Hospitals push for upfront payments as healthcare costs rise
Hospitals and other medical providers are increasingly asking for payment before providing care, collecting more of what patients might owe.
Healthcare
As Medicare pays less for cataract surgery, doctors turn to moneymaking lasers
More cataract patients, wanting not only restored but improved vision, are paying extra for their doctors to use a laser when a scalpel would do.
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.
Grants halted at agency devoted to safety of U.S. healthcare
Congress appropriated $345 million for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality for the 2026 fiscal year, but the agency has spent less than $15 million on grants.
FTC sues Hims & Hers, alleging it shared health data with Meta, Snap
Telehealth platform disclosed users' "most private" health info and locked consumers into subscriptions, regulators allege.
Severely ill prisoners granted early release are left stuck behind bars
Prisoners with severe medical conditions can be granted compassionate release, but without a long-term care facility willing to accept them, many continue to wait in prison as their conditions worsen.
Healthcare costs associated with aging out of reach for many Americans
One New York couple depleted their retirement and savings accounts, paying out-of-pocket for healthcare, before they were able to access Medicaid funds.
Affordable Care Act enrollment down, costs up
New federal data shows that Affordable Care Act enrollments are down by nearly 3 million people. Premiums jumped at the start of 2026 after Congress let COVID-era federal subsidies expire. CBS News medical correspondent Dr. Céline Gounder joins with analysis.
ACA enrollments drop after premiums spike
Millions of Americans are paying more or have dropped their insurance entirely after Affordable Care Act subsidies expired and insurance costs surged. CBS News medical correspondent Dr. Céline Gounder talks about the impact of high healthcare and insurance costs.
Switching to a cheaper health plan delayed a man's access to vital medicine
A Florida man thought he had carefully planned for a seamless switch between health plans. It was anything but.
He dreamed of becoming a physician assistant. New loan rules may thwart him.
Starting July 1, the government will cap what graduate students may borrow in federal loans, forcing many toward private lenders with higher interest rates.
Democrats to propose bill capping out-of-pocket Medicare costs for enrollees
Some Senate Democrats want to cap the amount beneficiaries in traditional Medicare have to pay toward care, but the move is expected to draw GOP opposition for potentially adding billions to Medicare costs.
AI's impact on medicine
Dr. Pierre Elias, a cardiologist and medical director of AI at NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia, explains the impact of artificial intelligence advancements in the medical field, including EchoNext that received FDA approval through Pathway Labs, and how we can use AI without leaning on it too much.
Medicare's AI push snarls patients and doctors in errors and delays
Medicare is testing the use of artificial intelligence to preapprove several healthcare services.
Affordable healthcare emerges as a voter priority in purple Nevada
The Trump administration's cuts to Medicaid and SNAP may complicate Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo's reelection chances.
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.
They're uninsured after Obamacare became too costly. They're far from alone.
After congressional Republicans let expanded subsidies for Affordable Care Act plans expire at the end of last year, some families have decided the price is too great of a financial burden and canceled their coverage.
Judge refers DOJ lawyers for possible discipline over handling of transgender care probe
U.S. District Judge Mary McElroy had lambasted Justice Department lawyers in a decision last month and accused them of misrepresenting and withholding information.
Upcoming billing change could make pregnancy pricier
Come January, pregnancy care physician billing codes will change from a bundled system to an à la carte one.
Americans speak on health insurance costs
In the 1800s, Hartford, Connecticut, picked up the nickname, "The Insurance Capital of the World." Tony Dokoupil visits the city to ask people about rising insurance and healthcare costs.
Noah Wyle's push to help healthcare workers
Noah Wyle, who stars in HBO's "The Pitt," joins "CBS Mornings" with Dr. Elisabeth Potter to discuss their push to improve mental health and quality of life for healthcare workers.
Cheaper, alternative health plans are having a moment, but critics urge caution
Congress' decision not to extend enhanced marketplace tax credits has boosted the appeal of alternative health coverage with lower monthly premiums.
