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.
SpaceX shows strong growth in its first earnings report since IPO
Elon Musk's rocket, satellite and AI provider reported quarterly revenue of $7.8 billion, topping Wall Street forecasts.
Chipotle removes jalapenos linked to Minnesota salmonella outbreak
The restaurant chain said it pulled the peppers and replaced them with product from another grower amid a food-poisoning probe.
FBI not conducting civil rights probe into ICE shooting in Maine, sources say
The deadly encounter between an ICE officer and Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero on July 13 in Biddeford, Maine, is the latest in a growing string of clashes between civilians and ICE agents.
House Ethics probing Rep. Max Miller for alleged domestic violence, drug use
The House Ethics Committee announced that it is opening a probe into allegations that Rep. Max Miller may have engaged in domestic violence or drug use.
Dow soars 900 points on strong corporate profits, hopes of Iran deal
Stocks notched new record highs on Tuesday as oil prices dipped and companies reported healthy profits.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
SpaceX shows strong growth in its first earnings report since IPO
Elon Musk's rocket, satellite and AI provider reported quarterly revenue of $7.8 billion, topping Wall Street forecasts.
Chipotle removes jalapenos linked to Minnesota salmonella outbreak
The restaurant chain said it pulled the peppers and replaced them with product from another grower amid a food-poisoning probe.
Dow soars 900 points on strong corporate profits, hopes of Iran deal
Stocks notched new record highs on Tuesday as oil prices dipped and companies reported healthy profits.
More adult children live at home now than during the pandemic
One woman in her mid-30s said her $60,000 annual income wasn't enough to cover all her bills after a breakup, leading her to move back home.
"Peanut butter" pay raises are out, as employers shift to merit hikes
Here's what employees can expect for a raise in 2027 as companies move away from broad-based pay increases.
Politics
More Politics
Mike Lindell stepping down as MyPillow CEO to focus on Minnesota governor's race
Mike Lindell is stepping down as CEO of MyPillow to focus on his campaign for governor of Minnesota, the company announced Tuesday.
FBI not conducting civil rights probe into ICE shooting in Maine, sources say
The deadly encounter between an ICE officer and Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero on July 13 in Biddeford, Maine, is the latest in a growing string of clashes between civilians and ICE agents.
House Ethics probing Rep. Max Miller for alleged domestic violence, drug use
The House Ethics Committee announced that it is opening a probe into allegations that Rep. Max Miller may have engaged in domestic violence or drug use.
Behind closed doors, Trump, White House aides hope Rep. Max Miller exits race
Some White House officials hope embattled GOP Rep. Max Miller exits his congressional race immediately, and President Trump has expressed a similar sentiment, multiple sources say.
Pirro brought box of evidence to show Trump what caused Reflecting Pool damage
U.S. Attorney for D.C. Jeanine Pirro was seen with a large box as she left the White House Monday after her meeting with President Trump.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
HealthWatch
Michigan reports 2 cyclosporiasis deaths
Two people have died of cyclosporiasis in Michigan, officials said Monday, as the state battles the worst outbreak of the disease in the country. Carter Evans has the details.
Michigan health officials report 2 deaths among cyclosporiasis cases
Two Michigan residents who had "significant underlying health conditions" have died after contracting cyclosporiasis, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said.
RFK Jr., Oz blame ACA enrollment drop on fraud, but experts cite rising costs
Rising premiums forced many people in Affordable Care Act plans to give up their coverage. But the Trump administration claims a huge drop in enrollment is almost entirely due to its fraud crackdown.
She went to "hell and back" for a diagnosis. Then her sister showed symptoms.
Megan Kaverman's weight gain, fatigue, high blood pressure and other symptoms were dismissed for years before she was diagnosed with a rare heart disease.
Peptide vendor sentenced for "trail of harm"
A federal judge sentenced the owner of a peptide company to nearly 6 years in prison for deceiving customers and selling products adulterated with steroids, citing a "trail of harm." Adam Yamaguchi reports.
World
More World
Nazi ships, mammoth bones emerge as Danube River dries up
Water levels on the Danube River have dropped so low that dozens of World War II German battleships – and even the remains of an ancient woolly mammoth — are emerging into view.
Dramatic photos show lava spewing from Fuego volcano in Guatemala
Guatemalan officials on Monday began evacuating two villages near the Fuego volcano due to the ongoing eruption.
Gaza holds mass funeral for extended family recovered from wartime rubble
Authorities described this as the Gaza Strip's biggest mass funeral since the war began, mourning dozens of people, including women and children, recently recovered from the rubble.
Serviceman kills 3 civilians, 1 soldier in Russian-held Crimea
A serviceman in Russian-held Crimea opened fire on fellow soldiers and civilians, killing four people and wounding four, officials said.
WWII explosives detonate in France amid wildfires: "Sound of war"
The munitions, both German and French, consist mainly of mortar shells, along with some high-explosive anti-tank shells.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Entertainment
Ariana Grande on her plans to take break
One day after announcing she'll step back from the spotlight after her tour ends, Ariana Grande spoke directly to fans at Monday night's show in Chicago. The singer said the decision was her own and "was made from a thoughtful and empowered place."
