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.
NCAA March Madness tournaments could expand to 76 teams in 2027
The new format would add eight more at-large teams, and take eight more teams out of the main bracket for play-in games.
Gunshot at dinner may have struck officer's phone in pocket of bulletproof vest
Officials investigating the shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner said they estimated the suspect was running at about 9 miles per hour when he sprinted through a checkpoint and discharged his shotgun.
Analysis: Dinner shooting brings reminders of past era of political violence
For historians, the 1960s and 1970s provide particularly eerie parallels to the present. Both eras were marked by bitter political divides and the unsettling feeling that America's social fabric was being ripped apart.
Feds have rejected 15% of businesses' tariff refund claims
But after some early hiccups, the U.S. government's hub for businesses seeking tariff refunds is running smoothly, an expert says.
FCC orders Disney to file for early license renewal after Kimmel clash
The regulatory agency issued the order after President Trump and first lady Melania Trump urged ABC to fire late-night host Jimmy Kimmel.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Feds have rejected 15% of businesses' tariff refund claims
But after some early hiccups, the U.S. government's hub for businesses seeking tariff refunds is running smoothly, an expert says.
FCC orders Disney to file for early license renewal after Kimmel clash
The regulatory agency issued the order after President Trump and first lady Melania Trump urged ABC to fire late-night host Jimmy Kimmel.
American Airlines tightens rules for portable chargers amid fire concerns
American Airlines is imposing new rules on portable chargers that passengers can bring on flights. Here's what to know.
Over half of Americans say their finances are worsening, Gallup finds
The impact of higher energy prices and fears about covering monthly bill is taking a toll on public sentiment, a new Gallup poll finds.
Gas prices jump to their highest level since start of Iran war
The average cost of a gallon of gasoline hit $4.18 on Tuesday, up $1.20 since the conflict in the Middle East started on Feb. 28.
Politics
More Politics
Top candidates face off in the CBS California Governor's Debate
Top gubernatorial candidates met onstage at the CBS California Governor's Debate on April 28. Here are the highlights.
Gunshot at dinner may have struck officer's phone in pocket of bulletproof vest
Officials investigating the shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner said they estimated the suspect was running at about 9 miles per hour when he sprinted through a checkpoint and discharged his shotgun.
Analysis: Dinner shooting brings reminders of past era of political violence
For historians, the 1960s and 1970s provide particularly eerie parallels to the present. Both eras were marked by bitter political divides and the unsettling feeling that America's social fabric was being ripped apart.
Exclusive
Trump administration mandates enhanced security checks for immigration applicants
The Trump administration is subjecting broad categories of immigrants applying for green cards and citizenship to enhanced FBI checks, and is pausing some cases while those changes are implemented, according to documents obtained by CBS News.
Senate Republicans block Democrats' attempt to force Cuba war powers vote
President Trump has warned that Cuba is "next" after he's launched military operations against Venezuela and Iran.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Beyond crisis lines: How broader suicide prevention helps people in need
A new approach to suicide prevention shifts the focus from stopping harm in moments of crisis to upstream policies that give people reasons to live.
Big companies position themselves for payday from $50B federal rural health fund
A $50 billion federal fund is supposed to modernize rural healthcare. But community clinics and advocates fear that the contractors administering the money for states will bite off a big chunk before it reaches patients.
A 13-year-old's kidney was failing. Then a stranger stepped in.
Tim Fitzpatrick, a father of a chronically ill child, saw the story of a boy in need of a new kidney and felt compelled to help.
Ben Sasse is on extended time. He credits "providence, prayer and a miracle drug."
The former U.S. senator from Nebraska opened up about his terminal diagnosis, his family and the state of American politics in a "Things That Matter" town hall.
Exclusive
Johnson & Johnson to launch on TrumpRx with 4 of its prescription drugs
Drug-making giant Johnson & Johnson will officially start marketing four of its medications on the Trump administration's TrumpRx website on Friday, CBS News exclusively learned.
World
More World
Senate Republicans block Democrats' attempt to force Cuba war powers vote
President Trump has warned that Cuba is "next" after he's launched military operations against Venezuela and Iran.
King Charles tells Congress that alliance is "more important today" than ever
Saying he felt the "weight of history" on his shoulders, King Charles became the first British monarch in 35 years to address Congress on Tuesday.
Only "special relationship" U.S. has is "probably Israel," U.K. ambassador said
Britain's ambassador, in February remarks reported by the Financial Times, also called the lack of fallout from the Jeffrey Epstein scandal in the U.S. "extraordinary."
16th century shipwreck found by naval vessel off coast of Sweden
The unidentified ship is believed to have been built in the late 1500s, which would make it older than Sweden's iconic 17th century warship "Vasa."
Tycoon's son offers home for "cocaine hippos" slated to be killed
Anant Ambani, the son of tycoon Mukesh Ambani, said he formally requested the Colombian government to stay a decision to kill the animals.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Entertainment
FCC reviewing ABC licenses amid Kimmel feud
The Federal Communications Commission says it wants the Walt Disney Company to file for early license renewal for its television stations. The announcement comes one day after President Trump and the first lady called on ABC to fire late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. CBS News legal contributor Rebecca Roiphe joins with analysis.
FCC reviewing Disney licenses over DEI practices
One day after President Trump called on ABC to fire late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, the FCC said it will begin reviewing eight broadcasting licenses owned or managed by Disney due to the company's diversity policies. CBS News senior White House and political correspondent Ed O'Keefe has the latest.
