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.
Exclusive
He spied for the U.S. in the war on terror. Now ICE wants to deport him.
The Trump administration is trying to deport a self-described CIA spy who won permission to live in the U.S. by helping convict terrorists.
Publix frozen blueberry recall upgraded to highest health risk level
Recalled frozen blueberries and mixed berries that could be contaminated with E. coli pose the most severe category of health risk, according to the FDA.
NASA's Swift telescope will plunge toward Earth after rescue mission called off
The mission to save NASA's sinking space telescope has been called off, dooming the telescope to a fiery reentry later this year.
2 members of Tennessee college cycling team killed in highway collision
Two members of the Milligan University cycling team were killed, and several more injured, in a collision with a vehicle on a rural highway in eastern Tennessee Wednesday morning.
National debt tops $40 trillion after doubling in under 10 years
Federal debt has mounted amid tax cuts and trillions in pandemic spending, adding to the nation's interest payments.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Publix frozen blueberry recall upgraded to highest health risk level
Recalled frozen blueberries and mixed berries that could be contaminated with E. coli pose the most severe category of health risk, according to the FDA.
National debt tops $40 trillion after doubling in under 10 years
Federal debt has mounted amid tax cuts and trillions in pandemic spending, adding to the nation's interest payments.
Women lag in high-paying AI jobs boom, LinkedIn study finds
AI jobs can command a premium, but women are disproportionately underrepresented in such roles, according to hiring data.
Bond market sell-off threatens to drive up loan costs
The yield on the 30-year Treasury this week hit its highest level since 2007, a rise that could put upward pressure on borrowing costs.
Moderna stock surges as melanoma vaccine trial shows "landmark moment"
Moderna and Merck announced study results that reflect a "landmark moment" in treatment for one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer.
Politics
More Politics
Exclusive
He spied for the U.S. in the war on terror. Now ICE wants to deport him.
The Trump administration is trying to deport a self-described CIA spy who won permission to live in the U.S. by helping convict terrorists.
Michael Cohen, Trump's fixer-turned-nemesis, says he'll interview former boss
"This is the first public conversation between the president and myself in eight years," said Cohen.
Woman told House panel that Gomez sexually assaulted her, attorneys say
The California Democrat said Monday that he "made personal mistakes outside my marriage" and that his "actions were consensual in nature."
How progressive wins in Democratic primaries are shaping the midterms
Progressive momentum has been a prominent storyline as Democrats look to flip control of the House and Senate next year. But how far will it go?
Darline Graham says she's "not that informed on national security" at debate
The Republican nominee for the South Carolina Senate seat will be determined in the runoff between Sen. Darline Graham and Rep. Ralph Norman on Aug. 25.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Publix frozen blueberry recall upgraded to highest health risk level
Recalled frozen blueberries and mixed berries that could be contaminated with E. coli pose the most severe category of health risk, according to the FDA.
Moderna stock surges as melanoma vaccine trial shows "landmark moment"
Moderna and Merck announced study results that reflect a "landmark moment" in treatment for one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer.
She's lived through unimaginable grief. Her advice: "Reach for the joy."
Author and grief coach Kate Doerge joined Norah O'Donnell for a candid talk about coping with grief.
Moving Through Grief
August is National Grief Awareness Month, and Kate Doerge wants to reimagine how we deal with grief. After the experience of losing her 16-year-old daughter, Kate decided it was time to reframe the feeling of sadness. We've all heard of the five stages of grief, but Kate suggests there are five actions to help you learn how to carry your grief. Plus, Norah talks about how she wants to be remembered, and Kate tells us how to show up for people who are grieving.
Ebola Congo cases surpass 5,000 as record-setting pace of spread continues
The Ebola outbreak in Congo has passed 5,000 cases, government data showed, an unprecedented rate of spread that's outpacing efforts to slow it in one of the country's remotest regions.
World
More World
Prince Harry and Meghan moving back to U.K.
The couple said in January 2020 that they would be stepping away from "senior" royal roles and were working to become financially independent from the royal family.
5 Americans among 7 people killed in Kenya helicopter crash
NBCUniversal said its Florida-based journalist, José Alberto Suárez, was among those killed in the crash.
Israel orders criminal probe into killing of 5-year-old Hind Rajab in Gaza
Israel says military police will investigate the killing of Hind Rajab, a young girl in Gaza whose death at the hands of its forces drew an international outcry.
Trump says he expects to meet with North Korea's Kim Jong Un this year
President Trump wants to meet again with Kim Jong Un to discuss denuclearization, the Wall Street Journal reports, despite having nothing to show for 3 previous summits.
Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios suspended after positive cocaine test
Australia's Nick Kyrgios has been provisionally suspended from professional tennis after testing positive for cocaine during a tournament in Mallorca.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Entertainment
"Recess Therapy" host on embracing kid behavior
Julian Shapiro-Barnum is known for his conversations with kids on his series "Recess Therapy." He tells "CBS Mornings" why he thinks adults need to act more childish and embrace some behaviors of children.
Isla Fisher talks "Spa Weekend"
Isla Fisher gives an inside look at the new film, "Spa Weekend," how it highlights the importance of female friendships and how the star-studded cast connected.
Frank Beard, ZZ Top drummer, dies at age 77
"Today, Elwood and I lost a great friend and collaborator, and the world lost one of the most naturally innovative drummers and a great and true son of Texas," ZZ Top's Billy Gibbons said in a statement.
Panettiere was with on-and-off boyfriend when she died, police report says
Brian Hickerson and his brother, Zach, made the 911 call that brought first responders to the apartment where Hayden Panettiere was found unresponsive.
