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.
Ross Fire still burning, with over 90,000 acres scorched
The wildfire, which has torn through Palo Pinto and Jack counties, forced evacuations, closed roads and disrupted schools.
Exclusive
Family blames Texas' "merciless" abortion ban for woman's death, sues Paxton, others
The family of 37-year-old Tierra Walker filed a lawsuit against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and others, saying she was denied an abortion that could have saved her life.
Ed Sheeran's supporting acts pull out of tour after Macklemore was dropped
Aaron Rowe, Beoga, Lukas Graham and Finneas all released statements Tuesday on Instagram saying they were withdrawing from Ed Sheeran's tour.
Trump admin. will comply with mail ballot ruling by Supreme Court, Blanche says
The Supreme Court on Monday blocked the Postal Service from enforcing new mail voting rules ahead of the midterm elections.
House panel recommends holding Leon Black in contempt in Epstein probe
The billionaire investor defied subpoenas to testify to the committee and produce nondisclosure agreements.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Own a car? You're getting socked by higher prices, and not only for gas
Car ownership costs have soared 50% since 2020, according to new economic data. Here's where motorists are getting dinged.
OpenAI backs measure that would require independent audits of AI models
Top OpenAI executive endorses plan that would require AI companies to submit their technology to third-party reviews to assess their safety.
Americans' incomes hit a record high in 2025. Now for the bad news.
The typical U.S. household's annual earnings have risen only 2.5% since 2019, new data from the Census Bureau shows.
Fed rate hike expected on Wednesday. See what it means for your money.
The Federal Reserve is likely to raise borrowing costs on Wednesday, and more hikes could be in store, according to economists.
Your home heating oil bill is likely to jump this winter. Here's why.
Millions of homeowners will face higher heating costs this winter because of surging global oil prices, according to a new forecast.
Politics
More Politics
Exclusive
Family blames Texas' "merciless" abortion ban for woman's death, sues Paxton, others
The family of 37-year-old Tierra Walker filed a lawsuit against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and others, saying she was denied an abortion that could have saved her life.
Trump admin. will comply with mail ballot ruling by Supreme Court, Blanche says
The Supreme Court on Monday blocked the Postal Service from enforcing new mail voting rules ahead of the midterm elections.
Massie introduces impeachment articles against Hegseth over Iran war
Rep. Thomas Massie accused Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth of defying Congress with the Iran war, suppressing free speech and other offenses.
House panel recommends holding Leon Black in contempt in Epstein probe
The billionaire investor defied subpoenas to testify to the committee and produce nondisclosure agreements.
Exclusive
New photos show widespread damage at U.S. positions caused by Iranian attacks
The images were sent to CBS News by active service members under condition of anonymity.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Outcome of employment lawsuit could promote use of skimpy health plans
A long-running lawsuit challenging what it means to be an employee and therefore have access to work-based health plans is being closely watched by health policy analysts.
Pennsylvania woman dies of measles complications, coroner reports
A 40-year-old woman died on Saturday from complications associated with measles, the coroner reported.
Strange symptom and a "weird" referral led to surprise Stage 4 cancer diagnosis
Kate Ping thought she was just stressed out. A nurse practitioner's surprising recommendation led to a shocking diagnosis.
Trump admin. to send $500 checks to nearly 1 million ACA enrollees
Affordable Care Act recipients in 30 states are set to receive the $500 checks starting in October. Here's why.
Record-setting cyclospora outbreak is over, U.S. health officials say
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said there is no longer a risk of people getting sick with cyclosporiasis from this outbreak and is confident that all related iceberg lettuce is off the market.
World
More World
Exclusive
New photos show widespread damage at U.S. positions caused by Iranian attacks
The images were sent to CBS News by active service members under condition of anonymity.
Iran war could cost $2 billion per month, Congressional Budget Office estimates
The Congressional Budget Office estimated the war between Feb. 28 and Aug. 1 has directly cost the U.S. about $38 billion.
Exclusive
Ukrainian president tells CBS News Russia targeted his plane with drones
Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Russia targeted his plane with drones as part of a campaign to intimidate him and other foreign leaders.
7 women found dead in South Africa, sparking fears of serial killer
Authorities say the cases appear to be linked, although they did not confirm whether they are the work of the same killer.
2 U.S. government workers accidentally shot by soldiers in Africa
The U.S. personnel were shot during an anti-smuggling operation in a rural region in the northeast of the country, Eswatini's government said.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Ed Sheeran's supporting acts pull out of tour after Macklemore was dropped
Aaron Rowe, Beoga, Lukas Graham and Finneas all released statements Tuesday on Instagram saying they were withdrawing from Ed Sheeran's tour.
Food & Wine unveils list of "Best New Chefs"
Food & Wine reveals its list of "Best New Chefs" this week. One of those talents is Masako Morishita of Perry's Restaurant in Washington, D.C., who joins to discuss her career move from NFL cheerleader to D.C. food icon and share one of her favorite recipes.
