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.
Why a 55-mile trek is a mandatory rite of passage for freshmen at one high school
The five-day, 55-mile Appalachian Trail hike is a 53-year tradition for freshmen at St. Benedict's Preparatory School.
Park ranger dies after falling into crevasse on America's tallest peak
The National Park Service said a ranger in Alaska fell into a crevasse and died on North America's tallest mountain.
FBI fires analysts who worked on memo about Catholic extremist ideology
The five fired FBI analysits were involved in the creation of a withdrawn internal 2023 intelligence memo on "Radical Traditionalist Catholic" ideology, sources said.
Exclusive
After deadly bus crash, investigators probe company's links to other carriers
The company that operated a bus involved in a deadly crash in Virginia last week has ties to a broader network of travel firms, including one shut down by regulators a decade ago, a CBS News investigation has found.
The job market is much stronger than economists expected. Why?
Americans say it's tough to find a job, but employers just added a surprisingly strong 172,000 new hires in May.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
The job market is much stronger than economists expected. Why?
Americans say it's tough to find a job, but employers just added a surprisingly strong 172,000 new hires in May.
Second Facebook privacy settlement payment is coming soon
The additional payouts come from uncashed settlement funds and will be issued to eligible claimants beginning on June 9.
Employers added 172,000 jobs in May, surging past expectations
The labor market continues to show strength despite rising inflation and concerns about slowing economic growth.
Meta is selling $3.99 monthly subscriptions for Instagram Plus
The new paid tier adds features like longer stories and deeper metrics as Meta looks to diversify revenue beyond advertising.
The U.S. is minting more millionaires than ever. Here's why.
A stock market boom is elevating more Americans into the ranks of the nation's millionaires, a new study finds.
Politics
More Politics
Becerra advances in California governor's race, CBS News projects
Former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, a Democrat, will advance to the November election in the California governor's race, CBS News projects. A second candidate in the race has not yet been projected to advance.
Colombia's Petro accuses Trump of intervening in his country's election
Colombian President Gustavo Petro argues the U.S. has chosen to align against his government and back forces he identifies as complicit in the drug trade.
No bags, no watch parties: What to expect when Trump attends NBA Finals
As President Trump prepares to watch the New York Knicks take on the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden, officials are planning for a heightened security posture, sources said.
FBI fires analysts who worked on memo about Catholic extremist ideology
The five fired FBI analysits were involved in the creation of a withdrawn internal 2023 intelligence memo on "Radical Traditionalist Catholic" ideology, sources said.
DOJ confirms in court papers the "anti-weaponization fund" isn't going forward
In a pair of legal filings Friday, the Justice Department stated in writing for what appears to be the first time that a controversial $1.7 billion "anti-weaponization fund" will not continue.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
In Congo, doctors face Ebola with little protection: "We live with fear"
Travel bans and conflict have disrupted supply chains in the Democratic Republic of Congo, leaving health workers without Ebola tests and protective gear needed to contain the outbreak.
FDA moves ahead with safety study of abortion pill mifepristone
The FDA is moving ahead with a safety study of the abortion pill mifepristone, a senior FDA official confirmed to CBS News, a step that could create a path for the Trump administration to restrict access to the medication.
Upcoming billing change could make pregnancy pricier
Come January, pregnancy care physician billing codes will change from a bundled system to an à la carte one.
Possible flesh-eating screwworm case in Texas, USDA says
A possible case of the flesh-eating New World screwworm is being investigated in Texas, the USDA reported Wednesday.
WHO massively scales back number of suspected Ebola cases in Congo
While 330 Ebola infections are confirmed in central Africa and huge challenges remain, hundreds more suspected cases "have been cleared out," the WHO says.
World
More World
Colombia's Petro accuses Trump of intervening in his country's election
Colombian President Gustavo Petro argues the U.S. has chosen to align against his government and back forces he identifies as complicit in the drug trade.
Putin sees "no point" in meeting with Zelenskyy to discuss ending war
President Zelenskyy chided Putin in his first public message to the Russian leader, who called it "boorish" on Friday.
Mom of American missing in Japan says they argued over ChatGPT
James "Weston" Higginbotham went missing one week ago while on a family vacation in Japan.
Rare Roman-era gold ring found by metal detectorist
The Ilminster Ring was originally found by an amateur metal detectorist in 2018 and bought this week for more than $100,000.
Thieves who stole 2,500-year-old gold relics from museum sentenced
A Netherlands court said the three men warranted a custodial sentence "because of the nature and gravity" of their crime.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Entertainment
Previewing the 2026 Tonys
"The Lost Boys" and "Schmigadoon!" lead Tony nominations with 12 nods each heading into Sunday's Tony Awards, which air on CBS. Zach Stweart, chief critic at the theater information and ticket website TheaterMania, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
Anthony Head, "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Ted Lasso" star, dies at 72
Anthony Head played librarian and mentor Rupert Giles in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and recently appeared in "Ted Lasso."
What to expect ahead of the 2026 Tony Awards
The 2026 Tony Awards are taking place at New York City's Radio City Music Hall on Sunday, June 7, at 8 p.m. ET. Tony Award-winning actress Laura Benanti joins with her take on Broadway's biggest night.
Nick Jonas talks new movie "Power Ballad"
Nick Jonas speaks with "CBS Mornings" about starring in the new film "Power Ballad." He explains how he reflected on his own life for the movie, why it's relatable and what it was like working with Paul Rudd. Jonas also reveals what's next for him.