Justin Hartley gives "Tracker" preview
"Tracker" star Justin Hartley reveals how he feels about the upcoming finale of the third season of the show. He also discusses his wife making appearances in the series and the best advice he's received in the industry.
Trumps call for Jimmy Kimmel to be fired
President Trump and first lady Melania Trump are demanding that late-night host Jimmy Kimmel be fired over remarks he made before the White House Correspondents' Dinner. Nancy Cordes reports.
Trump calls for Kimmel to be fired over jokes made before correspondents' dinner
First lady Melania Trump said that jokes Jimmy Kimmel made on his show days before the White House Correspondents' Dinner were "hateful and violent rhetoric."
Technology
More Technology
Technology
Elon Musk testifies in OpenAI trial
Opening statements began on Tuesday in Tesla CEO Elon Musk's lawsuit against OpenAI co-founder Sam Altman. Maxwell Zeff, senior writer at Wired, joins with more.
Jury selection begins in Musk-Altman legal battle
Jury selection began Monday in the legal battle between tech leaders Elon Musk and Sam Altman. CBS News senior business and technology correspondent Jo Ling Kent has the latest.
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.
How the AI-driven data center boom is leading to skyrocketing energy bills
A CBS News analysis found that Georgia Power, the largest energy provider in the state, imposed six rate hikes in the last three years.
How data centers are impacting Americans
This week, Maine's governor vetoed a bill that would have made the state the first to ban the construction of new data centers. Shanelle Kaul reports.
Science
More Science
Trump administration fires board overseeing National Science Foundation
The Trump administration has fired all 22 current members of an independent board that oversees the National Science Foundation, one dismissed member says.
AI used to reveal face of victim fleeing Mount Vesuvius eruption
Archaeologists found the victim holding a terracotta mortar, which they interpret as an improvised attempt to shield his head.
In a first, endangered orangutan seen using canopy bridge to cross road
Rapid development has been shrinking the jungle habitat of the critically endangered species, and fatal conflicts with people have been increasing.
Saving the Venus fly trap
The carnivorous Venus fly trap is native to the Carolinas, but its population is dwindling due to loss of habitat. Correspondent Seth Doane talks with botanist Julie Moore, who has spent much of her life helping to save these remarkable plants; and with Damon Waitt, director of the North Carolina Botanical Garden, who discusses the unusual traits of a species that Charles Darwin called the most interesting plant in the world.
From 1990: NASA launches Hubble Telescope
On April 24, 1990, NASA launched the Hubble Space Telescope from the Space Shuttle Discovery after seven years of delays. Watch CBS News' coverage from that day.
Crime
More Crime
Crime
Correspondents' dinner suspect's devices probed
The man accused of trying to assassinate President Trump at the White House Correspondents' Dinner over the weekend is set to be back in court on Thursday. Nicole Sganga reports.
Forensic reviews underway in dinner shooting
The FBI is conducting forensic reviews of evidence recovered from the Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C., following the White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting. CBS News' Anna Schecter has the latest.
U.S. soldier pleads not guilty to charges of gambling on Maduro raid
A U.S. soldier pleaded not guilty to charges that he used classified information about the mission to capture former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro to win more than $400,000.
Details on FBI raid of Minnesota daycares
Federal agents exercised search warrants at about 20 daycare centers for suspected fraud Tuesday morning, multiple officials confirmed to CBS News.
Ex-NBA player Damon Jones first to plead guilty in pair of gambling cases
Federal prosecutors charged 34 defendants across two indictments, alleging sports betting and mafia-linked rigged poker games.
Space
More Space
Mars rover carries out chemistry experiment never done beyond Earth
"This experiment's never been run before on another world," said Amy Williams, an astrobiologist working on the Curiosity mission.
Blue Origin New Glenn rocket puts satellite payload into wrong orbit
The launching appeared to go off without a hitch, but a problem prevented the rocket's upper stage from putting its payload into the correct orbit.
Artemis II crew on historic moon mission and what it means for Earth
"We are carrying back everything we learned, not only about where we went but ourselves," mission specialist Christina Koch told "CBS Evening News" anchor Tony Dokoupil.
Artemis II astronauts still awed by moonshot experience: "It was otherworldly"
The four Artemis II astronauts struggled to describe the view and overall experience of flying around the moon's far side and witnessing a solar eclipse in deep space.
"God of chaos" asteroid will pass close to Earth in 3 years, NASA says
People on the ground in the Eastern Hemisphere will be able to observe the asteroid with their own eyes, weather permitting, according to NASA.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
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.
Evidence in the Barbara Kendhammer case
Does the evidence show a cover-up, or was Todd Kendhammer wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife?
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
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
4/28: The Takeout with Major Garrett
Former FBI Director James Comey says he's innocent after second indictment; King Charles visits the White House and addresses Congress.
Woman dies on Carnival cruise ship
Federal officials are investigating the death of a woman who fell from the balcony of her state room on a Carnival Cruise Line ship. Kris Van Cleave reports.
Camp Mystic director tells parents he failed
In front of a state committee investigating last year's deadly Texas flash floods, Camp Mystic director Edward Eastland on Tuesday told parents of the victims he had failed them. Jason Allen reports.
From 1986: Chernobyl disaster goes public
On April 28, 1986, Swedish scientists detected high levels of radiation, bringing to light the reactor explosion that occurred two days earlier at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Soviet Ukraine. Watch CBS News' coverage from that day.
FCC review of ABC's broadcast licenses
A day after President Trump and the first lady called on ABC to fire Jimmy Kimmel, the FCC is launching an early review of the network's broadcast licenses. Carter Evans has more.