Elin Hilderbrand and daughter on latest book
Elin Hilderbrand, who wrote hit summer reads like "The Perfect Couple" and "28 Summers," joins "CBS Mornings" with her daughter Shelby Cunningham to discuss the latest book in their co-written The Academy Series, titled "The Thoroughbreds."
Remembering Bob Mackie's most iconic looks
Bob Mackie, who bedazzled stars like Cher, Carol Burnett and Marilyn Monroe, died at 87. "CBS Mornings" looks back at some of his legendary looks.
2026 Emmys top moments
"People" executive editor for TV and events Breanne Heldman breaks down the top moments from the 2026 Emmy Awards.
Technology
More Technology
OpenAI backs measure that would require independent audits of AI models
Top OpenAI executive endorses plan that would require AI companies to submit their technology to third-party reviews to assess their safety.
Sanders says potential danger of AI is "probably greater" than nuclear weapons
Sen. Bernie Sanders is one of the most vocal opponents in Congress on rapid AI development, but bipartisan concerns are growing.
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.
Speaker Johnson on Trump's AI comments
President Trump took aim at criticism of AI development, calling the warnings a "hoax." House Speaker Mike Johnson shared his thoughts on Mr. Trump's comments.
Trump lauds AI amid dire warnings
President Trump called Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang during an industry summit, saying that data centers "make people wealthy" and dismissing AI development concerns as a "hoax." CBS News' Jo Ling Kent has more on what you should know.
Science
More Science
Anthropic CEO says "exponential" growth of AI is a "warning sign"
Artificial intelligence technology is developing at an "exponential" rate, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei told CBS News, calling the situation a "warning sign" for the industry that requires serious safeguards.
First-ever adult T. rex trackway found in North Dakota
Paleontologists have identified the first known trackway made by a full-grown Tyrannosaurus rex, and the discovery was made in the North Dakota badlands.
Ig Nobel prizes go to scientists studying cockroach milk, nose-blowing, more
Ten research teams were honored at a satirical science awards ceremony that was hosted outside the U.S. for the first time due to travel concerns. A study of cockroach milk was among the winners.
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.
Crime
More Crime
Crime
FBI: Pennsylvania man was planning ISIS attack
A 21-year-old Pennsylvania man planned to carry out an ISIS-inspired "mass casualty attack" before being thwarted by the FBI, federal law enforcement officials say. CBS News' Anna Schecter has more.
7 women found dead in South Africa, sparking fears of serial killer
Authorities say the cases appear to be linked, although they did not confirm whether they are the work of the same killer.
FBI investigation thwarts "mass casualty attack" from man accused of ISIS allegiance
Federal officials said Jonathan Kramer had armed himself to carry out a mass casualty attack against the American people.
Hospital could have prevented some of nurse's baby killings, judge says
British nurse Lucy Letby, convicted of murdering seven babies, was enabled by a "complete failure" to protect them at the hospital where she worked, the chair of an inquiry said.
New details on Clancy holdout juror
The holdout juror in Lindsay Clancy's murder trial faced a domestic violence charge in 2021, but it was later dismissed, police records show. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul has more.
Space
More Space
NASA launches its Roman Space Telescope to explore the hidden universe
NASA's Roman Space Telescope launched shortly after daybreak from Kennedy Space Center and blazed toward an observation point 1 million miles away.
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.
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
Blanche on Trump's slamming of Supreme Court
Attorney General Todd Blanche conducted the White House press briefing on Tuesday, commenting on the Supreme Court's ruling that blocks President Trump's new postal service rules for mail ballots. CBS News' Ed O'Keefe has more.
Sanders, Bannon at same AI safety rally
The AI debate made for strange bedfellows Tuesday as progressive Sen. Bernie Sanders and MAGA provocateur Steve Bannon appeared at the same event calling for human-centered AI decisions. CBS News' Caitlin Huey-Burns has more.
CBS News speaks with Taliban 25 years after 9/11
CBS News' Imtiaz Tyab sits down with Taliban spokesperson Abdul Qahar Balkhi, five years after the group's return to power in Afghanistan. They discuss the Taliban's claims of peace and stability, the country's ongoing humanitarian crisis and restrictions on women and girls, as well as U.S. military hardware, frozen assets, future U.S.-Afghanistan relations and lessons from two decades of war.
Inside Trump's Supreme Court denouncements
President Trump on Tuesday denounced all three of his appointed Supreme Court justices because they joined a ruling nullifying Mr. Trump's attempt to dramatically restrict mail-in balloting. Major Garrett reports.
Extended Interview: Bernie Sanders on AI
Sen. Bernie Sanders speaks with CBS News' Caitlin Huey-Burns about recent dire warnings from tech experts about advancements in AI and calls for government regulation.