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.
Treaty limiting US, Russian nuclear weapons expiring as leaders mull what's next
The last remaining nuclear treaty between the U.S. and Russia is set to expire Thursday, ending decades of arms control between the two countries with the largest nuclear arsenals.
Tesla, Waymo execs defend self-driving cars before Senate committee
"Right now we have the Wild West. I want to see some rules of the road," said Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal.
Millions of Americans face higher utility bills after rate hike approvals
Over 50 million Americans will face higher utility costs as a result of rate hikes approved in 2025, according to Powerlines.
Man who tried to shoot Trump at Florida golf course gets life in prison
Ryan Routh, the man convicted in a 2024 assassination attempt of President Trump at his Florida golf course, has been sentenced to life in prison.
Suspect in National Guard shooting in D.C. pleads not guilty
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, is accused of shooting two members of the West Virginia National Guard near the White House in November.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Millions of Americans face higher utility bills after rate hike approvals
Over 50 million Americans will face higher utility costs as a result of rate hikes approved in 2025, according to Powerlines.
Pinterest fired 2 engineers who built an internal layoff tracker
Pinterest says two engineers lost their jobs after writing custom scripts to identify employees who were cut in a recent round of layoffs.
Washington Post begins sweeping layoffs as it scales back news coverage
Martin Baron, former editor of The Post, told CBS News the scope of the paper's coverage will be "dramatically diminished" as a result of the cuts.
China banning hidden car door handles starting in 2027 due to safety concerns
China will ban hidden door handles on cars, commonly used on Tesla's electric vehicles and many other EV models, starting next year, due to safety concerns.
More companies are pointing to AI as they lay off employees
Although economists have generally downplayed the impact of artificial intelligence on jobs, some employers are highlighting their adoption of AI.
Politics
More Politics
Treaty limiting US, Russian nuclear weapons expiring as leaders mull what's next
The last remaining nuclear treaty between the U.S. and Russia is set to expire Thursday, ending decades of arms control between the two countries with the largest nuclear arsenals.
Tesla, Waymo execs defend self-driving cars before Senate committee
"Right now we have the Wild West. I want to see some rules of the road," said Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal.
Suspect in National Guard shooting in D.C. pleads not guilty
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, is accused of shooting two members of the West Virginia National Guard near the White House in November.
Democrats lay out demands for DHS funding, urging GOP to "get serious"
Democratic leaders outlined their demands for funding the Department of Homeland Security beyond next week.
Fulton County asks judge to return 2020 election records seized by FBI
Fulton County officials moved Wednesday to regain control of thousands of 2020 election records seized by federal agents last week.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Officials warn against drinking raw milk after baby dies from listeria
The New Mexico Department of Health said officials believe the baby contracted listeria after their mother drank raw milk during pregnancy.
5 ways to find affordable care without health insurance
Many Americans are expected to lose ACA or Medicaid coverage in the coming months and years, but doctors and researchers say there are still ways to find affordable care.
When health insurance costs more than the mortgage
As health care costs skyrocket and federal lawmakers pull back help on ACA insurance premiums, more middle-income families are facing tough choices on health care.
Extended Interview: Mel Robbins
In this web exclusive, author and podcaster Mel Robbins talks with Norah O'Donnell about "The Let Them Theory."
Book excerpt: "The Let Them Theory" by Mel Robbins
In her latest bestseller, the motivational speaker discusses how personal growth is only possible when you stop pouring energy into things you cannot control – which includes changing other people.
World
More World
Poland probing whether Epstein's "satanic circle" trafficked Polish girls
Polish leader Donald Tusk says his country will pore over the files for any evidence that Epstein's network trafficked women or girls from the country.
U.K. police investigating former ambassador to U.S. over Epstein ties
The Epstein files have yielded a police investigation, as former U.K. Ambassador to the U.S. Peter Mandelson is accused of sharing state secrets.
Cold and doubt in Ukraine as 2nd round of talks with Russia kick off
U.S., Russian and Ukrainian negotiators are back around a table for a second round of technical talks, but in Kyiv, Russian bombs bring suffering and skepticism.
Ex-Prince Andrew moves out of royal home amid new Epstein revelations
King Charles' disgraced brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor moves from his royal mansion to a private estate after appearing in newly released Epstein files.
U.S.-Iran talks set for Friday in Oman after drone and tanker incidents
The talks are expected to be held after the U.S. military said it shot down an Iranian drone and Iranian forces threatened to seize a U.S.-flagged vessel.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Entertainment
Ron Funches opens up about autism diagnosis
Actor and comedian Ron Funches talks to "CBS Mornings" about appearing on the reality show "The Traitors," how it led to his autism diagnosis and opening up to others about it.
2026 Super Bowl ads to look out for
Super Bowl advertisements are already making waves as companies seek a big win during the NFL's final football game of the season. Jeanine Poggi, the editor-in-chief at Ad Age, joins CBS News with more.
