Medical debt can damage your credit score. Here's what to know.
Even when it's the result of a billing error, medical debt can have serious financial ramifications for consumers.
Health Care
Why it's so tough to reduce unnecessary medical care
The U.S. spends huge amounts of money on health care that does little or nothing to help patients, and may even harm them.
Meet the Gaza doctor traveling on a bicycle to deliver medical care
"They cut off our fuel, water and electricity," said Hassan Zain al-Din, "but not our belonging."
Examining the impact of Idaho's abortion ban
Idaho's abortion ban is leading many OB/GYNs to relocate and forcing patients to travel out of state for reproductive health care. CBS News national correspondent Adriana Diaz reports.
Idaho abortion ban forcing doctors to leave state
Idaho's restrictive abortion ban is fueling a maternal care exodus. More than half of the state's high-risk OB/GYNs are expected to be gone by the end of the year. Adriana Diaz has the story.
Americans struggling to pay for health care
Paying for health care is a struggle even for many Americans with health insurance, who say they are having trouble affording rising premiums, copayments and related costs. CBS MoneyWatch reporter Megan Cerullo has more.
Health workers report more harassment, mental health issues in new survey
Health care workers are reporting a significant increase in harassment and mental health issues, compared to before the COVID pandemic, in new survey data published by the CDC.
CVS pulling some of the most popular cold medicines from store shelves
CVS won't sell decongestants that contain phenylephrine as the only active ingredient after an FDA panel called the ingredient ineffective.
Workers are paying 7% more this year for employer health care plans
Rise in premiums comes as mergers in health care industry have diminished incentives for insurers to price plans competitively.
American medic volunteers at Israeli hospital
Michele Freund, an American physician assistant, was on vacation in Israel when Hamas first attacked. Freund knew she needed to help, so she began volunteering at a hospital in Tel Aviv. CBS Evening News anchor and managing editor Norah O'Donnell reports.
Kaiser Permanente strike enters third day
The strike involving Kaiser Permanente employees across the U.S. entered its third day on Friday. The union representing the health care workers authorized the three-day walkout that began Wednesday morning in several states and Washington, D.C. CBS News Los Angeles reporter Rick Montanez is at a picket line with more.
Kaiser nurse explains why she's on strike
More than 75,000 Kaiser Permanente health care workers across California, Colorado, Oregon and Washington are on strike for better pay and increased staffing. Eldina Hodzic, a licensed practical nurse at Kaiser Mt. Talbert Urgent Care in the Portland metro area, joins CBS News to discuss the conditions she says she's dealing with.
Health care worker on why she's striking
Kaiser Permanente health care workers say executives are "refusing to listen" to their bargaining points as Day 2 of their strike ensues. Christina Andersen, a Kaiser phlebotomist, lays out the priorities for the 75,000 people on strike.
Striking health care workers' demands
More than 75,000 Kaiser Permanente workers launched a strike on Wednesday at hospitals and medical centers across five states and Washington, D.C., the largest walkout by health care workers in U.S. history. Justin Adams with CBS News Colorado has more on what the workers are demanding.
Kaiser Permanente strike enters 2nd day
More than 75,000 workers with Kaiser Permanente went on strike Wednesday at hospitals and medical centers across six states and Washington, D.C., the largest walkout by health care employees in U.S. history. CBS News senior business and technology correspondent Jo Ling Kent is following the story from Los Angeles.
Kaiser Permanente workers on strike
Tens of thousands of Kaiser Permanente employees have walked off the job in five states and Washington, D.C., striking for better wages and working conditions. The company says it's committed to taking care of its employees while being affordable to its members. CBS News' Jo Ling Kent reports from Los Angeles.
How could the Kaiser strike affect hospitals?
More than 75,000 Kaiser Permanente workers walked off the job Wednesday in several states. Their demands include an increase in wages and better staffing levels to handle the workload. CBS News senior business and technology correspondent Jo Ling Kent reports.
Kaiser Permanente workers launch historic strike over staffing and pay
More than 75,000 Kaiser Permanente workers are walking picket lines at hundreds of hospitals and medical centers across the U.S.
CDC to recommend post-sex antibiotic for some
The CDC is planning to recommend an antibiotic pill for some to take after sex to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections. The move comes after recent studies found some people who took doxycycline within three days of unprotected sex were less likely to get chlamydia, syphilis or gonorrhea. Dr. Rhoda Sperling, a professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, joined CBS News to discuss the planned guidelines.
Health care workers strike in 5 states
About 75,000 Kaiser Permanente workers launched a strike on Wednesday at hospitals and medical centers across five states and Washington, D.C., the largest walkout by health care workers in U.S. history. Tina Reed, a senior health care reporter for Axios, joins CBS News as the strike threatens to disrupt medical services for almost 13 million people.
