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.
ChatGPT now has a space for sharing medical records. Should you?
OpenAI announced a dedicated space in ChatGPT for sharing medical records, Health in ChatGPT. Health and AI experts lay out the pros and cons.
SpaceX's Super Heavy-Starship blasts off on 13th test flight
An upgraded version of the world's most powerful rocket is key to landing NASA astronauts on the moon in the agency's Artemis program.
Trump orders signs placed outside Smithsonian warning of "inaccurate" information
President Trump ordered federal officials to install signs outside the National Museum of American History that correct what he says is "inaccurate" information presented by the institution about American history.
Canada's Doug Ford on why country needs to "fight back" against Trump trade war
"We didn't start this war," Ontario Premier Doug Ford told CBS News on "The Takeout."
Tony Romo arrested in Wisconsin on suspicion of driving while intoxicated
The Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office said Romo was pulled over around 6 p.m. on Thursday.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Paramount to delay Warner Bros. merger until as late as June 2027
Paramount Skydance on Friday said it would delay the deal until as late as June 2027.
Trump says U.S. to investigate EU trade practices over tech company fines
President Trump accused the European Union of "robbing" American companies and taxpayers.
Here is how cyclospora outbreak is affecting businesses
Visits to fast casual restaurants with lettuce-heavy menus are seeing declining foot traffic in the wake of the cyclosporiasis outbreak.
Ford recalls more than half a million Bronco vehicles over engine fire risk
A short circuit in the engine compartment can potentially cause a fire. Here's the fix.
Here are the new tariff rates on dozens of countries targeted by Trump
President Trump announced new tariffs of up to 12.5% to replace expiring Section 122 levies. Here are the rates for each country.
Politics
More Politics
Maine Democrats meet to select Senate nominee to replace Graham Platner
Maine Democrats are gathering Saturday to select a Senate nominee to replace Graham Platner on the ballot, with former state Senate President Troy Jackson poised to secure the nomination.
Substance in work van of man killed by ICE tested negative for drugs, prosecutor says
A substance found in the work van of a Mexican immigrant killed by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent has tested negative for illicit drugs, the top prosecutor in Houston said Friday.
Trump orders signs placed outside Smithsonian warning of "inaccurate" information
President Trump ordered federal officials to install signs outside the National Museum of American History that correct what he says is "inaccurate" information presented by the institution about American history.
Trump flew from Turkey on older plane after credible threat from Iran and proxies
President Trump departed the NATO summit in Turkey on an old Air Force One jet following a credible threat from Iran and allied proxy groups, U.S. officials told CBS News.
Canada's Doug Ford on why country needs to "fight back" against Trump trade war
"We didn't start this war," Ontario Premier Doug Ford told CBS News on "The Takeout."
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
ChatGPT now has a space for sharing medical records. Should you?
OpenAI announced a dedicated space in ChatGPT for sharing medical records, Health in ChatGPT. Health and AI experts lay out the pros and cons.
Here is how cyclospora outbreak is affecting businesses
Visits to fast casual restaurants with lettuce-heavy menus are seeing declining foot traffic in the wake of the cyclosporiasis outbreak.
"The child is terrified": Doctors on front lines of measles comeback speak out
Confirmed measles cases in the U.S. just hit a 35-year high, and it's only July.
Cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce expands to 4 more states
The cyclosporiasis outbreak, the nation's largest, is currently affecting nine states.
FDA investigating new cyclospora outbreak
U.S. health officials said they are investigating an additional outbreak of cyclospora, but do not know its source. Plus, Taylor Farms has reportedly shut down the plant where lettuce is suspected to have started the initial outbreak that has sickened thousands in at least 41 states. Carter Evans reports.
World
More World
India education minister resigns after weeks of "Cockroach" protests
India's education minister resigned Saturday after weeks of protests that demanded his removal over irregularities in the education system.
Trump flew from Turkey on older plane after credible threat from Iran and proxies
President Trump departed the NATO summit in Turkey on an old Air Force One jet following a credible threat from Iran and allied proxy groups, U.S. officials told CBS News.
Canada's Doug Ford on why country needs to "fight back" against Trump trade war
"We didn't start this war," Ontario Premier Doug Ford told CBS News on "The Takeout."
Costa Rica captures top fugitive "Diablo," wanted by U.S.
Alejandro Arias-Monge, 41, had a $500,000 U.S. bounty on his head for alleged drug trafficking.
Meet the "Steel Warriors" melting down knives to empower British teens
A charity is turning thousands of knives taken off London streets into a new type of weapon to counter youth violence: Free outdoor gyms.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Paramount to delay Warner Bros. merger until as late as June 2027
Paramount Skydance on Friday said it would delay the deal until as late as June 2027.
Tilly Norwood's creator insists the AI actor is creating Hollywood jobs
The robot actor is generating work for Hollywood creatives, not stealing jobs from actors, her inventor tells CBS News.
From the archives: Legendary late-night producer Peter Lassally
Peter Lassally, the fabled TV executive for such late-night hosts as Johnny Carson and David Letterman, and a mentor for many rising comedians, died July 19, 2026 at age 93. In this March 11, 2018 "Sunday Morning" profile, correspondent Mo Rocca talked with Lassally (affectionately dubbed "The Host Whisperer") about working with the kings of late-night. Lassally also talks about his childhood, part of which was spent in Nazi concentration camps, and also about whether he has had joy in his life.
Aisha Tyler on "Criminal Minds" journey
"Criminal Minds" star Aisha Tyler was only supposed to be in six episodes of the show, but her journey on the series has now spanned over a decade. She tells "CBS Mornings" how her role has impacted her in real life and what it was like to work with guest star Connor Storrie from "Heated Rivalry."