Madonna leads 2026 MTV VMAs with 11 nominations
Madonna leads all artists with 11 nominations at this year's MTV VMAs, and a full sweep would tie her with Beyoncé and Taylor Swift for the most VMA wins in history.
Technology
More Technology
Technology
AI companies buying up books: 404 Media
Some used and independent bookstores have reported unexpectedly large book orders and suspect that the books are being scanned to train AI models and then destroyed. As part of a new investigative report, 404 Media put a tracking device in a book to see where it'd end up. Emanuel Maiberg, a journalist and co-founder at 404 Media, joins CBS News to discuss.
Former Meta engineer testifies in fed trial
Wendy Sheehan Donnell, editor-in-chief of PCMag, joins CBS News to discuss the latest in the tech world as a former Meta engineer takes the stand in the company's landmark federal trial for allegedly causing children to become addicted to its products.
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.
Women lag in high-paying AI jobs boom, LinkedIn study finds
AI jobs can command a premium, but women are disproportionately underrepresented in such roles, according to hiring data.
OpenAI launches updated ChatGPT for teens
OpenAI is launching a newer version of its teen-friendly ChatGPT platform. Rebecca Bellan, a senior reporter for TechCrunch, joins with more details on its tools.
Science
More Science
A summer of extremes: Weathering a hotter world
July was the hottest month ever in the Lower 48 States – another escalation of our world into a hotter, more dangerous planet, where extreme weather events – such as heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes – will become more common and more extreme.
A summer of extremes: Weathering a hotter world
July was the hottest month ever in the Lower 48 States, breaking a record last set during the Dust Bowl – just another step in the escalation of our world into a hotter, more dangerous planet. Correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti talks with climate journalist Jeff Goodell and atmospheric scientist Maria Molina about how changes in Earth's climate are increasing the likelihood that extreme weather events – such as heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes – will become more common and more extreme.
Views of the total solar eclipse in Europe
A total solar eclipse was visible in parts of Europe for the first time since 1912. Rob Marciano reports.
Europe sees total solar eclipse
A total solar eclipse turned day into night across a slice of Europe and North America on Wednesday, and put millions in unique contact with the heavens above. Meteorologist Rob Marciano reports from Spain.
Astronomy professor on how eclipses work
Janna Levin, professor of physics and astronomy at Barnard College, joins CBS News to discuss Wednesday's total solar eclipse.
Crime
More Crime
Moving pillowcase leads to discovery of reptiles in car seized at border
Federal officers found a moving pillowcase in a car that was seized at the U.S.-Mexico border. A collection of stolen exotic reptiles was inside.
Details emerge on Tupac's murder
Duane "Keffe D" Davis, who is accused of orchestrating the 1996 murder of Tupac Shakur, is back in court for the third day of his trial as more details emerge on the potential motive behind the fatal shooting. CBS News' Katrina Kaufman has more.
Man in Chucky-style mask chases people
Police are searching for a man accused of wearing a Chucky-style mask and chasing people in Philadelphia. Lilia Luciano spoke with a woman who said she fought back against him.
Prosecutors say bullet engraving shows Charlie Kirk was shot over his politics
Prosecutors in Charlie Kirk's killing pointed to an engraved bullet, arguing that its inscription shows Kirk was targeted for how the defendant perceived his politics.
Details on Meta trial over addiction claims
Meta is standing trial over claims that it intentionally designed its products to be addictive and therefore harmful to children. Lance Ulanoff, editor-at-large at TechRadar, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
Space
More Space
NASA's Swift telescope will plunge toward Earth after rescue mission called off
The mission to save NASA's sinking space telescope has been called off, dooming the telescope to a fiery reentry later this year.
NASA images show 60-foot-wide crater on moon after SpaceX rocket booster crash
A NASA spacecraft circling the moon is providing the sharpest views yet of the crater carved by a crashing SpaceX rocket.
New space object called "black hole star" discovered by astronomers
The newly discovered object looks like a star the size of our solar system, but produces 100 billion times more energy than any star.
Stunning photos show total solar eclipse over Europe
The only total solar eclipse of 2026 crossed the Northern Hemisphere Wednesday, with a path of totality across parts of Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain. See photos and video from the best viewing locations.
Perseid meteor shower reaches peak viewing on Wednesday night
The Perseid meteor shower is the best viewing all year, 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.
Investigating the death of designer Sylvie Cachay
Sylvie Cachay was found dead in an overflowing bathtub at the exclusive Soho House in New York City on Dec. 9, 2010. A water leak at the hotel gave away a timeline that may have revealed her killer.
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.
Photos show 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.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Beagles relocated from breeding facility
Thousands of beagles that were bred for medical research are getting a new life after being released from Ridglan Farms, a Wisconsin facility that bred dogs for biomedical research. Adam Yamaguchi reports.
What to make of Trump's latest Iran comments
President Trump on Wednesday said the U.S. could return to negotiations with Iran "at some point," but expressed general satisfaction with the state of the war. CBS News' Nancy Cordes and Aaron MacLean have more.
5 Americans killed in Kenya helicopter crash
Seven people, including five Americans, were killed Wednesday when a helicopter taking tourists on a safari crashed in a remote part of northern Kenya. CBS News senior foreign correspondent Imtiaz Tyab has the latest.
Dr. Oz on prescription drug prices
Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, joins "The Takeout" to discuss the Trump administration's touting of lower prescription drug prices. He also comments on a promising skin cancer vaccine trial.
Factors that led to Angie Nixon's primary win
Angie Nixon pulled off an upset Tuesday night against Alex Vindman in Florida's Democratic Senate primary, but how surprising was it? Major Garrett shares his thoughts.