75,000 health care workers set to strike
75,000 health care workers across several states are prepared to walk off the job starting Wednesday in a strike that would have severe implications for Kaiser Permanente hospitals and facilities. Workers are asking for increased staffing, pay increases and more protections for company employees. Tina Reed, a senior health care reporter at Axios, joined CBS News to discuss the possible work stoppage.
Cigna to pay $172 million for overcharging Medicare Advantage plans
Prosecutors alleged that Cigna submitted inaccurate and bogus codes for Medicare Advantage plans between 2016 and 2021.
CDC: Nearly 9 million have long COVID in U.S.
Reports published Tuesday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say nearly 18 million Americans experienced symptoms of long COVID — when symptoms remain for at least four weeks after a patient has cleared the infection — in 2022 and nearly 9 million people currently have the condition, which can linger for months or years. CBS News medical contributor Dr. Celine Gounder, editor-at-large for public health at KFF Health News, has more on the report's findings.
Health care challenges for transgender youth
Lesley Stahl reports on the spate of legislation being introduced in states that would limit care for transgender youth.
Health insurance costs spiking
Employer health insurance coverage costs are expected to jump 6.4% next year, according to a new report from the Wall Street Journal. Anna Wilde Mathews, reporter for the Wall Street Journal, joined CBS News to discuss the high costs.
Exclusive
Trump is strategizing means to seize Iran's nuclear stockpiles, sources say
The Trump administration has been strategizing methods and options to secure or extract Iran's nuclear materials, according to multiple sources.
Live
Trump calls NATO allies "cowards" as more Marines head toward Middle East
The Iran war is nearing the three-week mark as about 2,200 more U.S. Marines and three more warships are headed toward the region, two U.S. officials said.
Exclusive
U.S. preparing for potential use of ground troops in Iran
It is unclear under what circumstances President Trump would authorize the use of U.S. troops on the ground in Iran.
Judge strikes down restrictive Pentagon press policy, finding it violates First Amendment
A federal judge has struck down some of the Defense Department's strict controls on how journalists with access to the Pentagon are allowed to report — ending a policy that caused many news outlets to leave the Pentagon.
Trump administration temporarily lifts sanctions on Iranian oil at sea
The U.S. Treasury has authorized the purchase of Iranian oil that's already at sea, exempting buyers from the tight sanctions that have restricted Iran's oil industry for years, as the Trump administration grapples with high oil prices.
Colombian President Petro caught up in narcotics trafficking probes, sources say
The separate narco-trafficking investigations, based out of New York's Southern and Eastern districts, didn't set out to target Petro, but his name has come up during the course of the probes, one source said.
Chuck Norris, action icon and "Walker, Texas Ranger" star, dies at 86
Chuck Norris' family said his death at 86 was sudden, but did not share any other information.
Florida homeowners insurance company accused of siphoning profits
As Florida moves homeowners' policies out of its state-run insurer of last resort, insiders question one new company's finances.
DOJ seeks to drop case against ex-police officers charged in Breonna Taylor's death
Two former Louisville police officers were facing civil rights charges in connection with the 2020 shooting death of Breonna Taylor.
U.S.
More U.S.
Nicholas Brendon, "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" actor, dies at 54
Nicholas Brendon was best known for his role as Xander Harris on all seven seasons of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer."
Colombian President Petro caught up in narcotics trafficking probes, sources say
The separate narco-trafficking investigations, based out of New York's Southern and Eastern districts, didn't set out to target Petro, but his name has come up during the course of the probes, one source said.
Judge strikes down restrictive Pentagon press policy, finding it violates First Amendment
A federal judge has struck down some of the Defense Department's strict controls on how journalists with access to the Pentagon are allowed to report — ending a policy that caused many news outlets to leave the Pentagon.
Jury finds Elon Musk liable for misleading investors during Twitter purchase
A jury has found Elon Musk liable for misleading investors by deliberately driving down Twitter's stock price in the tumultuous months leading up to his 2022 acquisition of the social media company.
Transcript: Namazi, Shargi, Carstens, on "Face the Nation," March 22, 2026
Transcript: Siamak Namazi, Emad Shargi, Roger Carstens, Neda Sharghi on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," March 22, 2026
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Jury finds Elon Musk liable for misleading investors during Twitter purchase
A jury has found Elon Musk liable for misleading investors by deliberately driving down Twitter's stock price in the tumultuous months leading up to his 2022 acquisition of the social media company.
CBS News Radio to shut down after nearly a century of broadcasting
CBS News announced Friday that CBS News Radio will be shutting down this spring after nearly 100 years of broadcasting, citing "challenging economic realities."
Getting ready to fly? Here are 3 ways to track TSA wait times.
Security lines are stretching up to 2 hours at some airports amid TSA staffing shortages. Here's how to check wait times before you leave.
Are the Trump administration's efforts to lower oil and gas prices working?
