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.
Hawaii flooding prompts evacuation orders for more than 4,000 people
Honolulu officials said the Wahiawa dam is failing or expected to fail soon and residents nearby should evacuate.
CBS News Radio to shut down after nearly a century of broadcasting
CBS News announced Friday that CBS News Radio will be shutting down this spring after nearly 100 years of broadcasting, citing "challenging economic realities."
Getting ready to fly? Here are 3 ways to track TSA wait times.
Security lines are stretching up to 2 hours at some airports amid TSA staffing shortages. Here's how to check wait times before you leave.
Are the Trump administration's efforts to lower oil and gas prices working?
With gas closing in on $4 a gallon, the Trump administration is pulling multiple levers to tame energy prices. The results have been mixed.
DOJ seeks to drop case against ex-police officers charged in Breonna Taylor's death
Two former Louisville police officers were facing civil rights charges in connection with the 2020 shooting death of Breonna Taylor.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
CBS News Radio to shut down after nearly a century of broadcasting
CBS News announced Friday that CBS News Radio will be shutting down this spring after nearly 100 years of broadcasting, citing "challenging economic realities."
Getting ready to fly? Here are 3 ways to track TSA wait times.
Security lines are stretching up to 2 hours at some airports amid TSA staffing shortages. Here's how to check wait times before you leave.
Are the Trump administration's efforts to lower oil and gas prices working?
With gas closing in on $4 a gallon, the Trump administration is pulling multiple levers to tame energy prices. The results have been mixed.
Nearly 90,000 bottles of children's ibuprofen recalled across the U.S.
A pharmaceutical company issued the recall after receiving complaints of "gel-like mass and black particles" in the product, the FDA said.
U.S. shoppers should brace for impact of higher oil prices, experts say
Experts warn that surging energy costs are likely to ripple through U.S. supply chains, resulting in higher prices online and in stores.
Politics
More Politics
Senate fails to advance DHS funding bill for 5th time, with no deal in sight
Border czar Tom Homan is expected back on Capitol Hill later Friday for bipartisan talks.
Former Iran detainees fear Americans held in Iranian prisons face heightened danger
Siamak Namazi, who was released from Iran's Evin prison in 2023, said "it's important" that President Trump "hears that there are innocent Americans being held like we were as political pawns."
DOJ seeks to drop case against ex-police officers charged in Breonna Taylor's death
Two former Louisville police officers were facing civil rights charges in connection with the 2020 shooting death of Breonna Taylor.
Exclusive
U.S. preparing for potential use of ground troops in Iran
It is unclear under what circumstances President Trump would authorize the use of U.S. troops on the ground in Iran.
6 highlights from CBS News' interview with IAEA chief Rafael Grossi
The United Nations' top nuclear watchdog, IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi, told CBS News that Iran still has the technical ability to restart its nuclear program, even though U.S. military strikes dented the program.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Judge blocks parts of RFK Jr.'s vaccine agenda, including revised schedule
A judge blocked a set of changes to the childhood vaccine schedule recommended by allies of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, dealing a setback to the Trump administration's efforts to overhaul federal vaccine policy.
Changes in organ donor status can fall through cracks in the system
Patchwork state policies and limited federal oversight have led to a fragmented system for tracking organ donor status.
A dad's colon cancer spread to lungs. He says what happened next was a miracle.
Spencer Laird was diagnosed with colon cancer at 26. At 30, he was told it had returned and spread to his lungs, with one tumor the size of a golf ball.
Dr. Oz pledges to tackle hospice fraud: "Do not steal from the American people"
The Trump administration's Medicare boss reacts to CBS News investigation into California's hospice fraud problems.
Millions of Americans skip meals, stretch medication to afford health care
Even people with six-figure incomes are making financial sacrifices to pay for medical care, a new study finds.
World
More World
Former Iran detainees fear Americans held in Iranian prisons face heightened danger
Siamak Namazi, who was released from Iran's Evin prison in 2023, said "it's important" that President Trump "hears that there are innocent Americans being held like we were as political pawns."
Are the Trump administration's efforts to lower oil and gas prices working?
With gas closing in on $4 a gallon, the Trump administration is pulling multiple levers to tame energy prices. The results have been mixed.
Exclusive
U.S. preparing for potential use of ground troops in Iran
It is unclear under what circumstances President Trump would authorize the use of U.S. troops on the ground in Iran.
Mexican president says citizen deaths in U.S. custody "can't be happening"
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Friday condemned the deaths of three Mexican nationals in ICE custody this year.
NATO pulls several hundred personnel from Iraq amid Iran war
The announcement comes as NATO faces criticism from President Trump, who's seeking military assistance in securing the key Strait of Hormuz.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
CBS News Radio to shut down after nearly a century of broadcasting
CBS News announced Friday that CBS News Radio will be shutting down this spring after nearly 100 years of broadcasting, citing "challenging economic realities."
Bodycam video of Justin Timberlake's DWI arrest to be released
Bodycam video footage of Justin Timberlake's June 2024 DWI arrest on Long Island will be released to the media with redactions, court records show.
Chuck Norris dies at age 86
Action star Chuck Norris has died at age 86, his family announced Friday. CBS News' Mugo Odigwe reports.
Taylor Frankie Paul mugshot emerges
Reality TV star Taylor Frankie Paul's booking photo for an apparent incident in 2023 has emerged. Entertainment Tonight's Nischelle Turner joins with more details.
