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.
Kennedy Center still weighing "partial closure," Trump admin. tells judge
The Trump administration told a federal judge that the Kennedy Center is still weighing whether to offer a full slate of performances or more limited programming over the coming months.
Given 8 months to live, a teen beat cancer thanks to an extraordinary friendship
In 2022, at the age of 14, Dylan Mwaniki was diagnosed with Stage 4 kidney cancer. Four years later, he graduated from high school.
U.S. clinches spot in World Cup knockout round with dominant win over Australia
In front of a roaring Seattle crowd, the U.S. men's soccer team on Friday defeated Australia in its second World Cup match, clinching a spot in the Round of 32 in the process.
Judge blocks DOJ from releasing Biden's conversations with biographer for 3 weeks
A judge on Friday cleared the way for the DOJ to disclose former President Joe Biden's conversations with his biographer to the Heritage Foundation. Later in the day, she blocked the release for three weeks.
George W. Bush gifts Michelle Obama mints in an ode to their friendship
The Altoids were a callback to a viral moment between former first lady Michelle Obama and former President George W. Bush.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Here's who qualifies for the Trump adminstration's student loan rate cut
The temporary discount applies to eligible federal Direct Loan borrowers who use automatic payments.
Prediction markets are betting on celebrities to boost their brands
Kalshi has enlisted Lionel Messi and Timothée Chalamet as prediction markets compete to attract new users and cement their place in the mainstream.
A father of 3 wanted to leave wealth to his kids. He turned to a coffee can.
Matthew Ankrum wanted to build wealth for his daughters and teach them about financial stability. A new book shares how.
What's open and closed for Juneteenth 2026?
Juneteenth will affect banking, mail service and financial markets, although retailers and restaurants are largely staying open.
Less than half of Americans can afford quality healthcare, Gallup finds
Gallup found that only 49% of Americans were "cost-secure" last year, with concerns about medical bills and prescription costs rising across income groups.
Politics
More Politics
Kennedy Center still weighing "partial closure," Trump admin. tells judge
The Trump administration told a federal judge that the Kennedy Center is still weighing whether to offer a full slate of performances or more limited programming over the coming months.
Company owned by Trump donor won $1.7 million no-bid Reflecting Pool contract
The federal government awarded a company owned by a Trump donor $1.7 million to install a new water cleaning system for the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, records show.
Judge blocks DOJ from releasing Biden's conversations with biographer for 3 weeks
A judge on Friday cleared the way for the DOJ to disclose former President Joe Biden's conversations with his biographer to the Heritage Foundation. Later in the day, she blocked the release for three weeks.
George W. Bush gifts Michelle Obama mints in an ode to their friendship
The Altoids were a callback to a viral moment between former first lady Michelle Obama and former President George W. Bush.
Trump unveils new Air Force One, a $400 million plane gifted by Qatar
"This is considered the world's most luxurious plane," the president said in front of the enormous new jet.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Strange symptom leads to man's Stage IV cancer diagnosis
An app notification informed Joe Gillette that he had been diagnosed with aggressive, late-stage cancer.
Doctor has a special surprise for her patient
Steve Hartman goes "On the Road" with a story of a teen battling for his life and the doctor who made him a promise.
Air Force unit faces flu outbreak weeks after vaccine mandate dropped
Dozens of service members at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas have fallen ill with the flu in the weeks since Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth rescinded the vaccine mandate, sources familiar confirmed to CBS News.
Less than half of Americans can afford quality healthcare, Gallup finds
Gallup found that only 49% of Americans were "cost-secure" last year, with concerns about medical bills and prescription costs rising across income groups.
Busy Philipps on her late ADHD diagnosis
Actress Busy Philipps, 45, spoke up about her late attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder diagnosis online after realizing she shared symptoms as her young daughter was evaluated and diagnosed. Women are more likely than men to be diagnosed with ADHD later in life, research shows.
World
More World
1 killed in large fire at luxury resort, several others injured
One person was killed and several others were hurt when a fire broke out at a luxury beach resort in the Dominican Republic on Friday, local officials said.
U.S. clinches spot in World Cup knockout round with dominant win over Australia
In front of a roaring Seattle crowd, the U.S. men's soccer team on Friday defeated Australia in its second World Cup match, clinching a spot in the Round of 32 in the process.
1 killed, dozens injured after trains collide in England, British officials say
At least one person was killed and dozens more were injured after two trains collided north of London on Friday, British officials said.
Climber trapped on Everest for days says avalanche saved him
Dawa Sherpa was airlifted to Kathmandu, where doctors treated him for frostbite, severe dehydration and a fractured thigh bone.
How the Iran war united, and then divided Trump and Netanyahu
Trump has appeared during the Iran war to lose patience with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who may now find himself "stuck."
Entertainment
More Entertainment
James Burrows, co-creator of "Cheers" and prolific director, dies at 85
James Burrows directed more than 1,000 episodes of television, including every episode of the original "Will & Grace."
"The War and Treaty" talk new music
Husband and wife duo Michael and Tanya Trotter, known as "The War and Treaty," talk to "CBS Mornings" about their new music, major collaborations, including with Whoopi Goldberg, and how they came up with their band's name.
