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.
Judge dismisses Trump's 2024 lawsuit against Iowa newspaper over poll results
An Iowa judge sided with pollster J. Ann Selzer and The Des Moines Register, saying that allowing the lawsuit and its "faulty" claims to proceed could "discourage others from reporting on and debating public affairs."
Dolly Parton's estate granted restraining order against her nephew over threats
A Tennessee judge granted Dolly Parton's estate a temporary restraining order Wednesday against the late singer's nephew Bryan Seaver and his private security company.
Tropical Storm Nolo forms in Pacific, Hawaii under hurricane watch
Nolo is expected to become a hurricane sometime Thursday, and could become a major hurricane by the weekend as it approaches Hawaii's Big Island.
Trump rolls out the red carpet for Xi despite U.S.-China tensions
It's not clear what specific goals President Trump wants to accomplish in his meeting with the Chinese leader.
Judge skeptical of Trump's White House ban on CNN, MS NOW and Politico
A federal judge signaled he is skeptical of President Trump's ban on CNN, MS NOW and Politico from White House grounds.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Disney is raising prices for Disney+ and Hulu. See the breakdown.
The price hikes for new subscribers are effective immediately. Existing subscribers' plans will go up next month.
Social Security tax hike "financially impossible" for many, expert says
Raising payroll taxes enough to stabilize Social Security could add thousands of dollars in annual costs, according to one analysis.
Mortgage rates top 7% for the first time since May 2024
As rates climb, more buyers are seeking riskier adjustable-rate mortgages, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.
Meta's Muse shopping agent is a hit, as AI commerce starts to take off
Meta's new AI tool now ranks at the top of the App Store. Some retail experts see a "natural evolution from search."
Andreessen Horowitz launches AI school as college alternative
One of Silicon Valley's most prominent venture investors is gearing its new tech academy toward aspiring entrepreneurs focused on building AI.
Politics
More Politics
Judge dismisses Trump's 2024 lawsuit against Iowa newspaper over poll results
An Iowa judge sided with pollster J. Ann Selzer and The Des Moines Register, saying that allowing the lawsuit and its "faulty" claims to proceed could "discourage others from reporting on and debating public affairs."
Trump rolls out the red carpet for Xi despite U.S.-China tensions
It's not clear what specific goals President Trump wants to accomplish in his meeting with the Chinese leader.
Cybercriminal group claims it stole FBI personnel and applicant data
A notorious cybercriminal group claims it breached the FBI on Monday and stole data about personnel and FBI applicants.
Judge skeptical of Trump's White House ban on CNN, MS NOW and Politico
A federal judge signaled he is skeptical of President Trump's ban on CNN, MS NOW and Politico from White House grounds.
These GOP candidates in tight races are calling for a quick end to Iran war
Some Trump-aligned candidates are calling for an end to the Iran war, even as Trump stands by his Iran strategy and has suggested escalation is possible.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Bone health and the "silent disease": 4 things women should know
In the latest episode of "Healthful," Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein, an orthopedic surgeon at Duke University School of Medicine, discusses what women should know about protecting their bones.
Even the smallest joys can help prevent suicide, researchers say
New research highlights common themes shared by people who found reasons to keep living through dark times.
First on CBS
JB Pritzker reveals GLP-1 use, pressed on possible presidential run
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker revealed to "CBS Mornings" that for the last two years he has been using a GLP-1 medication to lose weight.
Her son was dying, but his rare cancer made it difficult to get the right drug
As knowledge about genetics advances, some doctors say cancers should be defined by their mutations, not the tissues where they manifest.
Her postpartum symptoms wouldn't go away. A brain tumor was to blame.
Lisa Fasone's first pregnancy went smoothly. Then a rare health condition put her dreams of a second child on hold.
World
More World
Ambassador says son is fighting for his life after attack in West Bank
Neria Leiter, the son of Israel's ambassador to the U.S., Yechiel Leiter, was seriously injured in a car-ramming attack in the West Bank.
6 people killed in bear attacks in Siberia: "Under siege"
Prosecutors said they opened a probe into criminal negligence, accusing local officials of failing to control bear numbers.
El Niño could cause 451,000 more heat deaths compared to normal year, group says
Researchers project nearly half a million more heat-related deaths from June 2026 to February 2027 compared with a typical year, as a result of El Niño.
Wife of scholar detained in China wants Trump to press Xi to release him
Min Zin, a Myanmar scholar, has been held for more than 100 days at what human rights groups say is a "black site" in China.
Live
U.S., Iran hold first talks since June as Trump threatens annihilation
U.S. and Iranian delegations met on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly, rekindling diplomacy amid Trump's threat to "annihilate" the regime.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Dolly Parton's estate granted restraining order against her nephew over threats
A Tennessee judge granted Dolly Parton's estate a temporary restraining order Wednesday against the late singer's nephew Bryan Seaver and his private security company.
Ugly legal fight for Dolly Parton's estate
Members of Dolly Parton's family and team appear to be feuding over her estate. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul explains.
Disney is raising prices for Disney+ and Hulu. See the breakdown.
The price hikes for new subscribers are effective immediately. Existing subscribers' plans will go up next month.
Zibby Owens on living "between chapters"
Zibby Owens sits down with "CBS Mornings" to discuss her new book "Between Chapters: How I Started Over, Took Some Chances, and Found the Plot ."
"Lioness" star Michael Kelly on season finale
"Lioness" actor Michael Kelly sits down with "CBS Mornings" to discuss the season 3 finale of the popular series.
