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.
Missouri college football player dies after medical emergency during season opener
William Jewell running back MicahJo Barnett, a junior majoring in business administration, died Saturday, the school said.
Trump cannot deport students for criticizing Israel, federal judge rules
The judge delivered a victory for Stanford University's student newspaper, which said some international students were afraid to speak out because of the deportation threat.
Ontario premier slams Trump's order: "It's Lake Ontario now and forever"
Amid an ongoing trade war between Canada and the United States, President Trump last week sought to rename Lake Ontario "Lake America" by executive order.
Milo Yiannopoulos deported after U.S. immigration arrest, officials say
Milo Yiannopoulos, who is British, was accused of overstaying his visa after entering the country legally in May 2019.
Judge throws out confession by alleged 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed
The ruling marks a blow to the federal government's long-delayed effort to prosecute Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, who is accused of developing the plot to crash planes into the Pentagon and World Trade Center.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Trump says U.S. now has control of over 60 billion barrels of Venezuelan oil reserves
President Trump announced a deal to grant the U.S. control of more than 60 billion barrels of proven Venezuelan oil reserves.
Juul can sell updated e-cigarette with age-verification system, FDA says
Juul plans to market the new device under the brand name Juul2, along with updated versions of its tobacco- and menthol-flavored cartridges.
Court hands states a win in fight over who regulates prediction markets
Trading of sports event contracts on Kalshi constitutes gambling, appeals court rules in siding with Nevada officials.
See which jobs could grow fastest — and slowest — over the next decade
New federal labor figures forecast the fastest-growing U.S. job sectors over the next decade.
David Booth pioneered index investing. Here's his advice for investors.
David Booth, the founder of Dimensional Fund Advisors, says the key to investing — and life — is to stay calm in the face of uncertainty.
Politics
More Politics
Trump cannot deport students for criticizing Israel, federal judge rules
The judge delivered a victory for Stanford University's student newspaper, which said some international students were afraid to speak out because of the deportation threat.
Milo Yiannopoulos deported after U.S. immigration arrest, officials say
Milo Yiannopoulos, who is British, was accused of overstaying his visa after entering the country legally in May 2019.
Judge throws out confession by alleged 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed
The ruling marks a blow to the federal government's long-delayed effort to prosecute Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, who is accused of developing the plot to crash planes into the Pentagon and World Trade Center.
Ex-White House teleprompter operator ordered to pay $172,000 for insider bets on Kalshi
He was placed on unpaid leave from his job at the White House after it was determined he used his position to make bets on what President Trump would say in speeches.
Trump says U.S. now has control of over 60 billion barrels of Venezuelan oil reserves
President Trump announced a deal to grant the U.S. control of more than 60 billion barrels of proven Venezuelan oil reserves.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Man with sinus infection symptoms diagnosed with heart condition
Marc Gaudisosi thought his symptoms were caused by a sinus infection. Then an urgent care told him to go to the hospital.
Juul can sell updated e-cigarette with age-verification system, FDA says
Juul plans to market the new device under the brand name Juul2, along with updated versions of its tobacco- and menthol-flavored cartridges.
2 airport workers die of malaria from mosquito on plane in Germany
Caused by parasites spread via Anopheles mosquitoes, malaria can cause symptoms including nausea, headache and intense waves of fever and chills.
Cyclospora outbreak tied to 3 more states, FDA says
U.S. officials have confirmed cases of a parasitic illness tied to lettuce in three more states: Georgia, Tennessee and Texas.
FDA approves new pancreatic cancer drug that could extend patients' lives
Patients taking the first-of-a-kind pill, called daraxonrasib, lived for a median of 13.2 months compared with 6.7 months for chemotherapy recipients, studies showed.
World
More World
Ontario premier slams Trump's order: "It's Lake Ontario now and forever"
Amid an ongoing trade war between Canada and the United States, President Trump last week sought to rename Lake Ontario "Lake America" by executive order.
Trump-shaped ecstasy pills are potentially lethal, Dutch institute says
Ecstasy pills shaped to look like President Trump contain a high concentration of the chemical PMMA, which could potentially be lethal, a Dutch institute said.
U.S. takes out refueling station for alleged drug-trafficking boats
The vessel, which was in international waters near Ecuador, was allegedly used as a floating refueling station for drug boats belonging to the Los Choneros organization.
Russian strike on Ukrainian warehouse kills 37, one of deadliest attacks of 2026
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy suggested warehouse near a residential area hit by a Russian strike was used to store ammunition.
Nepal flash flood deaths surpass 600, with around 3,000 still missing
A Nepali Army spokesperson said early Saturday that helicopter operations were on hold until weather conditions improved.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Entertainment
8/29: CBS Saturday Morning
Rescue efforts in Nepal, high inflation six months after the Iran war started, plus Dolly Parton's Imagination Library brings books to young readers.
History of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library charity has brought books to thousands of small hands eager to read. Parents of children who were gifted books through the charity praise the late singer, emphasizing their gratefulness.
The most anticipated books of fall 2026
Amazon Books editorial director Sarah Gelman discusses some of the most hotly anticipated books of the fall.
