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.
Exclusive
Monk who led peace walk to D.C. tells CBS News peace "begins from within"
In an exclusive interview with CBS News, the Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara said the public support he received gives him hope for the future.
How did investigators recover Nancy Guthrie's doorbell footage?
Many are questioning how Nancy Guthrie's Google Nest surveillance footage was recovered days after officials said it was disconnected with no active subscription to store video.
Madison Chock and Evan Bates claim silver in ice dance at 2026 Winter Olympics
Madison Chock and Evan Bates claimed a silver medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics on Wednesday following a stunning free dance routine.
Some job-seekers are paying thousands of dollars just to land an interview
"Reverse recruitment" firms promise to cut the length of job searches in half and help connect candidates with employers.
Breezy Johnson has plans for her repaired gold medal
Team USA star skier Breezy Johnson talks with CBS News about her broken Olympic medal, a superstition, and what keeps her motivated on the slopes.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Some job-seekers are paying thousands of dollars just to land an interview
"Reverse recruitment" firms promise to cut the length of job searches in half and help connect candidates with employers.
Stellantis issues "do not drive" warning for cars with unrepaired air bags
Stellantis is telling owners of the affected vehicles not to drive them until a potentially dangerous air bag is replaced. See which models are affected.
Dispute over Cardi B's Super Bowl cameo roils prediction markets
Cardi B appeared during Bad Bunny's halftime show at the Super Bowl, but one prediction market says it's unclear whether she sang.
TikTok to launch local feed that taps users' geolocation data
The social media platform changed its privacy policy last month, inviting users to allow it to track their specific location.
Data center building boom stirs pushback in state and local politics
The Trump administration is trying to supercharge the race to dominate artificial intelligence by fast-tracking federal permits for data centers, but some local homeowners are raising concerns.
Politics
More Politics
Exclusive
Monk who led peace walk to D.C. tells CBS News peace "begins from within"
In an exclusive interview with CBS News, the Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara said the public support he received gives him hope for the future.
House votes to rescind Trump's Canada tariffs
The measure's passage is largely symbolic as it's likely to be vetoed by the president if it survives a Senate vote.
Trump says governors from both parties are invited to White House, except 2 Democrats
President Trump says nearly all governors are welcome at the White House for a formal meeting and dinner next week, though the Democratic governors of Maryland and Colorado are still being excluded.
Lawyer for lawmaker in video to troops threatens suit after failed charges
An attorney for one of the lawmakers who appeared in a video telling members of the military to reject "illegal orders" demanded that the federal prosecutors preserve records for a potential suit.
McConnell released from hospital after weeklong stay for "flu-like symptoms"
"He is feeling better and will be working from home this week on the advice of his doctors," Sen. Mitch McConnell's spokesman said.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Moderna says FDA refuses its application for new mRNA flu vaccine
The Food and Drug Administration is refusing to consider Moderna's application for a new flu vaccine made with mRNA technology, the company said.
What to know about a new study on coffee, tea and dementia risk
CBS News medical contributor Dr. Céline Gounder said the results of the study on coffee drinkers having lower risk of dementia should be taken "with a massive grain of salt."
Thousands of mothers were flagged to police over flawed drug tests at childbirth
The Marshall Project found more than 70,000 cases referred to law enforcement over allegations of substance use during pregnancy — and that's a significant undercount.
Obamacare sign-ups drop, but the extent won't be clear for months
Experts say Affordable Care Act sign-up data won't be clear until people who were enrolled have paid — or not — their new, often much higher, premiums.
Hospital flooded by Hurricane Helene to be rebuilt in another flood plain
Ballad Health, the nation's largest state-sanctioned hospital monopoly, plans to rebuild Unicoi County Hospital in Tennessee on land that two climate modeling companies say is at risk of flooding.
World
More World
Breezy Johnson has plans for her repaired gold medal
Team USA star skier Breezy Johnson talks with CBS News about her broken Olympic medal, a superstition, and what keeps her motivated on the slopes.
Rules of mysterious ancient board game decoded by AI, scientists say
The aim of the "deceptively simple but thrilling strategy game" was to hunt and trap the opponent's pieces in as few moves as possible, scientists said.
Lindsey Vonn shares update after 3rd surgery: "I'm making progress"
The 41-year-old American came out of retirement to compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics and crashed seconds into her downhill race on Sunday.
Russia says again it will abide by lapsed weapons treaty if U.S. does
Moscow reiterates willingness to adhere to expired nuclear weapons treaty, "as long as the United States does not exceed the aforementioned limits."
