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.
New bill would lower Social Security retirement age for some workers
Workers in physically demanding jobs should be able to collect full Social Security retirement benefits at age 60, a Michigan lawmaker says.
Netanyahu says "shame on you" to Mamdani, claims "Jews no longer feel safe"
Netanyahu's address to the U.N. marks the first time he has visited New York since Mamdani became mayor.
Why the bond market is freaking out, and what it means for your money
Investors are increasingly nervous about rising inflation, which could require the Federal Reserve to hike interest rates.
Iran war powers measure falls short in Senate, despite new GOP support
The Senate rejected a resolution aimed at limiting President Trump's war powers in Iran, though the Democrat-led effort picked up one new GOP supporter.
Mortgage rates are back above 7%. How much higher could they climb?
Rates are "far more likely to go up than down by the end of the year," a senior economist at Realtor.com told CBS News.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
New bill would lower Social Security retirement age for some workers
Workers in physically demanding jobs should be able to collect full Social Security retirement benefits at age 60, a Michigan lawmaker says.
Why the bond market is freaking out, and what it means for your money
Investors are increasingly nervous about rising inflation, which could require the Federal Reserve to hike interest rates.
Mortgage rates are back above 7%. How much higher could they climb?
Rates are "far more likely to go up than down by the end of the year," a senior economist at Realtor.com told CBS News.
Will an FDA crackdown curb access to cheaper GLP-1 weight-loss drugs?
The FDA has warned a major compounding pharmacy that it violated federal law by making copies of blockbuster weight-loss drugs in "inordinate amounts."
Small businesses roll the dice on Kalshi to manage their risks
Hundreds of small businesses are using the prediction market to hedge against a range of business risks, according to Kalshi. Here's how.
Politics
More Politics
Trump administration urges Supreme Court to revive third-country deportation policy
The Trump administration urged the Supreme Court to revive its policy of deporting some migrants to places other than their country of birth.
DOJ says it's moving to end more than 50 decades-old school desegregation cases
The Justice Department said Thursday it was seeking to end more than 50 long-standing consent decrees dating back decades that sought to curb unlawful racial segregation that was prevalent during the Jim Crow era.
Netanyahu says "shame on you" to Mamdani, claims "Jews no longer feel safe"
Netanyahu's address to the U.N. marks the first time he has visited New York since Mamdani became mayor.
Iran war powers measure falls short in Senate, despite new GOP support
The Senate rejected a resolution aimed at limiting President Trump's war powers in Iran, though the Democrat-led effort picked up one new GOP supporter.
California sheriff unlawfully seized ballots, state Supreme Court rules
The California Supreme Court ruled that Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco violated that state's election law by ordering his deputies to seize more than 650,000 ballots.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Will an FDA crackdown curb access to cheaper GLP-1 weight-loss drugs?
The FDA has warned a major compounding pharmacy that it violated federal law by making copies of blockbuster weight-loss drugs in "inordinate amounts."
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.
World
More World
Officer thwarted Ontario synagogue shooting despite life-threatening injuries
Constable Jeff Smith was shot several times, suffering wounds to his head and torso, but continued fending off the attack until a second officer arrived.
U.S. troops help Ecuador arrest dozens linked to ruthless cartel
The operation "was conducted jointly with U.S. troops and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)," Ecuador's interior minister said.
U.K. prime minister teases possible return of booze to soccer matches
British leader and soccer fan Andy Burnham told reporters a four-decade ban on alcohol in stadium bleachers at men's games is "discrimination."
Was Hitler behind niece's death? Documents raise questions about alibi
Newly unearthed records have cast doubt on Adolf Hitler's whereabouts at the time of his niece's suspicious 1931 death, Der Spiegel reported.
Israel's Netanyahu addresses U.N. as many leaders walk out
Benjamin Netanyahu focused on Iran, and on defending Israel's actions in Gaza and the West Bank amid condemnation from fellow leaders at the U.N.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Sylvester Stallone jokes about one of his wildest jobs before fame
Sylvester Stallone said he took a series of odd jobs to make ends meet before the bruised but unbowed Rocky Balboa.
