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.
iPhone owners could get up to $95 from a new Apple settlement
A proposed $250 million settlement would compensate millions of consumers who bought the iPhone 16, iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max.
FBI searches office of Virginia lawmaker who helped lead redistricting effort
An FBI spokesperson said in a statement that an investigation is ongoing and there is no threat to public safety.
Feds charge man who allegedly shot at Secret Service agent on National Mall
The Justice Department charged a Texas man who allegedly fired his gun toward a Secret Service agent and wounded a bystander on the National Mall.
U.S. to press allies to bolster counterterrorism efforts under new strategy
A new counterterrorism strategy, signed by President Trump on Tuesday, seeks to crack down on Islamist terror groups, drug cartels and violent domestic political groups.
Food manufacturer Cento is committing "tomato fraud," lawsuit alleges
In a new lawsuit, two California residents allege that Cento Fine Foods doesn't use real San Marzano tomatoes in one of its products.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
iPhone owners could get up to $95 from a new Apple settlement
A proposed $250 million settlement would compensate millions of consumers who bought the iPhone 16, iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Food manufacturer Cento is committing "tomato fraud," lawsuit alleges
In a new lawsuit, two California residents allege that Cento Fine Foods doesn't use real San Marzano tomatoes in one of its products.
Gas prices top $4.50 a gallon, reaching highest level since July 2022
Gas prices are now 52% higher than prior to the Iran war, with drivers paying $1.56 more per gallon, data shows.
Ted Turner, media tycoon who founded CNN, dies at age 87
Ted Turner built a media empire that included cable channels CNN, TBS and TNT, and he owned the Atlanta Braves for 20 years.
Fruit-flavored e-cigarettes for adults OK'd by FDA in major shift under Trump
The FDA announced its first authorization of fruit-flavored electronic cigarettes intended for adult smokers, a major policy shift after months of appeals to President Trump from the vaping industry.
Politics
More Politics
FBI searches office of Virginia lawmaker who helped lead redistricting effort
An FBI spokesperson said in a statement that an investigation is ongoing and there is no threat to public safety.
Exclusive
Shapiro reelection campaign adds $3.6 million to war chest
Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro raised $3.6 million over five weeks, an aide said.
Feds charge man who allegedly shot at Secret Service agent on National Mall
The Justice Department charged a Texas man who allegedly fired his gun toward a Secret Service agent and wounded a bystander on the National Mall.
U.S. to press allies to bolster counterterrorism efforts under new strategy
A new counterterrorism strategy, signed by President Trump on Tuesday, seeks to crack down on Islamist terror groups, drug cartels and violent domestic political groups.
Obama tells Colbert what he worries about in today's politics
In an interview on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," former President Barack Obama had some pointed words about the power of the executive branch.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
3 evacuated from hantavirus cruise as Spain says it will dock in Tenerife
Three passengers have been evacuated from a cruise ship hit by a hantavirus outbreak, as related cases are confirmed in Switzerland and South Africa.
Fruit-flavored e-cigarettes for adults OK'd by FDA in major shift under Trump
The FDA announced its first authorization of fruit-flavored electronic cigarettes intended for adult smokers, a major policy shift after months of appeals to President Trump from the vaping industry.
What we know about cruise hantavirus outbreak
A rare form of hantavirus is believed to have spread person-to-person on board a cruise ship. Three people are dead, four more are ill and nearly 150 others are stranded aboard the ship, where they will stay potentially for months until they are cleared to leave. Tom Hanson has more.
How hantavirus may have spread aboard a cruise ship
A hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship has killed three people and infected multiple others, officials said.
UnitedHealthcare to cut prior authorization for 30% of treatments
The largest U.S. health insurer said it will eliminate approval requirements for some treatments, including select outpatient surgeries and other procedures.
World
More World
3 evacuated from hantavirus cruise as Spain says it will dock in Tenerife
Three passengers have been evacuated from a cruise ship hit by a hantavirus outbreak, as related cases are confirmed in Switzerland and South Africa.
13-year-old student kills 2 women at school in Brazil
A 13-year-old student admitted carrying out the attack at the public school Instituto Sao Jose in Rio Branco, officials said.
Live
Trump threatens Iran strikes, says it's too soon for new direct talks
Trump threatens Iran with "higher level" strikes if it won't accept a peace deal, but says it's too soon for direct talks after reporting diplomatic progress.
3 killed in U.S. strike on suspected drug boat in eastern Pacific, Pentagon says
The attack came a day after U.S. forces struck an alleged drug boat in the Caribbean Sea, killing two people.
Trump pauses Project Freedom in Strait of Hormuz to see if Iran deal can be struck
President Trump said Tuesday he has paused Project Freedom, a U.S. effort to guide commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Entertainment
How Ted Turner transformed media
Ted Turner, who died on Wednesday at age 87, was a global media titan. Amol Sharma, a financial editor for The Wall Street Journal, joins CBS News with more insight.