Pope Leo XIV is visiting Spain
Pope Leo XIV is visiting Spain during the same time that musician Bad Bunny is expected to be there. CBS News' Chris Livesay has more on a potential meeting.
Technology
More Technology
Technology
Anthropic on global pause on AI development
Anthropic is urging a pause in AI development amid growing concerns about future risks, though some experts question the company's motives. Vicky Ge Huang, a reporter for The Wall Street Journal, joins CBS News with more details.
Alarm over computer "worms" created with AI
Experts are warning about computer "worms" created with AI that can infect devices and harm users without restraint. University of Toronto professor Nicolas Papernot joins with more.
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.
New details on SpaceX IPO plans
SpaceX is going public this month, and it could be the largest-ever stock market debut. As it plans this move, SpaceX has amended the language in its IPO filing to address the company's growing need for water, particularly to expand its data centers. CBS News' Kelly O'Grady reports, and University of California, Riverside, associate professor Shaolei Ren joins to discuss.
Meta is selling $3.99 monthly subscriptions for Instagram Plus
The new paid tier adds features like longer stories and deeper metrics as Meta looks to diversify revenue beyond advertising.
Science
More Science
El Niño could bring more widespread coral bleaching, NOAA warns
The expected arrival of El Niño this summer could trigger another mass coral bleaching event, which would be the fifth on record, researchers said.
Scientists find yeast in frozen mummy's guts, use it to make bread
More than 5,300 years ago, Oetzi the Iceman was strolling through the Alps on the border of Austria and Italy when he was killed by an arrow in the back.
Meteor lights up southern Michigan
Days after a meteor exploded over New England, another fireball was spotted, visible in the Midwest to the Northeast. Rob Marciano has more.
Ancient coin, mysterious markings found under Notre Dame cathedral
A team of archaeologists at the iconic cathedral is digging straight down and back in time, to Roman Paris 2,000 years ago.
NASA taps 2 companies to develop buggies for its moon base program
The FLEX Rover will be equipped to carry two astronauts and traverse hundreds of miles of lunar terrain.
Crime
More Crime
Crime
L.A. police chase ends in deadly shooting
The freeways of Los Angeles saw two big police pursuits on Friday. The first chase ended when authorities reported that a robbery suspect was shot and killed on the busy 405 Freeway during morning rush hour. In the second incident, an alleged carjacker was taken down by a police K-9 following a meandering three-hour chase. Carter Evans has more.
Marine veteran fights off armed attackers
A Marine veteran was working on his truck in front of his home in Oxon Hill, Maryland, this week, when four teens tried to rob him at gunpoint. That is when his military training kicked in. Tom Hanson reports.
Judge orders detention of ex-CIA official found with $40 million in gold bars
Former CIA official David Rush was arrested in May after FBI agents found gold bars worth about $40 million at his home while probing whether he had lied about his educational and military background, according to court records.
Man attacks 21-year-old over lake access
Steven Dana, 70, is facing multiple charges, including attempted murder, after a video emerged of him attacking a 21-year-old man who was riding a jet ski in Massachusetts' Lake Maspenock with friends. CBS News Boston's Anna Meiler reports.
Man gets life in prison for double murder scheme in affair with au pair
Brendan Banfield, a former IRS law enforcement officer, claimed he shot Joseph Ryan after he came across Ryan attacking his wife.
Space
More Space
Space station crew briefly moves to "safe haven" amid concerns over leaks
Out of an abundance of caution, NASA briefly directed five of the seven crew members aboard the International Space Station to wait inside the docked SpaceX Crew Dragon "Freedom" spacecraft.
Sun erupts with 3 solar flares, raising chances of northern lights for U.S.
Three solar flares burst from the sun this week, raising the chances of seeing the northern lights for people across the United States.
NASA reluctantly gives up on lost orbiter: "Best Mars mission ever"
NASA officials said the $582 million MAVEN orbiter could not be recovered after a problem on the far side of Mars late last year, and that its extraordinarily successful mission was at an end.
Blue Origin vows to resume New Glenn launches despite explosion
Damage to Blue Origin's lone launch pad in the wake of last week's spectacular explosion was not as severe as initially feared, the company said.
NASA taps 2 companies to develop buggies for its moon base program
The FLEX Rover will be equipped to carry two astronauts and traverse hundreds of miles of lunar terrain.
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.
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.
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?
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
L.A. police chase ends in deadly shooting
The freeways of Los Angeles saw two big police pursuits on Friday. The first chase ended when authorities reported that a robbery suspect was shot and killed on the busy 405 Freeway during morning rush hour. In the second incident, an alleged carjacker was taken down by a police K-9 following a meandering three-hour chase. Carter Evans has more.
NASA reverses evacuation order for ISS
NASA has reversed an evacuation order on the International Space Station due to concerns over two small air leaks in the Russian section. Retired NASA astronaut Scott Parazynski joins CBS News with more.
World waits for U.S., Iran agreement
President Trump said the situation with Iran seems to be going well, despite Iran claiming negotiations are stuck at a deadlock. CBS News national security contributor Sam Vinograd has more.
Previewing the 2026 Tonys
"The Lost Boys" and "Schmigadoon!" lead Tony nominations with 12 nods each heading into Sunday's Tony Awards, which air on CBS. Zach Stweart, chief critic at the theater information and ticket website TheaterMania, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
Judge blocks some Trump immigration policies
A federal judge in Rhode Island has struck down a series of Trump administration policies that were delaying the immigration process for hundreds of thousands of applicants. CBS News immigration correspondent Camilo Montoya-Galvez has more.