Jordan Roth talks "The Shards"
Tony Award-winning producer Jordan Roth talks about starring in the "The Shards" and describes what it was like to go from behind the scenes on Broadway to making his major on-screen acting debut.
Hollywood on hot streak at the box office
"Spider-Man: Brand New Day" leapt straight to the top of the box office this weekend. Its $360 million opening weekend debut is the biggest in U.S. history. Marlow Stern, chief correspondent at Variety, joins CBS News to discuss all the latest movie news.
"My Favorite Person" takes over socials
A social media trend encouraging users to share what they love about their favorite person is bringing light to TikTok and other platforms.
Ariana Grande to step out of public eye
A representative for pop star Ariana Grande says the singer is planning to step out of the public eye after wrapping her ongoing Eternal Sunshine Tour amid "endless, ongoing public scrutiny." Grande has also dropped out of the London-based musical "Sunday in the Park with George," which is set to open next year.
Technology
More Technology
SpaceX shows strong growth in its first earnings report since IPO
Elon Musk's rocket, satellite and AI provider reported quarterly revenue of $7.8 billion, topping Wall Street forecasts.
Top AI execs may meet with Trump officials
Top executives from leading artificial intelligence companies are set to meet with White House officials, according to media reports. Ian Krietzberg, an AI correspondent for Puck News, has 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 administration finalizes AI framework, official says
The order asks AI companies to share previews of powerful new models with the government before they are released to the public.
U.S. probes cyberattack on water systems
Lauryn Williams, the deputy director and senior fellow of the Strategic Technologies Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, joins to discuss the U.S. probe into Iran possibly targeting water systems in Michigan and Minnesota.
Science
More Science
Dramatic photos show lava spewing from Fuego volcano in Guatemala
Guatemalan officials on Monday began evacuating two villages near the Fuego volcano due to the ongoing eruption.
Rare footage of humpback whale birth captured on drone video
The footage is believed to be only the fourth complete humpback whale birth ever recorded on film anywhere in the world and the first-ever captured by drone.
Rare video shows humpback whale birth
A photographer operating a drone off the coast of Australia captured a humpback whale giving birth. It's believed to be the first time such a birth has been recorded by a drone.
How plants feel
Science shows us that, even though plants don't have brains, they seem to have a nervous system that responds to touch in remarkable ways. Robert Krulwich and puppeteer Barnaby Dixon explore the science of thigmomorphogenesis (the phenomenon of plants reacting to outside stimulae), a discussion that plants the seeds for a song.
Nearly 30 beluga whales sent to the U.S.
Nearly 30 beluga whales were sent to aquariums across the U.S. in a multinational emergency operation after their home aquarium in Canada shuttered. Jared Ochacher reports.
Crime
More Crime
Crime
Police actions in Guthrie case under scrutiny
The Wall Street Journal's Valerie Bauerlein joins CBS News to discuss her reporting on crucial missteps made by authorities in the days following the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, mother of "Today" show host Savannah Guthrie.
Officials give update on Spokane fire arrest
A man is under arrest for allegedly setting one of three major wildfires in the Spokane, Washington, area. Meanwhile, thousands have been evacuated from the area as fires rage. KREM reporter Regan Gallo has more.
Testimony continues in Lindsay Clancy trial
Law enforcement officials and medical personnel continued testimony on Day 6 of Lindsay Clancy's murder trial. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul has the latest.
Washington wildfires devastate Spokane
Officials arrested a man on suspicion of arson as the Spokane, Washington, area battles multiple fires. Fire crews are working around the clock to contain the massive blazes. CBS News' Kris Van Cleave reports.
Arson arrest amid Washington fires
Police arrested a man in connection with one of three devastating wildfires charring homes, businesses and nature in Washington State. CBS News' Bradley Blackburn has more.
Space
More Space
Wayward SpaceX rocket to slam into moon, leave 16-foot-deep crater
The impact will not be visible to the naked eye, but photos are expected to come from a lunar satellite at a later time.
Russian Soyuz brings three home after 8 months at space station
The Soyuz MS-28 landing in Kazakhstan brought a 241-day stay in space to a successful conclusion.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
SpaceX rocket set to collide with moon
A SpaceX rocket weighing more than 8,000 pounds is set to hit the moon Wednesday in a rare man-made collision with the lunar surface. CBS News' Mark Strassmann has the story.
Police actions in Guthrie case under scrutiny
The Wall Street Journal's Valerie Bauerlein joins CBS News to discuss her reporting on crucial missteps made by authorities in the days following the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, mother of "Today" show host Savannah Guthrie.
Michigan health official on cyclospora outbreak
More than 22,000 cases of the food-borne illness cyclosporiasis have been reported across 45 states. Adrienne Walling, prevention specialist for the Washtenaw County Health Department in Michigan, joins CBS News to discuss.
14 hurt in NYC subway fire
Smoke billowed from the Astor Place subway station after a maintenance train caught fire, New York City officials said. 14 people were injured, largely due to smoke inhalation. CBS News' Andrew Ramos reports.
Officials give update on Spokane fire arrest
A man is under arrest for allegedly setting one of three major wildfires in the Spokane, Washington, area. Meanwhile, thousands have been evacuated from the area as fires rage. KREM reporter Regan Gallo has more.