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.
White House announces "Freedom Fuel" gas station selling $3.47 gasoline
The Freedom Fuel Network is offering gasoline for more than 30 cents a gallon below the national average.
2026 Emmy nominations are announced: See the full list
The nominations for the 78th annual Primetime Emmy Awards were announced Wednesday morning in Los Angeles, with the final season of HBO Max's "Hacks" setting a new record for the most nominations in a single year for a comedy series.
Nolan Wells' family seeks answers after missing Mississippi teen found dead
The family of Nolan Wells, who was found dead after a July 4 boat trip to Horn Island, has hired civil rights attorney Ben Crump.
Kentucky governor requests update on Mitch McConnell's health
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear formally requested an update from Sen. Mitch McConnell amid a weekslong hospitalization that has prompted growing speculation about his health.
Trump says U.S. will grant Ukraine's request to license Patriot defense system
"A little birdie told me this, about the fact that we'll give them the right to make Patriots," President Trump told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
White House announces "Freedom Fuel" gas station selling $3.47 gasoline
The Freedom Fuel Network is offering gasoline for more than 30 cents a gallon below the national average.
Stocks slide, oil surges after Trump says Iran ceasefire is over
Oil prices jumped 6% while U.S. stocks fell as renewed Middle East conflict threatens crude shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.
China warns of "security backdoor" in Anthropic AI coding tool
A Chinese industry regulator warned users of a "security backdoor" embedded in versions of U.S. artificial intelligence company Anthropic's coding tool, Claude Code.
Why do airlines make passengers check their carry-on at the gate?
Catching a flight with just a carry-on can make travel feel easy. No need to check a bag and all your belongings stay with you. But quite often, that suddenly changes before boarding.
Ford recalls 177,000 vehicles over faulty wiper, drivetrain and other issues
A slew of Ford recalls affects some new and used Mustang, Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid and Explorer Hybrid vehicles, according to a federal safety watchdog.
Politics
More Politics
Kentucky governor requests update on Mitch McConnell's health
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear formally requested an update from Sen. Mitch McConnell amid a weekslong hospitalization that has prompted growing speculation about his health.
Trump says U.S. will grant Ukraine's request to license Patriot defense system
"A little birdie told me this, about the fact that we'll give them the right to make Patriots," President Trump told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Trump says "unity" characterized NATO summit, despite recent tensions with European allies
At the beginning of the summit, President Trump suggested Turkey is a better friend than some traditional NATO allies.
DOJ threatens criminal action against states that allow noncitizens to vote
The head of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division sent letters to election officials in all 50 states threatening criminal action if they knowingly allow non-U.S. citizens to vote.
U.S. rescinds waiver permitting Iranian oil sales after Iranian attacks on tankers
The Trump administration has revoked a waiver that allowed Iranian oil sales, a key source of revenue for the regime, after Iran attacked three tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
HealthWatch
What to know about infant botulism
A fourth infant was hospitalized for botulism linked to Nara Organics baby formula, and the FDA is now expanding its investigation. Dr. Céline Gounder has the latest.
Nara Organics infant formula linked to another case of botulism
The FDA is urging parents and caregivers to immediately stop using a Nara Organics-brand formula after several infants contracted botulism.
Switching to a cheaper health plan delayed a man's access to vital medicine
A Florida man thought he had carefully planned for a seamless switch between health plans. It was anything but.
"Very unhealthy" pollution levels recorded in D.C. after July 4th fireworks
A "purple" air quality alert was issued for Washington, D.C., and surrounding areas, on Sunday, meaning pollution reached levels considered "very unhealthy."
1 symptom leads to dad's cancer diagnosis: "I was like, 'Wait, what?'"
Eric Dillon thought the pain in his shoulder was a minor injury. It took two years to get the real answer.
World
More World
Trump says U.S. will grant Ukraine's request to license Patriot defense system
"A little birdie told me this, about the fact that we'll give them the right to make Patriots," President Trump told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Doctor with "lust for murder" convicted in deaths of 15 patients
The doctor allegedly killed 12 women and three men between 2021 and 2024. He allegedly set fire to some of the victims' apartments to cover up the killings.
Telegram used to share rape videos and drugging tips, prosecutors say
The suspects posted videos of their attacks and referred to women as "cars," sedatives as "fuel" and rape as "driving," according to court documents.
Live
Trump says Iran ceasefire over, "going to hit them hard again tonight"
Oil prices surge as President Trump says the ceasefire with Iran is over and the U.S. will "hit them hard again tonight."
U.S. rescinds waiver permitting Iranian oil sales after Iranian attacks on tankers
The Trump administration has revoked a waiver that allowed Iranian oil sales, a key source of revenue for the regime, after Iran attacked three tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
2026 Emmy nominations are announced: See the full list
The nominations for the 78th annual Primetime Emmy Awards were announced Wednesday morning in Los Angeles, with the final season of HBO Max's "Hacks" setting a new record for the most nominations in a single year for a comedy series.
Cristo Fernández on kid's book, loving soccer
"Ted Lasso" actor Cristo Fernández shares the inspiration behind his new children's book "Fútbol is Life!" The bilingual book draws on Fernández's childhood experiences growing up in Guadalajara and is "a love letter to the game" of soccer.
Restaurants rebound with "Kitchen Undercover"
Chef Antonia Lofaso helps struggling restaurants get back on track with her new show, "Kitchen Undercover." Lofaso joins "CBS Mornings" to explain how.