Dolly Parton's gift of reading
Tonight, Nashville's Grand Ole Opry will remember Dolly Parton in a star-studded tribute. The beloved country singer was also celebrated for her humanitarian efforts, including her Imagination Library charity, which promoted literacy for young readers. The Dollywood Foundation president Jeff Conyers joined "CBS Saturday Morning" to speak on Dolly's generous soul.
Maggie Rose sings "Gentle Man"
Nashville based singer-songwriter and two-time Grammy nominee Maggie Rose is known for her genre-blending sound and extraordinary voice. Her new album "Half Moon" explores the thrill and uncertainty of new motherhood. Here's Maggie Rose with "Gentle Man."
Technology
More Technology
Technology
Latest on Meta's social media settlement
Tech giant Meta settled a series of multistate social media addiction lawsuits, agreeing to pay out up to $17 billion. In addition, Meta will roll out some changes to its portfolio of social media apps, including Instagram, Facebook and others.
Younger workers are more scared of AI than older employees, survey finds
Employee attitudes toward AI are closely tied to their age and generational concerns, according to Glassdoor.
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.
OpenAI, Anthropic warn AI cyberattacks could surge in coming months
Hospitals, technology firms and other companies could soon be at risk from AI-enabled cyberattacks, according to a new open letter from more than 100 signatories.
Bill Gates' dire warning about AI
Microsoft founder and computer pioneer Bill Gates changed the world forever with his technological innovation. Now, Gates is warning that the development of artificial intelligence without strong oversight and regulation could threaten society as we know it. MIT professor Max Tegmark shares his concerns.
Science
More Science
Science
Vote on the fattest marmot now
Marmots, not bears, are the largest "true" hibernating mammal, UCLA marmot researchers Katie Adler and Emily Renkey say. The two share more fun facts about these cute creatures and explain how to vote for the fattest marmot.
NASA plans to launch new space telescope
NASA's new telescope could change the way we see space. With a wide-field camera that will reveal an area up to 200 times larger than the Hubble Space Telescope, and an orbit a million miles from Earth, the Nancy Grace Roman telescope is expected to find tens of thousands of unknown exoplanets.
Invasive Joro spiders are "slowly spreading." Here's what to do if you see one.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park told visitors Tuesday that invasive Joro spiders "may be hanging in a web near you."
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.
Crime
More Crime
Crime
Closing arguments expected Monday in Tupac trial
Attorneys finalized jury instructions with the judge Friday after witness testimony wrapped Thursday in the trial of Duane Davis, also known as "Keefe D," who's accused of orchestrating the drive-by shooting that killed Tupac Shakur in 1996. Davis has denied the allegations. CBS News' Katrina Kaufman has more.
Clancy jury still undecided after 9 hours
The jury in the trial of Lindsay Clancy, the woman accused of murdering her three young children, is still deliberating on whether to accept her postpartum psychosis defense. Shanelle Kaul reports and Caroline Polisi provides legal analysis.
Milo Yiannopoulos placed in ICE custody
British right-wing political commentator Milo Yiannopoulos, who supported President Trump's agenda, is being held by ICE for allegedly overstaying his visa. Nancy Cordes has the details.
Protesters and supporters at Clancy trial
Jurors went home for the weekend Friday with deliberations set to resume Monday morning in the trial of Lindsay Clancy. Clancy has admitted to killing her three young children, but is arguing she was suffering from postpartum psychosis. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul has more.
Clancy jury asks to see pill bottles, knife
The jury in the Lindsay Clancy murder trial went home Friday after asking questions about Clancy's medication and the knife used in her suicide attempt. CBS News correspondent Shanelle Kaul reports.
Space
More Space
Roman Space Telescope promises 300-megapixel views of the cosmos
The $4.3 billion telescope is expected to discover tens of thousands of exoplanets while probing the nature of mysterious dark matter and energy.
First on CBS
Trump to honor Artemis II crew with nation's top space medal
President Trump plans to award the Congressional Space Medal of Honor to the crew of NASA's Artemis II mission in a ceremony Aug. 28.
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.
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.
Dolly Parton: An extraordinary life in pictures
Dolly Parton, the country music legend who became a feminist icon, has died at the age of 80. Here is a look back at her life in pictures.
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.
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
The Dish: Californios
Val and Carolyn Cantú reimagine Mexican cuisine at San Francisco restaurant Californios, which has earned three Michelin stars for its 12-course tasting menu.
8/29: CBS Saturday Morning
Rescue efforts in Nepal, high inflation six months after the Iran war started, plus Dolly Parton's Imagination Library brings books to young readers.
This designer can't make bags fast enough
Haitian-born designer Pierre Laborde can't make his popular bags fast enough to keep up with intense demand. Eager shoppers queue outside of a weekly market in New York City to try to buy one of his bags.
History of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library charity has brought books to thousands of small hands eager to read. Parents of children who were gifted books through the charity praise the late singer, emphasizing their gratefulness.
The most anticipated books of fall 2026
Amazon Books editorial director Sarah Gelman discusses some of the most hotly anticipated books of the fall.