Technology
More Technology
Technology
AI leaders call for international cooperation
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei are among the artificial intelligence executives briefing the U.N. Security Council amid warnings about AI's possible threat to humanity. Fortune magazine reporter Eva Roytburg joins CBS News to discuss.
Meta set to launch camera-free smart glasses
Meta's smart glasses have sparked privacy concerns with some users recording people without their knowledge or consent. Now, the company is expected to launch a new pair of spectacles addressing those worries. Mashable tech editor Tim Werth joins CBS News with more.
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.
Trump to meet with China's XI over AI
President Trump has downplayed the threat posed by artificial intelligence amid growing calls for AI regulation. MIT professor and artificial intelligence expert Max Tegmark weighs in on Mr. Trump's planned meeting with China's Xi Jinping.
How a "swarm" of AI agents hacked a company
Experts are worried about the dangers of "swarms" of AI models coming together to accomplish a complex task for nefarious reasons. CBS News' Megan Cerullo breaks down what this means.
Science
More Science
Science
Neuroscientists grow human brain tissue in mice
Neuroscientists at Stanford University successfully grew human brain tissue inside mice in the hopes of further enabling the development of treatments for brain disorders. Stanford Medicine professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences Dr. Sergiu Pasca, who led the study, joins CBS News to break down the findings.
New species of wild cat discovered for first time in more than a century
Scientists have discovered a new species of wild cat for the first time in more than a century, a Bolivian researcher says.
Humpback whale seen grieving dead calf in rare footage
The footage shows a female humpback whale staying close to the dead calf as it lies motionless on the seafloor, touching it with its head and fin.
Remains of ancient warhorse given honorific burial discovered in Egypt
Archaeologists say they've discovered the remains of a likely ancient Egyptian warhorse given an honorific burial more than 3,000 years ago.
Anthropic CEO says "exponential" growth of AI is a "warning sign"
Artificial intelligence technology is developing at an "exponential" rate, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei told CBS News, calling the situation a "warning sign" for the industry that requires serious safeguards.
Crime
More Crime
Crime
Ugly legal fight for Dolly Parton's estate
Members of Dolly Parton's family and team appear to be feuding over her estate. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul explains.
Could Boise's "Unknown Wanderer" be linked to Chicago Tylenol murders?
Boise police have identified a man known as the "Unknown Wanderer" who was found dead in a church in 1982, and revealed a possible link to the Chicago Tylenol murders.
Hacking group says it breached FBI services
The notorious hacking group ShinyHunters claims it breached the FBI's job website. CBS News' Anna Schecter has more.
Call for Trump Jr., Hunter Biden probe
Some Republican senators want an investigation into the business dealings of both Donald Trump Jr. and Hunter Biden. CBS News' Nancy Cordes explains why.
Nolan Wells' family demands answers
An attorney for the family of Mississippi teen Nolan Wells is calling for the Department of Justice to step in after a grand jury declined to charge anyone in his drowning death. CBS News' Skyler Henry reports.
Space
More Space
NASA spacecraft discovers moon crater bigger than Roman Colosseum
Scientists have discovered a crater on the moon that's bigger than the Roman Colosseum, the result of a powerful impact two years ago.
NASA launches its Roman Space Telescope to explore the hidden universe
NASA's Roman Space Telescope launched shortly after daybreak from Kennedy Space Center and blazed toward an observation point 1 million miles away.
Roman Space Telescope promises 300-megapixel views of the cosmos
The $4.3 billion telescope is expected to discover tens of thousands of exoplanets while probing the nature of mysterious dark matter and energy.
First on CBS
Trump to honor Artemis II crew with nation's top space medal
President Trump plans to award the Congressional Space Medal of Honor to the crew of NASA's Artemis II mission in a ceremony Aug. 28.
NASA's Swift telescope will plunge toward Earth after rescue mission called off
The mission to save NASA's sinking space telescope has been called off, dooming the telescope to a fiery reentry later this year.
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.
Dolly Parton: An extraordinary life in pictures
Dolly Parton, the country music legend who became a feminist icon, has died at the age of 80. Here is a look back at her life in pictures.
Investigating the death of designer Sylvie Cachay
Sylvie Cachay was found dead in an overflowing bathtub at the exclusive Soho House in New York City on Dec. 9, 2010. A water leak at the hotel gave away a timeline that may have revealed her killer.
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.
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.
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Extended interview: Patrick Clancy
Patrick Clancy wrestles with grief and shares memories of his children in his first interview since his ex-wife Lindsay Clancy's murder trial ended without a verdict.
Bone Loss: A Silent Disease
About half of women over the age of 50 experience bone density loss, but most don't even know they have a problem. That's why Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein calls it a "silent disease." Dr. Wittstein has been at the forefront of understanding how joint pain and joint health evolve over a woman's lifetime. She tells Norah how you can reverse bone loss and what impact hormones have on bone density.
British Royal Air Force jet crashes in Wales
A video shows a British Royal Air Force jet struggling to gain altitude just before it crashed in Wales. The two pilots ejected in time and were treated for minor injuries. Leigh Kiniry reports.
8 attempted suicides during USS Lincoln deployment
According to a letter from the acting Navy secretary, there were eight attempted suicides by sailors in the USS Lincoln strike group during the vessel's 10-month deployment. Charlie D'Agata has more.
Chinese and Iranian presidents visit U.S.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian are both in the U.S., fulfilling diplomatic engagements as tensions remain high with both countries. Margaret Brennan has more.