Sylvester Stallone on cleaning lion cages
Sylvester Stallone took on a series of odd jobs to make ends meet before becoming a Hollywood legend. He tells correspondent Tracy Smith about one of his wildest gigs. Watch more of their conversation this weekend on "CBS Sunday Morning."
Kim Kardashian on "Team Moms: Baseball"
Kim Kardashian and the producers of "Love Island" teamed up to create "Team Moms: Baseball," a new reality show exploring the cutthroat world of elite kids' sports. Kim Kardashian and producer Natalie Ento sat down with "Entertainment Tonight" host Nischelle Turner to explain more.
First look at Taylor Swift's "Patient Zero"
"CBS Mornings" shares an exclusive first look at the video for Taylor Swift's new single, "Patient Zero."
Exclusive
Taylor Swift to debut "Patient Zero" music video at VMAs. Watch a preview.
Taylor Swift announced her new single "Patient Zero" earlier this week, saying she has been "impatiently waiting" to announce that it will be out on Friday.
Technology
More Technology
Technology
Andreessen Horowitz introduces AI school
The Horowitz Andreessen Academy is offering students a college alternative focused on artificial intelligence. CEO Gagan Biyani joins CBS News to discuss the revolutionary idea.
Rogue AI agent hacks government website
Australia says an OpenAI model hacked a government website containing health information. CBS News' Jo Ling Kent reports.
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.
Will Trump and Xi take on AI during visit?
More details on alarming cases involving rogue AI models are emerging as President Trump meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington, D.C. Meanwhile, calls for regulation are growing louder. CBS News contributor Patrick McGee joins with more.
OpenAI model hacked Australia healthcare site
Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is fuming after an OpenAI model hacked a government website in June. CBS News' Ramy Inocencio breaks down the details on the historic attack.
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
Officer thwarted Ontario synagogue shooting despite life-threatening injuries
Constable Jeff Smith was shot several times, suffering wounds to his head and torso, but continued fending off the attack until a second officer arrived.
U.S. troops help Ecuador arrest dozens linked to ruthless cartel
The operation "was conducted jointly with U.S. troops and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)," Ecuador's interior minister said.
Police accused of misusing Flock cameras
Concerns are growing over the potential misuse of automated license plate readers. Five police officers in Indianapolis are the latest to face criminal charges for allegedly using Flock cameras to track romantic partners and others.
Accused Nazi POW camp guard, 105, being investigated in Germany
The man is "accused of being an accessory to multiple murders through his activities there," prosecutors said.
Pittsburgh doctor attacked and killed while he slept, wife also stabbed
Dr. Idris Evans, a physician and medical director from UPMC Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh, was killed in an overnight stabbing.
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.
Nolo threatens Hawaii; nor'easter heads East
The U.S. is facing extreme weather across multiple regions, with Hawaii bracing for Tropical Storm Nolo and the East Coast preparing for a nor'easter. CBS News meteorologist Jessica Burch has the latest forecast.
Tillis on China and Iran
GOP Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina told "CBS Evening News" anchor Tony Dokoupil that he would like to see President Trump press Chinese President Xi Jinping about supporting Iran through oil purchases and by providing the regime with satellite targeting data. "If we want to build a relationship, a productive relationship with XI Jinping and China, we also have to hold them accountable for things that are just simply unacceptable," Tillis said.
Netanyahu defends Israel in U.N. speech
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended his country's military actions at the U.N. General Assembly on Thursday, with many diplomats walking out as he took the podium. CBS News' Olivia Gazis and Courtney Kealy join with analysis.
Andreessen Horowitz introduces AI school
The Horowitz Andreessen Academy is offering students a college alternative focused on artificial intelligence. CEO Gagan Biyani joins CBS News to discuss the revolutionary idea.