How Team USA's Maxim Naumov carried his parents' legacy onto the ice
A close family friend tells CBS News about the Olympic dream Team USA skater Maxim Naumov shared with his parents, and how "he did it."
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Entertainment
Fashion week kicks off in NYC
Fashion Week officially began on Wednesday in New York City. The top designers and brands are getting ready to showcase their fall and winter collections. CBS News contributor Lauren Sherman has more.
Actor James Van Der Beek dies at 48
Actor James Van Der Beek, known for his roles in "Dawson's Creek," "Varsity Blues" and more, has died at the age of 48, according to his publicist and a post from his wife on social media.
James Van Der Beek, "Dawson's Creek" star, dies at 48 after cancer diagnosis
"Dawson's Creek" and "Varsity Blues" star James Van Der Beek has died at 48 years old.
New York Fashion Week begins
New York Fashion Week is underway, with designers debuting looks for the Fall/Winter 2026 season. Claire Sulmers, the editor-in-chief and founder of Fashion Bomb Daily, joins with more.
Chappell Roan leaves Wasserman talent agency after his mentions in Epstein files
Chappell Roan says she's left her talent agency after its CEO, Casey Wasserman, was named in files related to late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Technology
More Technology
How did investigators recover Nancy Guthrie's doorbell footage?
Many are questioning how Nancy Guthrie's Google Nest surveillance footage was recovered days after officials said it was disconnected with no active subscription to store video.
TikTok to launch local feed that taps users' geolocation data
The social media platform changed its privacy policy last month, inviting users to allow it to track their specific location.
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.
Americans turn to AI for mental health advice
Millions of Americans are turning to AI for emotional therapy. A report in JAMA found about 13% of young people use AI chatbots for mental health advice. Dr. Sue Varma, a board-certified psychiatrist, explains what to know about safety, privacy and ethical standard concerns.
AI tech boom causes shortages
The demands of the artificial intelligence boom may be causing shortages in other sectors that help boost the U.S. economy. Shira Ovide, a technology reporter for The Washington Post, joins CBS News with more.
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
How did investigators recover Nancy Guthrie's doorbell footage?
Many are questioning how Nancy Guthrie's Google Nest surveillance footage was recovered days after officials said it was disconnected with no active subscription to store video.
Over 4,000 calls in 24 hours to Guthrie tip line
The FBI conducted searches along several Tucson roadways on Wednesday in its search for Nancy Guthrie. CBS News reporter Andres Gutierrez has the latest.
New details in Tumbler Ridge shooting
Police say a shooter killed at least nine people and injured dozens of others in shootings at a high school and a home in British Columbia, Canada. CBS News correspondent Shanelle Kaul has the latest.
Bitcoin's possible role in Nancy Guthrie case
A purported ransom note for Nancy Guthrie demanded payment in bitcoin. Ben Weiss, a crypto reporter for Fortune, joins with analysis.
Former FBI special agent on Guthrie case
Authorities released new surveillance video and photos showing a subject at Nancy Guthrie's doorstep the night she disappeared. Former FBI special agent Jeffrey Harp breaks down clues the new surveillance video reveals and discusses the latest on the investigation.
Space
More Space
New space station crew eager for Wednesday launch
The new crew will replace four station fliers who returned to Earth ahead of schedule last month due to a medical issue.
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.
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
Fashion week kicks off in NYC
Fashion Week officially began on Wednesday in New York City. The top designers and brands are getting ready to showcase their fall and winter collections. CBS News contributor Lauren Sherman has more.
Win for Dems who made "illegal orders" video
Sources say a federal grand jury has refused to indict six Democratic lawmakers who published a video last year telling members of the military that they must reject so-called "illegal orders." CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman has more.
Buddhist monk recounts 15-week peace walk
A group of Buddhist monks has reached Washington, D.C., concluding a 15-week walk that began in Texas with a simple message: Peace. Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara, who led the walk alongside his rescue dog Aloka, joins "The Takeout" to recount the experience.
Rep. Lynch on Clintons' Epstein testimony
Bill and Hillary Clinton are pushing to have their upcoming testimony before the House Oversight Committee on Jeffrey Epstein be made public. Democratic Rep. Stephen Lynch of Massachusetts, one of nine members of his party who voted to hold the former president in contempt of Congress, joins to discuss.
Little gleaned from Bondi's Epstein hearing
Attorney General Pam Bondi faced heated questioning on Wednesday from members of the House Judiciary Committee. Much of the sparring with lawmakers was over the Justice Department's handling of the Epstein files. CBS News congressional correspondent Nikole Killion has more.