With gas closing in on $4 a gallon, the Trump administration is pulling multiple levers to tame energy prices. The results have been mixed.
Nearly 90,000 bottles of children's ibuprofen recalled across the U.S.
A pharmaceutical company issued the recall after receiving complaints of "gel-like mass and black particles" in the product, the FDA said.
Politics
More Politics
Exclusive
Trump is strategizing means to seize Iran's nuclear stockpiles, sources say
The Trump administration has been strategizing methods and options to secure or extract Iran's nuclear materials, according to multiple sources, as the military campaign against Tehran enters a more uncertain phase.
Colombian President Petro caught up in narcotics trafficking probes, sources say
The separate narco-trafficking investigations, based out of New York's Southern and Eastern districts, didn't set out to target Petro, but his name has come up during the course of the probes, one source said.
Trump administration temporarily lifts sanctions on Iranian oil at sea
The U.S. Treasury has authorized the purchase of Iranian oil that's already at sea, exempting buyers from the tight sanctions that have restricted Iran's oil industry for years, as the Trump administration grapples with high oil prices.
Judge strikes down restrictive Pentagon press policy, finding it violates First Amendment
A federal judge has struck down some of the Defense Department's strict controls on how journalists with access to the Pentagon are allowed to report — ending a policy that caused many news outlets to leave the Pentagon.
Transcript: Namazi, Shargi, Carstens, on "Face the Nation," March 22, 2026
Transcript: Siamak Namazi, Emad Shargi, Roger Carstens, Neda Sharghi on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," March 22, 2026
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Judge blocks parts of RFK Jr.'s vaccine agenda, including revised schedule
A judge blocked a set of changes to the childhood vaccine schedule recommended by allies of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, dealing a setback to the Trump administration's efforts to overhaul federal vaccine policy.
Changes in organ donor status can fall through cracks in the system
Patchwork state policies and limited federal oversight have led to a fragmented system for tracking organ donor status.
A dad's colon cancer spread to lungs. He says what happened next was a miracle.
Spencer Laird was diagnosed with colon cancer at 26. At 30, he was told it had returned and spread to his lungs, with one tumor the size of a golf ball.
Dr. Oz pledges to tackle hospice fraud: "Do not steal from the American people"
The Trump administration's Medicare boss reacts to CBS News investigation into California's hospice fraud problems.
Millions of Americans skip meals, stretch medication to afford health care
Even people with six-figure incomes are making financial sacrifices to pay for medical care, a new study finds.
World
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Exclusive
Trump is strategizing means to seize Iran's nuclear stockpiles, sources say
The Trump administration has been strategizing methods and options to secure or extract Iran's nuclear materials, according to multiple sources, as the military campaign against Tehran enters a more uncertain phase.
Trump administration temporarily lifts sanctions on Iranian oil at sea
The U.S. Treasury has authorized the purchase of Iranian oil that's already at sea, exempting buyers from the tight sanctions that have restricted Iran's oil industry for years, as the Trump administration grapples with high oil prices.
Transcript: Namazi, Shargi, Carstens, on "Face the Nation," March 22, 2026
Transcript: Siamak Namazi, Emad Shargi, Roger Carstens, Neda Sharghi on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," March 22, 2026
Former Iran detainees fear Americans held in Iranian prisons face heightened danger
Siamak Namazi, who was released from Iran's Evin prison in 2023, said "it's important" that President Trump "hears that there are innocent Americans being held like we were as political pawns."
Are the Trump administration's efforts to lower oil and gas prices working?
With gas closing in on $4 a gallon, the Trump administration is pulling multiple levers to tame energy prices. The results have been mixed.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
"SWIM" kicks off BTS's return after hiatus
"SWIM" by K-pop super-group BTS is taking the world by storm. It's their first single after a four-year hiatus, kicking off the comeback of one of the world's biggest bands. Billboard News host Tetris Kelly joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
CBS News Radio to shut down after nearly a century of broadcasting
CBS News announced Friday that CBS News Radio will be shutting down this spring after nearly 100 years of broadcasting, citing "challenging economic realities."
Bodycam video of Justin Timberlake's DWI arrest on Long Island released
Bodycam video footage of Justin Timberlake's June 2024 DWI arrest on Long Island was released to the media Friday.
Chuck Norris dies at age 86
Action star Chuck Norris has died at age 86, his family announced Friday. CBS News' Mugo Odigwe reports.
Taylor Frankie Paul mugshot emerges
Reality TV star Taylor Frankie Paul's booking photo for an apparent incident in 2023 has emerged. Entertainment Tonight's Nischelle Turner joins with more details.
Technology
More Technology
Jury finds Elon Musk liable for misleading investors during Twitter purchase
A jury has found Elon Musk liable for misleading investors by deliberately driving down Twitter's stock price in the tumultuous months leading up to his 2022 acquisition of the social media company.
