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.
Spokane arson suspect had planned devastating wildfire for weeks, police say
Police said a man charged with starting a wildfire confessed to the crime, describing how he planned it for weeks and created a device to ignite a blaze that destroyed hundreds of buildings.
Stevens says of El-Sayed: "Differences were aired out"
Though Rep. Haley Stevens stressed a unified front moving forward, she was evasive on whether she would appear with El-Sayed on the campaign trail.
Flesh-eating bacteria has killed 5 in Louisiana this year, officials say
A flesh-eating bacteria found in warm coastal waters is responsible for at least five deaths so far this year in Louisiana, state health officials reported Thursday.
America's water systems are getting hacked amid security gaps, experts say
The nation's 152,000 public water systems often lack defenses against malicious actors, cybersecurity experts said. Here's what to know.
Entrepreneurship is booming in the U.S. Gen Zers are leading the way.
Young Americans, tired of working for others and boosted by AI, are driving a surge in new businesses.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Bessent announces crackdown on undocumented immigrants' use of U.S. banks
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Arizona bankers the administration won't allow "risks posed by the extension of financial services to illegal aliens."
America's water systems are getting hacked amid security gaps, experts say
The nation's 152,000 public water systems often lack defenses against malicious actors, cybersecurity experts said. Here's what to know.
Entrepreneurship is booming in the U.S. Gen Zers are leading the way.
Young Americans, tired of working for others and boosted by AI, are driving a surge in new businesses.
Millions of children could lose free school meals this fall, experts say
Some families could face an additional $2,200 in food costs this year if their kids lose access to free school meals, according to one estimate.
Job cuts plunge to a 2-year low despite AI fears, economic shocks
Layoffs have plunged this year. "Recently laid-off workers are finding jobs as fast as the economy is creating new ones," one economist said.
Politics
More Politics
Stevens says of El-Sayed: "Differences were aired out"
Though Rep. Haley Stevens stressed a unified front moving forward, she was evasive on whether she would appear with El-Sayed on the campaign trail.
Bessent announces crackdown on undocumented immigrants' use of U.S. banks
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Arizona bankers the administration won't allow "risks posed by the extension of financial services to illegal aliens."
U.S. Marine vet, detained in Russia since 2022, hospitalized in serious condition
Robert Gilman, 32, is being held at a Russian hospital in what his advocate, Eric Lebson of Global Reach, described as a "dissociative stupor."
Trump issues new executive orders aimed at birthright citizenship
The Supreme Court in June struck down President Trump's earlier executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship.
Judge finds probable cause that Mike Lindell's pillow handouts violated campaign law
A case against Minnesota Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Lindell will continue after a judge decided Thursday there is probable cause to believe he violated campaign laws by giving away pillows promoting his candidacy at a July Fourth parade.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Flesh-eating bacteria has killed 5 in Louisiana this year, officials say
A flesh-eating bacteria found in warm coastal waters is responsible for at least five deaths so far this year in Louisiana, state health officials reported Thursday.
Minnesota Chipotle burrito bowl meal led to sepsis hospitalization, lawsuit says
A Minnesota woman says she fainted, spiked a 102-degree fever, and was hospitalized with sepsis three days after eating a chicken burrito bowl at a Chipotle in Roseville, and genetic testing connected her case to a multistate outbreak, according to a lawsuit filed Tuesday.
What Fauci has said about COVID origins, gain-of-function research
Thursday's vote to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress follows years of tension with GOP Sen. Rand Paul, hinging on the origins of the coronavirus and a controversial type of research.
FDA approves Moderna's mRNA flu vaccine after initial pushback
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a new seasonal flu vaccine from Moderna that uses mRNA technology, the drugmaker announced.
Toddler twins reunited after cancer treatment
A video showing 3-year-old twins Millie and Maverick reuniting after one of them had to undergo cancer treatment hours away from their home has gone viral. Matt Gutman reports.
World
More World
U.S. Marine vet, detained in Russia since 2022, hospitalized in serious condition
Robert Gilman, 32, is being held at a Russian hospital in what his advocate, Eric Lebson of Global Reach, described as a "dissociative stupor."
Star Cambridge professor resigns amid plagiarism allegations
Jason Arday, who joined Cambridge in 2023 at the age of 37, became one of Britain's most high-profile academics after sharing an extraordinary life story.
Red alert issued for major Italian cities as heat wave grips Europe, sets Austria record
The heat has set a national temperature record in Austria, fueled wildfires in France and disrupted energy and transportation systems across the continent.
Trump denies U.S. running low on some munitions, says vast resupplies being made
President Trump is taking issue with recent reports of significant U.S. munitions shortages due to the war with Iran.
More rescued beluga whales arrive in Texas as relocation effort continues
SeaWorld San Antonio welcomed seven more beluga whales on Tuesday, the latest development in the international effort to relocate dozens of the mammals from shuttered Canadian theme park Marineland.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Entertainment
Diarra Kilpatrick on her show's new season
Diarra Kilpatrick, who stars in "Diarra from Detroit," joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss the show's new season, which premiered on Paramount+ last week.