Prince Harry loses long legal battle against U.K. tabloid publisher
Prince Harry has lost his case against the publisher of the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday tabloids, with the top U.K. court dismissing claims of illegal information gathering.
Common on starring in "Silo" series
Common speaks to "CBS Mornings" about starring in the series "Silo," which is back for a third season. The Oscar, Emmy and Grammy Award winner reveals what drew him to his character. He also discusses recent performances, including at the BET Awards and the opening of the Obama Presidential Center.
Technology
More Technology
China warns of "security backdoor" in Anthropic AI coding tool
A Chinese industry regulator warned users of a "security backdoor" embedded in versions of U.S. artificial intelligence company Anthropic's coding tool, Claude Code.
Satellites search for wildfires from space
FireSat satellites, equipped with specialized cameras and imaging software, are helping detect wildfires from space. Muon Space CEO Jonny Dyer explains how the satellites could help firefighting efforts.
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.
Microsoft to cut more than 3,000 jobs from ailing Xbox unit
Microsoft moves to slash costs as the video game industry faces what the tech giant calls the "most severe hardware crisis in its history."
Why U.S. initially restricted Anthropic AI models
The Trump administration has lifted export restrictions on Anthropic's most advanced artificial intelligence models, Fable and Mythos, after weeks of negotiations over national security concerns. CNET Editor-in-Chief David Katzmaier joins to discuss.
Science
More Science
2,000-year-old gold rings and human bones found by archaeologists
Archaeologists have discovered eight human skeletons, bronze and gold jewelry and other artifacts indicating a ceremonial burial of wealthy people.
Telescope spots most distant quasars ever discovered
Quasars — the brightest objects in the universe — are powered by supermassive black holes at the heart of early galaxies.
The American innovation that made millions of others possible
From the lightbulb to the airplane, to medical breakthroughs and the internet age, the past 250 years have been defined by America's intrepid intellect.
New White House UFO panel chair speaks out
The White House appointed former Harvard University astronomer Avi Loeb to lead its new panel on Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena, also known as UAPs and UFOs. Loeb shares his enthusiasm for his new role.
3 futurists predict what America will be like in the centuries ahead
From space to healthcare and artificial intelligence, what could the next 250 years of the United States look like?
Crime
More Crime
Crime
Teen found dead near Mississippi island
The body of missing teen Nolan Wells was discovered off the coast of Horn Island, Mississippi, officials said. Wells was last seen with a group of friends days before.
Notorious boarding school loses license
Utah has revoked the license of Provo Canyon School's Springville Campus, a boarding school where Paris Hilton alleges she was abused. Usher Quraishi has more details.
Video emerges in Charlie Kirk murder trial
A new video has emerged in the trial of Tyler Robinson, the man suspected of killing Charlie Kirk. Robinson is expected back in court Wednesday. Carter Evans has the latest.
Doctor with "lust for murder" convicted in deaths of 15 patients
The doctor allegedly killed 12 women and three men between 2021 and 2024. He allegedly set fire to some of the victims' apartments to cover up the killings.
Telegram used to share rape videos and drugging tips, prosecutors say
The suspects posted videos of their attacks and referred to women as "cars," sedatives as "fuel" and rape as "driving," according to court documents.
Space
More Space
Telescope spots most distant quasars ever discovered
Quasars — the brightest objects in the universe — are powered by supermassive black holes at the heart of early galaxies.
Mission launched to rescue a falling space telescope
Katalyst Space's LINK spacecraft is designed to capture and boost NASA's Swift observatory back to a safe altitude.
NASA astronauts operate on space station's broken robot arm
The orbital surgery on the International Space Station returned the Canadian-built robot arm to full health after its "wrist" joint failed last month.
NASA prepares to launch rescue to save telescope from falling to Earth
The $30 million salvage operation gets underway as soon as this week with the planned launch of a robotic lifesaver.
Astronomers find 2 gigantic planets lighter than cotton candy
The featherweight pair — orbiting a star 1,110 light-years away — are the biggest exoplanets found to have less density than cotton candy.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
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.
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.
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
Argentina, Switzerland advance in World Cup
Argentina defeated Egypt 3-2 in their Round of 16 match, while Switzerland stunned Colombia 4-3 in penalty kicks to advance to the quarterfinals in the World Cup.
Trump takes questions on Iran war
President Trump addressed the war with Iran and the country's nuclear weapons program while taking questions from reporters on Wednesday at the NATO summit in Turkey. Mr. Trump claimed Iran's nuclear material is so far underground that no country besides the U.S. would be able to harvest it, and also spoke about trade relationships and rising prices in America.
Oil prices up after Trump says ceasefire over
President Trump called negotiations with Iran "a waste of time" and said the ceasefire with Iran is over, shocking the stock market and spiking gas prices in reaction to the renewed unrest in the Middle East. Kelly O'Grady has more.
Trump on more Iran strikes, ceasefire
President Trump spoke at the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, where he said the U.S. will possibly "hit Iran hard again tonight" following overnight strikes and an announcement that the ceasefire is over. CBS News' Weijia Jiang, Courtney Kealy and contributor Samantha Vinograd have more.
Teen found dead near Mississippi island
The body of missing teen Nolan Wells was discovered off the coast of Horn Island, Mississippi, officials said. Wells was last seen with a group of friends days before.