Chuck Norris, action icon and "Walker, Texas Ranger" star, dies at 86
Chuck Norris' family said his death at 86 was sudden, but did not share any details on the cause.
Technology
More Technology
Technology
AI version of Val Kilmer to star in new movie
Val Kilmer was originally set to star in "As Deep as the Grave" before he died last year, never shooting a scene of the movie. But Kilmer will still star in the film thanks to generative AI, which is artificial intelligence that can generate new content by analyzing existing content. Jo Ling Kent has more.
Risks of excessive screen time for adults
More than 80% of adults say they go online at least several times per day and research indicates that even adults' fully-formed brains can suffer negative consequences from excessive screen time. Dr. Sue Varma breaks down risks, tips to reduce your screen time and why adults are spending more time on screens.
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.
Inside NVIDIA's new chip
NVIDIA's GTC conference brought big crowds to Silicon Valley this week, with hundreds of companies showcasing products powered by NVIDIA's chips. Tim Werth, tech editor at Mashable, joins CBS News to discuss.
AI expert designs cancer vaccine for his dog
A tech entrepreneur in Australia, Paul Conyngham, said he used artificial intelligence to design a cancer vaccine for his dog Rosie. He joins CBS News with Páll Thordarson, director of the UNSW RNA Institute, who worked with Conyngham on the technology.
Science
More Science
Discovery of 1949 whale recording could unlock mysteries of ocean
The song is that of a humpback whale and was recorded by scientists in March 1949 in Bermuda, researchers said.
Sea levels higher than thought due to "methodological blind spot," study says
A new study in the journal Nature says most sea level rise research may have underestimated coastal water heights by an average of 1 foot.
NASA announces major overhaul of Artemis moon program "to take down risk"
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced significant changes to the agency's Artemis program, which aims to land on the moon in 2028.
What scientists will be looking for when government UFO files are released
Documents might help scientists shed light on unexplained phenomena and government secrets, experts said.
In a first, shark seen on camera in Antarctica waters, surprising researchers
A large shark was caught on camera for the first time in Antarctica's waters, surprising researchers. "There's a general rule of thumb that you don't get sharks in Antarctica," one said.
Crime
More Crime
Bodycam video of Justin Timberlake's DWI arrest to be released
Bodycam video footage of Justin Timberlake's June 2024 DWI arrest on Long Island will be released to the media with redactions, court records show.
Justice Department subpoenas James Comey
Federal prosecutors in Miami subpoenaed former FBI Director James Comey as part of a probe into Obama-era intelligence officials, two sources familiar with the investigation tell CBS News. Jake Rosen reports.
"American Nightmare" survivor Denise Huskins' new discovery exposes victim privacy loophole in California law
The failure to protect explicit case evidence in Denise Huskins' kidnapping and sexual assault case is driving reform at the State Capitol. New developments exposed a little-known gap in state law that could expose videos of sexual assault victims.
Derrick Thompson sentenced to nearly 59 years in prison
Several Minnesota families saw justice served on Thursday morning after five young women were killed in a high-speed crash two summers ago in Minneapolis.
Shocking discovery after man's disappearance
In the summer of 2013, Minnesota resident Gary Herbst seemingly disappeared. Years later, investigators made a startling discovery. Peter Van Sant has the story for "48 Hours."
Space
More Space
Repaired moon rocket heads back to launch pad for April 1 blastoff
After a trip back out to the launch pad, NASA's Artemis II rocket will be readied for a historic flight to the moon.
Video shows meteor streaking across the sky
A meteoroid was spotted streaking across the sky in 10 states. In some areas, there was also a loud boom, similar to an explosion. NASA says the meteor, which was traveling 45,000 mph in the sky, fragmented - causing the bright fireball and loud boom.
7-ton meteor identified as likely cause of boom heard across Ohio
Some residents immediately feared the sound was an explosion, according to CBS affiliate WOIO, but weather service officials say it appears to have been a meteor.
Bill Nye on going from Boeing to science guy
Bill Nye the Science Guy sits down with CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett to talk about his life and career.
NASA targets April 1 for moon mission launch
NASA's huge Space Launch System rocket has been repaired and is ready for rollout back to the launch pad next week.
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
Turning the Ship Around | Sunday on 60 Minutes
Shipbuilding in the United States has been in shambles due to decades of shortsighted policies and neglect. Today, the U.S. rolls out about three large cargo ships a year while China does around 1,000. The Trump administration has called this a national security crisis. Sunday.
Former Iran detainees share concerns amid war
Former Iran detainees Siamak Namazi and Emad Shargi, who were among five U.S. citizens freed in a 2023 high-stakes diplomatic deal, tell "Face the Nation" moderator Margaret Brennan that they're worried about Americans held in Iranian prisons as the U.S. war there continues. Watch their full panel discussion.
New report tracks declining global freedom
The Freedom House "Freedom in the World" report continues to track declining global liberties. Amy Slipowitz, the report's co-author, joins CBS News with more details.
Trump slams NATO as "cowards"
President Trump is doubling down on his comments against members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization regarding their unwillingness to join in the war against Iran. CBS News' Nancy Cordes reports.
Justice Department subpoenas James Comey
Federal prosecutors in Miami subpoenaed former FBI Director James Comey as part of a probe into Obama-era intelligence officials, two sources familiar with the investigation tell CBS News. Jake Rosen reports.