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.
This week on "Sunday Morning" (Sept. 20)
A look at the features for this week's broadcast of the Emmy-winning program, hosted by Jane Pauley.
FAA says Trump arch will not interfere with D.C. airport flight path
The Federal Aviation Administration approved President Trump's plans for a triumphal arch across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C.
Use of AI backfires on an expert witness at trial: "They have biases"
The use of artificial intelligence in the courtroom is drawing fresh attention after an expert witness in a multimillion-dollar lawsuit used ChatGPT to help create his report.
Twins conjoined at the head are separated in 25-hour surgery
The twins were born in Ethiopia with a rare condition that left them joined at the head. Doctors spent a year planning a separation surgery.
First on CBS
Senator urges Trump to press Xi on Chinese info Iran may be using to target troops
Democratic Sen. Elissa Slotkin urged President Trump to make this issue a "centerpiece of your talks with President Xi."
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
AI security experts say they used Claude to hack ChatGPT
Cybersecurity researchers said they were able to use Anthropic's Claude AI platfom to penetrate ChatGPT in "less than 72 hours."
195,000 heated blankets recalled after dozens of burn injuries
The manufacturer has received hundreds of reports of blankets "smoking, melting or burning" due to overheating, according to a recall notice.
Warren Buffett stepping aside as Berkshire Hathaway chairman
Warren Buffett is stepping aside as Berkshire Hathaway chairman, he announced in a letter to shareholders Friday.
No relief in sight for U.S. drivers as gas and diesel prices surge
The Iran war and Russia-Ukraine conflict are knocking out global refining capacity, pushing fuel prices higher, analysts said.
What the Fed's rate hike reveals about Warsh, Trump and inflation
The Fed's first rate hike in more than three years underscores the challenge of taming inflation as the Iran war drags on.
Politics
More Politics
FAA says Trump arch will not interfere with D.C. airport flight path
The Federal Aviation Administration approved President Trump's plans for a triumphal arch across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C.
First on CBS
Senator urges Trump to press Xi on Chinese info Iran may be using to target troops
Democratic Sen. Elissa Slotkin urged President Trump to make this issue a "centerpiece of your talks with President Xi."
Pentagon releases UFO files with documents on secretive military program
The Pentagon on Friday released a new group of files about unidentified anomalous phenomena, or UAP or UFOs, including a batch of documents regarding a mysterious military program studying aerospace threats.
Live
2 ships attacked in Strait of Hormuz as Trump grapples with his next move
Following more attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, Trump said he'll make a "big decision" on whether to "annihilate" Iran's leadership.
First on CBS
Trump ordered DOJ not to appeal ruling loosening gun limits, sources say
President Trump ordered the Justice Department not to appeal a court ruling that loosened restrictions on firearms known as "gangster weapons," sources familiar with the matter told CBS News.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Twins conjoined at the head are separated in 25-hour surgery
The twins were born in Ethiopia with a rare condition that left them joined at the head. Doctors spent a year planning a separation surgery.
Exclusive
Porsha Williams reveals health emergency: "It all happened so fast"
Porsha Williams revealed to "CBS Mornings" co-anchor Gayle King that she had to undergo an emergency partial hysterectomy this year after doctors discovered 21 uterine fibroids
Conjoined twins separated in Ethiopia
Two-year-old conjoined twin sisters saw each other face-to-face for the first time after a successful 24-hour surgery to separate them. Ian Lee reports from the children's hospital in St. Louis, where it happened.
1 in 3 Americans with health insurance have medical debt, survey finds
Nearly half of Americans with medical debt owe at least $2,000, forcing them to make tough choices, new research shows.
How Olympian Aly Raisman learned to advocate for her own health
In the latest episode of "Healthful," Olympic gold medalist Aly Raisman discusses what she's learned about speaking up for herself and taking care of her body.
World
More World
Trump touts plan for new U.S. base as Poland warns of risks from Russia
Trump touts "major progress" on plans for a permanent U.S. Army base in Poland as the country's leader warns Russia's war on Ukraine could hit NATO soil.
First on CBS
Princess Diana's brother claims Charles sounded "elated" after she died
Princess Diana's brother claims in his book that then-Prince Charles "sounded giddily elated" right after his ex-wife died in a Paris car crash.
German leader under huge pressure as the far-right AfD gains steam
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is facing a "crisis of authority and leadership" as immigration concerns fuel a far-right rise.
Live
2 ships attacked in Strait of Hormuz as Trump grapples with his next move
Following more attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, Trump said he'll make a "big decision" on whether to "annihilate" Iran's leadership.
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.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Duncan Sheik, singer-songwriter of "Barely Breathing," dies at 56
Duncan Sheik died on Thursday night, his family said.