White House unveils AI framework for Congress
The White House unveiled a national framework for how it wants Congress to address concerns about artificial intelligence. Technology journalist Jacob Ward joins CBS News to discuss the outline and AI concerns.
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.
AI version of Val Kilmer to star in new movie
Val Kilmer was originally set to star in "As Deep as the Grave" before he died last year, never shooting a scene of the movie. But Kilmer will still star in the film thanks to generative AI, which is artificial intelligence that can generate new content by analyzing existing content. Jo Ling Kent has more.
Risks of excessive screen time for adults
More than 80% of adults say they go online at least several times per day and research indicates that even adults' fully-formed brains can suffer negative consequences from excessive screen time. Dr. Sue Varma breaks down risks, tips to reduce your screen time and why adults are spending more time on screens.
Science
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Discovery of 1949 whale recording could unlock mysteries of ocean
The song is that of a humpback whale and was recorded by scientists in March 1949 in Bermuda, researchers said.
Sea levels higher than thought due to "methodological blind spot," study says
A new study in the journal Nature says most sea level rise research may have underestimated coastal water heights by an average of 1 foot.
NASA announces major overhaul of Artemis moon program "to take down risk"
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced significant changes to the agency's Artemis program, which aims to land on the moon in 2028.
What scientists will be looking for when government UFO files are released
Documents might help scientists shed light on unexplained phenomena and government secrets, experts said.
In a first, shark seen on camera in Antarctica waters, surprising researchers
A large shark was caught on camera for the first time in Antarctica's waters, surprising researchers. "There's a general rule of thumb that you don't get sharks in Antarctica," one said.
Crime
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5 more defendants plead guilty in Feeding Our Future fraud scheme
Five people who were charged in connection to the Feeding Our Future scheme pleaded guilty to wire fraud this week.
Bodycam video of Justin Timberlake's DWI arrest on Long Island released
Bodycam video footage of Justin Timberlake's June 2024 DWI arrest on Long Island was released to the media Friday.
Justice Department subpoenas James Comey
Federal prosecutors in Miami subpoenaed former FBI Director James Comey as part of a probe into Obama-era intelligence officials, two sources familiar with the investigation tell CBS News. Jake Rosen reports.
"American Nightmare" survivor Denise Huskins' new discovery exposes victim privacy loophole in California law
The failure to protect explicit case evidence in Denise Huskins' kidnapping and sexual assault case is driving reform at the State Capitol. New developments exposed a little-known gap in state law that could expose videos of sexual assault victims.
Derrick Thompson sentenced to nearly 59 years in prison
Several Minnesota families saw justice served on Thursday morning after five young women were killed in a high-speed crash two summers ago in Minneapolis.
Space
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Repaired moon rocket heads back to launch pad for April 1 blastoff
After a trip back out to the launch pad, NASA's Artemis II rocket will be readied for a historic flight to the moon.
Video shows meteor streaking across the sky
A meteoroid was spotted streaking across the sky in 10 states. In some areas, there was also a loud boom, similar to an explosion. NASA says the meteor, which was traveling 45,000 mph in the sky, fragmented - causing the bright fireball and loud boom.
7-ton meteor identified as likely cause of boom heard across Ohio
Some residents immediately feared the sound was an explosion, according to CBS affiliate WOIO, but weather service officials say it appears to have been a meteor.
Bill Nye on going from Boeing to science guy
Bill Nye the Science Guy sits down with CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett to talk about his life and career.
NASA targets April 1 for moon mission launch
NASA's huge Space Launch System rocket has been repaired and is ready for rollout back to the launch pad next week.
Latest Galleries
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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.
Evidence in the Barbara Kendhammer case
Does the evidence show a cover-up, or was Todd Kendhammer wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife?
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
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
From the archives: Day 1 of the Iraq War
On March 20, 2003, a coalition of U.S.-led forces invaded Iraq, marking the start of the eponymous war. Watch the full "CBS Evening News" broadcast from that day.
Carousel owner steps up after fire hits businesses
Years after the Vietnam War, a veteran who suffered from PTSD found hope and joy in an old carousel he brought back to life. When a recent fire destroyed the businesses around it, he stepped in to give back. Steve Hartman has the update.
Remembering Chuck Norris' life and career
Action star and martial artist Chuck Norris has died, his family said. He was 86. Mark Strassmann looks back at his life and career.
U.S. sending thousands more Marines to Middle East
Thousands more U.S. Marines and three more warships are headed toward the Middle East, two U.S. officials told CBS News, as the war nears the three-week mark with no signs of letting up. Charlie D'Agata has the latest.
Vanderbilt Commodores head coach on success
The NCAA women's basketball tournament is officially underway. Shea Ralph, head coach for the Vanderbilt Commodores women's basketball team, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss the team's historic season and securing the two seed in the tournament.