of the global stock market.
Science
More Science
Ancient Egyptian burial site reveals centuries of changing traditions
Human and animal remains unearthed in Egypt's Nile Delta reveal changing funerary practices over some 600 years, and the evolution of a key site itself.
Telescope snaps most detailed photo yet of Milky Way's heart
Euclid is on a mission to chart one-third of the sky in the hopes of shedding light on the enduring mysteries of dark matter and dark energy.
Interstellar comet may be oldest object ever seen in solar system
Exactly where the comet 3I/ATLAS came from within the Milky Way remains a mystery.
6/21: Sunday Morning
Hosted by Lee Cowan. Featured: Birthright citizenship; the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library unveiled; Shooter Jennings releases recordings by his father, Waylon Jennings; comedian John Mulaney; childhood obesity; and the secrets of seahorses and seadragons.
Seahorses and seadragons, some of Nature's most curious creatures
Seahorses are unique ocean inhabitants with a head like a horse, a pouch like a kangaroo, a tail like a monkey, and the ability to camouflage themselves like a chameleon. They also exhibit an unconventional gender dynamic, in that the males do the work of carrying around fertilized eggs. Correspondent Conor Knighton goes in search of these fascinating fish – and their equally fascinating cousins, seadragons – at the Birch Aquarium at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in California.
Crime
More Crime
Crime
Trump-linked firm is lobbying for pardons
Mo Strategies, a firm linked to President Trump, is lobbying for pardons, according to a CBS News investigation. CBS News' Gabe Kaminsky has more.
Eric Adams' former chief of staff arrested
Frank Carone, the former chief of staff to former New York City Mayor Eric Adams, was arrested as part of a federal bribery probe, sources say. Meanwhile, the FBI and NYPD are investigating former NYPD officials for bribery. CBS News' Anna Shecter has more.
Vegas murder solved 20 years after man strangled with phone cord
DNA testing has identified a suspect in the 2005 murder of Daniel Zeisler in Las Vegas, according to a forensic lab.
TSA seizes illegal drones by World Cup arenas
Despite repeated warnings, many drone operators are allegedly violating flight restrictions near World Cup sites, the TSA says. Meanwhile, more drones are being integrated into the U.S. national airspace and military operations. Drone expert Tombo Jones joins "CBS News 24/7 Mornings" to comment on drone technology.
Details on Bill Gates' Epstein testimony
The House Oversight Committee released transcripts of Bill Gates' testimony in the Jeffrey Epstein probe. CBS News' Aaron Navarro has more.
Space
More Space
Telescope snaps most detailed photo yet of Milky Way's heart
Euclid is on a mission to chart one-third of the sky in the hopes of shedding light on the enduring mysteries of dark matter and dark energy.
Interstellar comet may be oldest object ever seen in solar system
Exactly where the comet 3I/ATLAS came from within the Milky Way remains a mystery.
Researchers find "Pink Planet" has salty clouds: "We were very surprised"
The "Pink Planet," formally known as GJ504b, was discovered in 2013 and is technically not a planet but rather a "planetary-mass companion."
NASA chief defends choice of all-male crew for Artemis III mission
NASA's Jared Isaacman says the crew was selected solely based on their experience, expertise and availability for flight assignment.
NASA names 4 astronauts for next Artemis mission
NASA's Artemis III astronauts plan to carry out rendezvous and docking procedures with commercial moon landers being built by SpaceX and Blue Origin.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
Celebrations at Obama Presidential Center
The Obama Presidential Center, museum and library opens in Chicago with a star-studded grand opening ceremony and public watch party on Midway Plaisance.
Notable Deaths in 2026
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Summer music highlights of 2026
Summer is the time to enjoy live music, indoors and out. Scroll through our gallery of some of 2026's leading musical acts, featuring images by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Who is Alix Tichelman?
Meet the tattooed beauty charged in the death of Google executive Forrest Hayes.
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Breaking down Democratic Socialist wins in NYC
New York City Democratic Socialist Mayor Zohran Mamdani flexed his political muscle on Tuesday, with all three of his endorsed political candidates winning their House primaries. CBS News' Fin Gómez has more.
Why did Trump cancel housing bill signing?
President Trump on Wednesday canceled plans to sign a bipartisan housing bill, demanding that lawmakers first pass the SAVE Act. Political strategists Ameshia Cross and Tricia McLaughlin join with analysis.
Sources: Trump, Cassidy have spat in meeting
President Trump had a testy meeting with Senate Republicans on Wednesday. Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana said he lost his temper and Trump raised his voice, but the president said, "We have a really well unified party." CBS News congressional reporter Taurean Small has more.
Polymarket launches probe after WSJ investigation
A new report from The Wall Street Journal alleges that Polymarket paid content creators to post videos about winning bets that did not exist. Caitlin Ostroff, one of the reporters who broke the story, joins "The Takeout" to discuss.
Cait Conley on race against Lawler in November
In November, Republican Rep. Mike Lawler will face combat veteran and Biden administration national security staffer Cait Conley, who prevailed in Tuesday night's Democratic primary for New York's 17th congressional district. Conley joins "The Takeout" to discuss why she thinks she can flip the seat from red to blue.