Princess Diana's brother makes new claims
The brother of the late Princess Diana claims in his upcoming book that then Prince Charles seemed "upbeat" right after his ex-wife died in a Paris car crash in 1997. When asked about these allegations, Buckingham Palace referred to a statement it released earlier this week saying that the king "is mindful that the pain of fraternal grief can cloud reason, affect judgement and colour memory, even many years after such a loss." Watch more of Charles Spencer's conversation with Mark Phillips on "CBS Sunday Morning."
Diana's brother on Charles' reaction to death
Princess Diana's brother, Earl Charles Spencer, makes stunning allegations in a new memoir against then-Prince Charles, now King Charles III, and his reaction to Diana's death. Holly Williams reports.
Exclusive
Porsha Williams reveals health emergency: "It all happened so fast"
Porsha Williams revealed to "CBS Mornings" co-anchor Gayle King that she had to undergo an emergency partial hysterectomy this year after doctors discovered 21 uterine fibroids
From the archives: Bob Mackie on being dressmaker to the stars
Nine-time Emmy-winning costume designer Bob Mackie, who clothed such musical and comedic talents as Cher, Carol Burnett, Barbra Streisand and Liza Minnelli, died on Sept. 14, 2026 at age 87. In this Sept. 21, 2003 "Sunday Morning" profile, Mackie talked with correspondent Rita Braver about how a star-struck kid growing up outside Hollywood became a dressmaker to the stars, and what fascinates him about divas. He also talked about the tragic death of his son, Robin, from AIDS.
Technology
More Technology
Technology
Director addresses AI fears in new film
Expert whistleblowers and frontier tech CEOs are calling for government oversight and boundaries for artificial intelligence development after a series of incidents where AI agents went rogue. Director Daniel Roher explains how conversations around AI motivated him to make "The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist."
Use of AI backfires on an expert witness at trial: "They have biases"
The use of artificial intelligence in the courtroom is drawing fresh attention after an expert witness in a multimillion-dollar lawsuit used ChatGPT to help create his report.
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.
Analyzing the fight over AI regulations
Patrick McGee, a contributing writer for The Free Press, says AI firms "are not jogging...they're still sprinting" despite agreeing to pace the frontier. Here's the latest.
AI security experts say they used Claude to hack ChatGPT
Cybersecurity researchers said they were able to use Anthropic's Claude AI platfom to penetrate ChatGPT in "less than 72 hours."
Science
More Science
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.
First-ever adult T. rex trackway found in North Dakota
Paleontologists have identified the first known trackway made by a full-grown Tyrannosaurus rex, and the discovery was made in the North Dakota badlands.
Crime
More Crime
Crime
Holdout juror in Lindsay Clancy trial speaks
The lone holdout juror in the Lindsay Clancy murder trial has released a statement explaining his vote and offering his account of the jury's deliberations.
Facing 10 years in prison, ex-budget official flees U.S. by boat and plane
Kosta Diamantis is now a fugitive in Greece after fleeing the U.S. by boat and plane ahead of his sentencing for corruption, his lawyer and prosecutors said.
Woman found guilty in death of reporter covering Super Bowl in New Orleans
Danette Colbert was also convicted of racketeering following the death of Telemundo's Adan Manzano, who had been visiting New Orleans to cover the Super Bowl in 2025.
The Toll of Jury Duty: The Lindsay Clancy Trial
A juror from the Lindsay Clancy trial shares how weeks of graphic testimony, emotional evidence, and the weight of deliberations continued to affect life for jurors outside the courtroom. Psychiatrist Michelle DiBlasi expands on the mental cost of jury duty with CBS News correspondent Shanelle Kaul, discussing juror stress, vicarious trauma, and why, for some, the effects of a trial can linger long after it ends.
Michigan synagogue reopens after attack
A man drove into Detroit's Temple Israel synagogue with a car full of explosives in March, investigators say. The only person he killed in the attempted terror attack was himself. Now, the synagogue is finally reopening, just in time for the Jewish high holidays.
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
Trump threatens Iran with annihilation
President Trump told Axios that his next move could be to "annihilate" Iran. CBS News' Aaron Navarro reports.
Director addresses AI fears in new film
Expert whistleblowers and frontier tech CEOs are calling for government oversight and boundaries for artificial intelligence development after a series of incidents where AI agents went rogue. Director Daniel Roher explains how conversations around AI motivated him to make "The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist."
Michigan synagogue reopens after terror attack
The congregation at Michigan's Temple Israel is returning for the first time since the synagogue was targeted in a terror attack.
What world leaders are doing at the U.N.
World leaders will gather in New York City next week for the U.N. General Assembly, with several heads of state and other government officials expected to speak, including President Trump. The gathering will feature several days of high-level debates on global issues. Here's what to expect.
Analyzing the fight over AI regulations
Patrick McGee, a contributing writer for The Free Press, says AI firms "are not jogging...they're still sprinting" despite agreeing to pace the frontier. Here's the latest.