How Ted Turner changed TV
Media mogul and CNN founder Ted Turner has died at 87, according to a statement from Turner Enterprises. Michael Schneider, Variety's executive editor of TV, joins with more.
Anthony Mason launches YouTube show
CBS News' Anthony Mason is launching a new YouTube show called "Alchemy with Anthony Mason." It's a long-form interview program celebrating artists and the creative process.
Obama tells Colbert what he worries about in today's politics
In an interview on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," former President Barack Obama had some pointed words about the power of the executive branch.
Nathan Lane on fulfilling lifelong dream
Actor Nathan Lane, who stars in the play "Death of a Salesman," was nominated for his seventh Tony Award. He spoke to "CBS Mornings" about why it was a lifelong dream for him to star in the play and his personal connection to his character.
Technology
More Technology
Employers are demanding AI skills. What's the best way to learn them?
Career experts say workers and job seekers should take charge of their own AI education. Here's how to get started.
OpenAI co-founder's diary surfaces in Musk trial
The high-stakes trial between Elon Musk and OpenAI now involves testimony about a co-founder's personal diary. Vanity Fair contributor Tom Dotan joins to discuss.
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.
Coinbase to lay off 700 workers as crypto company embraces AI
"This is a new way of working, and we need to leverage AI across every facet of our jobs," CEO Brian Armstrong said in a letter to employees.
Pennsylvania suing Character AI, claims chatbot posed as medical professional
A Character AI chatbot falsely claimed to be a licensed psychiatrist in Pennsylvania and provided an invalid license number, the state alleged.
Science
More Science
Mysterious world beyond Pluto may have atmosphere, study says
If confirmed, the rock would become just the second world past Neptune in our solar system to host an atmosphere.
Bill Nye on the Artemis II moon mission
Bill Nye The Science Guy, the chief ambassador of The Planetary Society, joins CBS News 24/7 Mornings with more after meeting the Artemis II crew in person after their successful mission around the moon.
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.
Crime
More Crime
Crime
Driver accused of chasing child on sidewalk
A woman in Washington state is accused of trying to run over a child on an e-bike. Police say she later attempted to break into a home. The child was not harmed in the incident and the woman is now facing felony charges.
New development in Lynette Hooker case
Authorities are looking for the owners of a sailboat as they continue to investigate the disappearance of Lynette Hooker, the American who went missing in the Bahamas while sailing last month. Cristian Benavides reports.
13-year-old student kills 2 women at school in Brazil
A 13-year-old student admitted carrying out the attack at the public school Instituto Sao Jose in Rio Branco, officials said.
Antisemitic graffiti found across NYC
An investigation is underway in New York City after multiple locations were vandalized with antisemitic graffiti. CBS News' Jared Ochacher reports from Queens.
Manhunt underway for former soldier
In northern Tennessee, a retired Special Forces soldier is accused of shooting his wife and then using his training to disappear into the woods. Nicole Valdes reports.
Space
More Space
Mysterious world beyond Pluto may have atmosphere, study says
If confirmed, the rock would become just the second world past Neptune in our solar system to host an atmosphere.
Artemis crew surprises 5-year-old aspiring astronaut with special gift
The Artemis II team gained a new member, and the crew made sure their youngest teammate had the right stuff for space.
Artemis II crew reveals what snack they ate right after splashdown
The Artemis II astronauts said they actually really enjoyed the space food, but it was a familiar candy they enjoyed after splashing down in the Pacific Ocean.
Artemis II astronauts talk mission toilet troubles: "We made do"
The plumbing issues aboard the Orion capsule became headline news in the early days of the historic Artemis II mission.
Only on CBS
Artemis crew tells kids moon flight was "the best roller coaster ride"
The Artemis II astronauts joined "CBS Mornings" for a live town hall where they took questions from kids just weeks after returning from their historic moon mission.
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
Ro Khanna on Lutnick testimony about Epstein
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick testified Wednesday before the House Oversight Committee about the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. California Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna called the testimony "embarrassing." CBS News' Taurean Small has the latest.
Expert on Trump's Project Freedom pause
President Trump said the U.S. was pausing Project Freedom in the Strait of Hormuz for a short period as the shaky ceasefire with Iran holds. Mark F. Cancian, a senior adviser for the Defense and Security Department at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, joins with more.
How Ted Turner transformed media
Ted Turner, who died on Wednesday at age 87, was a global media titan. Amol Sharma, a financial editor for The Wall Street Journal, joins CBS News with more insight.
More on hantavirus outbreak
The World Health Organization is commenting on what's next for the cruise ship passengers impacted by a deadly hantavirus outbreak. CBS News' Tom Hanson reports.
Lutnick testifies before key House committee
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick is testifying on Wednesday before the House Oversight Committee over the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. CBS News' Taurean Small has the latest.