Susan Lucci on life after soap opera stardome
For decades, Susan Lucci starred in "All My Children." She speaks to "CBS Mornings" about her second memoir, which dives into her life after the soap opera series, the death of her husband and the resilience she found along the way.
Ransom note being investigated in Nancy Guthrie's disappearance, sheriff says
The sheriff says the note was sent to a local Arizona news station, which agreed not to report on it, following the disappearance of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie's mother, Nancy Guthrie.
Miranda Lambert sells entire music catalog
Country star Miranda Lambert's entire catalog now belongs to Sony Music Publishing Nashville and Domain Capital Group. Jem Aswad, executive editor for music at Variety, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
Technology
More Technology
Pinterest fired 2 engineers who built an internal layoff tracker
Pinterest says two engineers lost their jobs after writing custom scripts to identify employees who were cut in a recent round of layoffs.
More companies are pointing to AI as they lay off employees
Although economists have generally downplayed the impact of artificial intelligence on jobs, some employers are highlighting their adoption of AI.
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.
Tech executive breaks down AI agents
Scott Hanselman, vice president of developer community at Microsoft, joins CBS News to explain the difference between an LLM like ChatGPT and an AI agent. He also explains how AI agents could become assertive if given too much access.
AI agents are using a social media platform
Moltbook, a social media platform for AI agents to interact, is growing. The Verge senior AI reporter Hayden Field joins CBS News with more details.
Science
More Science
Scientists "quite surprised" to find one polar bear population thriving
After decades monitoring polar bears in Norway's far north, researchers say the animals have proven incredibly adaptable, but there are no guarantees for the future.
Mysterious dark matter seen in new map of distant galaxies
Dark matter doesn't absorb or give off light so scientists can't study it directly. But they can observe how its gravity warps and bends the star stuff around it.
Cow develops technique to scratch herself
"CBS Saturday Morning" learns more about Veronika, the clever cow who figured out multiple ways to scratch herself with a broom. It was the first time a cow was seen using a tool.
Almanac: January 18
"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.
Fossils found at Dinosaur National Monument, first excavation in 100 years
The Dinosaur National Monument, which is located on the border between Colorado and Utah, was last excavated in 1924.
Crime
More Crime
Crime
National Guard shooting suspect in court
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the man accused of shooting two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., last November, pleaded not guilty Wednesday to federal charges. CBS News correspondent Shanelle Kaul has more.
Ryan Routh sentenced to life in prison
Ryan Routh, the man accused of attempting to assassinate President Trump in 2024 during his campaign for a second term, has been sentenced to life in prison. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman has the latest.
Poland probing whether Epstein's "satanic circle" trafficked Polish girls
Polish leader Donald Tusk says his country will pore over the files for any evidence that Epstein's network trafficked women or girls from the country.
Man who tried to shoot Trump at Florida golf course gets life in prison
Ryan Routh, the man convicted in a 2024 assassination attempt of President Trump at his Florida golf course, has been sentenced to life in prison.
U.K. police investigating former ambassador to U.S. over Epstein ties
The Epstein files have yielded a police investigation, as former U.K. Ambassador to the U.S. Peter Mandelson is accused of sharing state secrets.
Space
More Space
Space
What led NASA to delay Artemis II launch
NASA's first crewed moon mission in more than 50 years has been delayed until March at the earliest. During a routine dress rehearsal of the launch, persistent liquid hydrogen leaks were discovered in the Artemis II rocket. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood breaks it down.
NASA hopes to fix Artemis II moon rocket leak with on-pad repair
NASA plans to test the planned leak repair with a second dress rehearsal fueling test later this month.
NASA delays Artemis II launch
NASA delayed the Artemis II moon rocket launch after a hydrogen leak was found during a wet dress rehearsal, the agency announced Tuesday. CBS News senior space consultant Bill Harwood has the latest.
NASA begins mission to map the boundaries of our heliosphere
A NASA mission is underway to map the heliosphere, which is a huge protective bubble around the solar system that was created by the sun.
NASA moon launch off until March due to issues during tests
NASA says it can't try until March at the earliest to send a crewed spacecraft on a flight around the moon and back, due to hydrogen leaks during testing of the Artemis II 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.
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?
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
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
National Guard shooting suspect in court
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the man accused of shooting two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., last November, pleaded not guilty Wednesday to federal charges. CBS News correspondent Shanelle Kaul has more.
Inside the courtroom as Ryan Routh sentenced
Ryan Routh received a life sentence Wednesday for his 2024 assassination attempt on Donald Trump. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman has more.
Trump says he had excellent call with Xi
President Trump said Wednesday morning that he had an "excellent telephone conversation" with Chinese President Xi Jinping. CBS News' Ed O'Keefe has more.
Ryan Routh sentenced to life in prison
Ryan Routh, the man accused of attempting to assassinate President Trump in 2024 during his campaign for a second term, has been sentenced to life in prison. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman has the latest.
Fulton County requests seized documents
Fulton County officials are demanding the return of all 2020 election documents seized by the FBI last week. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul has more.