Amanda Kloots on her new dating show
Amanda Kloots, a Broadway dancer, podcast host and best friend to reality star Harry Jowsey, joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss their new Netflix series "Let's Marry Harry."
Inside the risky business of Broadway musicals
The costs of a Broadway musical production have skyrocketed in recent years. CBS News contributor Jamie Wax reports.
Aaron Pierre talks new series, "Lanterns"
Actor Aaron Pierre is starring as John Stewart in the new series "Lanterns." He tells "CBS Mornings" why this character is special to him, what it's like to join the DC Universe and how he managed undergoing surgery during the audition process.
Stranger rescues band from car troubles
A kind stranger named Ernie helped rock band The Autumn Kings make it to their tour stop after their car broke down in Wisconsin. Matt Gutman reports.
Technology
More Technology
Technology
Concerns over misuse of Flock cameras
Joseph Cox, co-founder of 404 Media, joins CBS News to discuss criticisms of Flock cameras and the push by some cities to replace Flock cameras with different surveillance devices like license plate readers.
Cyberattacks target U.S. water systems
U.S. officials suspect Iran-backed hackers may be behind cyberattacks that have been reported in at least 12 states. CBS News homeland security correspondent Nicole Sganga has 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.
Meta says its AI model breached a third-party company during testing
Tech giant Meta revealed Wednesday that one of its artificial intelligence models hacked another organization during testing, the third time in recent weeks that an AI model has improperly accessed a third-party company.
AI models are behaving unexpectedly. Experts warn of a "bumpy road" ahead.
AI models are engaging in unauthorized actions — in the most recent case, creating fake identities and attempting to persuade real people to approve malicious code.
Science
More Science
Science
Genetically altered beagles offer hope for dog lovers with allergies
Matt Walker, a geneticist and the CEO of Kindred Companion Sciences, joins "CBS Mornings" with his gene-altered beagle, Bailey, to discuss creating future options for people with severe pet allergies.
Most detailed images taken of sun's surface revealed
Researchers were able to peek at the sun's scorching surface with the help of the National Science Foundation's Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope, located on the island of Maui in Hawaii.
Bezos, DiCaprio set up massive wildlife fund
Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos have announced a $200 million fund set to protect species on the brink of extinction. Carter Evans has the story.
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.
Crime
More Crime
Spokane arson suspect had planned devastating wildfire for weeks, police say
Police said a man charged with starting a wildfire confessed to the crime, describing how he planned it for weeks and created a device to ignite a blaze that destroyed hundreds of buildings.
FBI: Hackers altered water system instructions
At least 12 states are reporting cyberattacks on water systems that may be linked to Iran-backed hackers. CBS News homeland security correspondent Nicole Sganga has the latest.
Jurors view autopsy photos in Clancy trial
Lindsay Clancy broke down in court Thursday as jurors were shown autopsy photos of her youngest child. Clancy has admitted to killing her three young children, but has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder, arguing she was experiencing extreme postpartum psychosis. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul has more.
Water agencies advised to up cybersecurity
Cyberattacks on water systems, which officials suspect may be linked to Iran-backed hackers, have been reported in at least 12 states. Vox reporter Sara Herschander joins CBS News to discuss.
Update on Lindsay Clancy murder trial
Lindsay Clancy's former father-in-law testified in her murder trial Thursday. Clancy has admitted to killing her three children, but she's pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder charges, with her attorney arguing she was experiencing extreme postpartum psychosis. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul reports.
Space
More Space
Most detailed images taken of sun's surface revealed
Researchers were able to peek at the sun's scorching surface with the help of the National Science Foundation's Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope, located on the island of Maui in Hawaii.
SpaceX rocket booster slams into moon, creating crater that could be 16 feet deep
The impact wasn't 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.
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
Questions about company linked to warehouse fire
A CBS News investigation into last month's massive food warehouse fire in Los Angeles is raising questions about a cold storage company linked to the warehouse. CBS News' Matt Gutman reports.
FBI: Hackers altered water system instructions
At least 12 states are reporting cyberattacks on water systems that may be linked to Iran-backed hackers. CBS News homeland security correspondent Nicole Sganga has the latest.
Centrists start $15 million campaign against DSA
Republicans running against democratic socialists have found an unlikely ally: other Democrats. The centrist Democrat think tank Third Way has pledged $15 million to discredit the DSA movement between now and 2028. Third Way President Jonathan Cowan joins "The Takeout" to discuss.
Former DOJ lawyer on Fauci contempt vote
A Senate committee on Thursday voted to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt for refusing last week to answer questions related to government actions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Former Deputy Assistant Attorney General Tom Dupree joins to discuss.
Jurors view autopsy photos in Clancy trial
Lindsay Clancy broke down in court Thursday as jurors were shown autopsy photos of her youngest child. Clancy has admitted to killing her three young children, but has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder, arguing she was experiencing extreme postpartum psychosis. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul has more.