James Norton talks "House of the Dragon"
Actor James Norton describes what it is like to play a villain in "House of the Dragon," which is a prequel to "Game of Thrones" and reveals which scene made him nearly faint during shooting.
Technology
More Technology
ChatGPT now has a space for sharing medical records. Should you?
OpenAI announced a dedicated space in ChatGPT for sharing medical records, Health in ChatGPT. Health and AI experts lay out the pros and cons.
Lawmakers weigh AI "kill switch"
Days after OpenAI revealed one of its models went rogue and hacked into another company's servers, House lawmakers are considering a bill that would allow the federal government to effectively shut down models that may put the public at risk. Jo Ling Kent explains.
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.
How to save on your next laptop amid AI boom
As the back-to-school shopping season begins, you can expect to pay more for certain items, like laptops, due to shortages stemming from artificial intelligence. Brian Westover, principal hardware writer for PCMag, joins CBS News to discuss how you can save money.
Study: ChatGPT solved complex cybersecurity task
New research from a cybersecurity company now indicates that artificial intelligence models are getting better at solving multi-part problems. Gabriel Bernadett-Shapiro, who worked on the project and is a distinguished AI research scientist at SentinelOne, joins to unpack his team's research.
Science
More Science
Science
Wildfire smoke continues to shroud U.S.
Millions of people are enduring dangerous air quality as Canadian wildfire smoke shrouds the skies. Jonathan Overpeck, dean of the School for Environment and Sustainability at the University of Michigan, explains how climate change is worsening wildfires.
How AI data centers impact the environment
New York has become the first state to impose a temporary moratorium on data center development while state lawmakers lay the groundwork to assess environmental and social impacts. Dr. Mike Weinstein, the director of sustainability at Southern New Hampshire University, explains what we know about the wider environmental impact data centers.
Russian Soyuz rocket launches fresh crew to space station
The new crew will replace three other Soyuz fliers wrapping up a 240-day stay aboard the International Space Station.
Astronomer's name deciphered from ancient Mayan ruins for first time
The name "White-chested Fox" was found in drawings dating from 400 BC to 900 AD at the San Bartolo-Xultun archaeological site.
Disclosure Foundation head on new UFO files
The Pentagon on Friday released a new batch of UFO files, spanning 19 videos and more. Jordan Flowers, executive director of the Disclosure Foundation, joins CBS News to discuss.
Crime
More Crime
Crime
WHCA scholarship recipients relive shooting
Kaitlin Bender-Thomas and Madison Maynard, two White House Correspondents' Association scholarship recipients, join "The Daily Report" to reflect on April's terrifying shooting ahead of the rescheduled dinner.
High security for correspondents' dinner
The White House Correspondents' Dinner will have a redo in Washington, D.C., on Friday night, after the original event was interrupted in April when a gunman stormed in. It'll be a scaled-down event with scaled-up security. Nicole Sganga reports.
Georgia school shooting suspect pleads guilty
Nearly two years after a school shooting at Georgia's Apalachee High School, a 16-year-old pleaded guilty to killing two fellow students, two teachers and wounding nine other people in Georgia. Jericka Duncan reports.
Judge to decide on D4vid's murder trial
A judge is set to decide whether to move forward with a jury trial of singer D4vid in the case of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez's murder after the doctor who performed her autopsy delivered a disturbing testimony in a preliminary hearing. Adam Yamaguchi has more.
Upper West Side double stabbing suspect facing hate crime charges
The suspect in Thursday's double stabbing on New York City's Upper West Side has been charged with attempted murder as a hate crime, among other things.
Space
More Space
SpaceX's Super Heavy-Starship blasts off on 13th test flight
An upgraded version of the world's most powerful rocket is key to landing NASA astronauts on the moon in the agency's Artemis program.
Meteorite that hit home contains "alien world chemistry," experts say
When scientists examined the preserved fragments of a meteorite that crashed in 2024, they found brine-like fluids and key molecules.
Russian Soyuz rocket launches fresh crew to space station
The new crew will replace three other Soyuz fliers wrapping up a 240-day stay aboard the International Space Station.
Astronomers discover sugar in space that's also found in raspberries
The sugar, called erythrulose, lurks in what's called the interstellar medium: thin clouds of gas and dust littered between stars.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Trump speaks at correspondents' dinner
President Trump attended and spoke at the rescheduled White House Correspondents' Dinner on Friday night at the Waldorf Astoria in Washington, D.C. The April correspondents' dinner was disrupted by an active shooter.
How a man's daily routine saved his life
At the Shrimp Basket restaurant in Pensacola, Florida, a customer consistently ordered a cup of gumbo for lunch and for dinner for 10 years. When he didn't show up one week, the chef went to his house to check on him. Steve Hartman goes "On the Road" with the story, months later.
SpaceX launches 13th test of Starship rocket
SpaceX on Friday launched the 13th flight test of its Starship V3 rocket. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood has the latest.
WHCA scholarship recipients relive shooting
Kaitlin Bender-Thomas and Madison Maynard, two White House Correspondents' Association scholarship recipients, join "The Daily Report" to reflect on April's terrifying shooting ahead of the rescheduled dinner.
How Jordan became a target in the Iran war
Since the Iran war began in February, Jordan has largely avoided the kind of onslaught Tehran has aimed at places like Kuwait, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. With recent attacks, and one that killed three U.S. soldiers, that's changed. CBS News senior national security correspondent Charlie D'Agata examines why.