Tay Keith, Grammy-nominated producer, found dead in Nashville at 29
Record producer Tay Keith was found dead in his Nashville home by officers performing a welfare check, police said.
Americans say they're reading fewer books. Here's what they're doing instead.
Many people are spending more time on screens, but also doing more physical activities, a new CBS News poll finds.
Singer Myles Smith talks debut album
Myles Smith's career skyrocketed after his hit song "Stargazing" became the biggest song by a U.K. artist worldwide in 2024. Now, he's releasing his debut album, "My Mess, My Heart, My Life," on June 19. Myles Smith joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss his rapid rise to stardom, his first album and his experience touring with Ed Sheeran.
Technology
More Technology
Waymo recalls robotaxis after some vehicles entered construction zone
The recall follows multiple incidents in which Waymo robotaxis drove past ramp-closure signs and into freeway construction zones.
Americans on AI's future impact
A Pew survey shows 40% of Americans think AI's future impact will be negative. MIT Sloan professor Eric So joins CBS News with more details.
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.
Where to get the latest CBS Mornings Deals
On this edition of CBS Mornings Deals, we show you items that will help improve your everyday lifestyle. Visit cbsdeals.com to take advantage of these exclusive deals today. CBS earns commissions on purchases made through cbsdeals.com.
Inside an Irish town raising kids without smartphones
When parents and educators in Greystones, Ireland saw children dealing with increasing anxiety, they acted – and took phones out of the equation.
Science
More Science
Science
Watch: Pentagon releases 6 new UFO videos
The Defense Department released a third batch of UFO files on Friday, three weeks after its second drop. These are all of the videos in the latest tranche, plus analysis from astrophysicist Avi Loeb.
Goblin shark seen alive in natural deep-sea habitat for the first time
The goblin shark had only previously been seen when caught by fishermen and they died shortly afterward.
World's largest whale graveyard found by sub at bottom of ocean
The researchers saw many strange animals — many believed to be new to science — living off the whale carcasses.
NASA names 4 astronauts for next Artemis mission
NASA's Artemis III astronauts plan to carry out rendezvous and docking procedures with commercial moon landers being built by SpaceX and Blue Origin.
Great white shark captured on video in Mediterranean in rare sighting
Great white sharks are classified as "critically endangered" in the Mediterranean Sea, and underwater sightings are incredibly rare.
Crime
More Crime
Crime
Mangione's legal team axes psychiatric defense
Lawyers for Luigi Mangione have withdrawn their plan to pursue a psychiatric defense in his New York state murder trial over the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson breaks down the decision.
U.K. actress accused of trying to smuggle $208M of meth into Australia
Actress Emaa Hussen, who played alongside Jason Statham in "Redemption," is accused of trying to smuggle 700 pounds of methamphetamine into Australia.
What's missing from the Epstein files?
A CBS News analysis of the released Epstein files shows what documents appear to be absent. CBS News' Vlad Duthiers has more on the search for answers surrounding the case against convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Mangione team no longer pursuing this defense
In a stunning reversal, Luigi Mangione's defense team for his New York state trial has announced it will no longer pursue a psychiatric defense. CBS News legal contributor Caroline Polisi joins with more insight.
Mayor accused of faking her kidnapping in embezzlement scheme
Nancy Napoles denied the accusation and said she was willing to cooperate with authorities to clarify what happened.
Space
More Space
Researchers find "Pink Planet" has salty clouds: "We were very surprised"
The "Pink Planet," formally known as GJ504b, was discovered in 2013 and is technically not a planet but rather a "planetary-mass companion."
NASA chief defends choice of all-male crew for Artemis III mission
NASA's Jared Isaacman says the crew was selected solely based on their experience, expertise and availability for flight assignment.
NASA names 4 astronauts for next Artemis mission
NASA's Artemis III astronauts plan to carry out rendezvous and docking procedures with commercial moon landers being built by SpaceX and Blue Origin.
Space station crew briefly moves to "safe haven" amid concerns over leaks
Out of an abundance of caution, NASA briefly directed five of the seven crew members aboard the International Space Station to wait inside the docked SpaceX Crew Dragon "Freedom" spacecraft.
Sun erupts with 3 solar flares, raising chances of northern lights for U.S.
Three solar flares burst from the sun this week, raising the chances of seeing the northern lights for people across the United States.
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.
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.
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.
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
6/20: The Uplift
A Maryland mom has an extra reason to be proud on her son's graduation day. She gets to cross the stage and receive her diploma alongside him. Plus, Spellman College, an HBCU in Atlanta, celebrates seven women at the top of the 2026 graduating class.
Peeled paint in Reflecting Pool after algae bloom
President Trump's multi-million dollar makeover of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is not going swimmingly. CBS News' Mark Strassmann reports.
The rise of fitness dating apps
The New York Times reports some singles are turning to fitness dating apps to find a relationship. Danielle Friedman, a contributor for the Times who wrote the piece, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
How Trump's Iran goals have changed
With a memorandum of understanding in place between the U.S. and Iran, "The Daily Report" takes a look at where things stand on some of the goals the Trump administration laid out for the conflict. CBS News' Sam Vinograd also joins with analysis.
Massive fire at resort in Dominican Republic
One person was killed and several others were hurt in a massive fire at a luxury beach resort in the Dominican Republic on Friday, local officials said.