Eroding ACA enrollment portends higher insurance rates
An uptick in people skipping Obamacare premium payments in many states suggests the Affordable Care Act's rising costs are hitting home for 2026 enrollees.
Aflac CEO on how family built company
Aflac CEO Dan Amos joined CBS News 24/7 Mornings with more on his historic tenure atop the insurance company and how the industry has changed over time.
Documentary explores maternal healthcare
Christy Turlington Burns, the founder and president of the nonprofit "Every Mother Counts," speaks about her new documentary, which explores the state of maternal healthcare following the end of Roe v. Wade. She discusses the different risks for women and why this is personal for her.
Live
Trump says U.S. has "total control" over Strait of Hormuz
President Trump said Wednesday that the U.S. has "total control" over the Strait of Hormuz, writing on social media: "I THINK WE WILL KEEP IT."
Surrogate gives birth to baby at center of multi-state legal battle
Surrogate McKenna West declined to get an abortion requested by the intended parents after the baby she was carrying was diagnosed with a severe but treatable heart defect.
Karoline Leavitt exiting as White House press secretary
President Trump said Karoline Leavitt will be leaving her role to focus on her young family.
Total solar eclipse darkens skies across Northern Hemisphere
The only total solar eclipse of 2026 is crossing the Northern Hemisphere today, with a path of totality across parts of Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain. See when and where it will be visible.
U.S. indicts former SPLC executive for her role in alleged fraud scheme
Prosecutors have accused the SPLC of telling donors and banks the group was dismantling white supremacist and extremist groups, but instead funneling payments to confidential informants in the groups to fund "violent, racist and extremist activities."
2 killed after Apache helicopter from Fort Hood crashes in Salado, Texas
Two people aboard an AH-64 Apache attack helicopter based out of Fort Hood were killed in a crash on Wednesday, according to local authorities and the Army.
Nick Reiner indicted on murder charges in parents' killings at their LA home
Nick Reiner pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder with the special circumstance allegations in the killing of his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner.
How the Secret Service is cracking down on card-skimming scams
A Secret Service analyst told CBS News a single skimming device can net a scammer up to $1 million.
Norah O'Donnell: I take testosterone. Here's why.
Norah O'Donnell sat down with her own doctor, Rachel Rubin, to tackle the important topic of menopause: How your body changes, why women may be needlessly suffering, and what you can actually do about it.
U.S.
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2 killed after Apache helicopter from Fort Hood crashes in Salado, Texas
Two people aboard an AH-64 Apache attack helicopter based out of Fort Hood were killed in a crash on Wednesday, according to local authorities and the Army.
U.S. indicts former SPLC executive for her role in alleged fraud scheme
Prosecutors have accused the Southern Poverty Law Center of telling donors and banks it was dismantling white supremacist and extremist groups, while funneling payments to confidential informants in the groups.
Karoline Leavitt exiting as White House press secretary
President Trump said Karoline Leavitt will be leaving her role to focus on her young family.
Maps and charts show record number of measles cases in U.S. this year
CBS News has been tracking a record number of measles cases and outbreaks around the country. The majority of cases are among those who haven't been vaccinated.
Surrogate gives birth to baby at center of multi-state legal battle
Surrogate McKenna West declined to get an abortion requested by the intended parents after the baby she was carrying was diagnosed with a severe but treatable heart defect.
MoneyWatch
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How much time does AI save at work? New Census Bureau data breaks it down.
New Census data shows how much faster workers can complete tasks when they enlist artificial intelligence for help.
Here's how much Social Security's 2027 COLA could rise under new estimates
Social Security's cost-of-living adjustment for 2027 is projected to be lower than previously forecast, according to new estimates.
NYC Council probes prediction markets over advertising practices
New York City lawmakers allege that four major prediction markets engage in deceptive marketing practices and target young adults.
CPI report shows inflation eased in July to a 3.4% annual pace
The CPI report was in line with economists' expectations, marking the second consecutive month with cooler price pressures.
Eli Lilly takes aim at illicit market for its experimental weight-loss drug
The pharmaceutical company is filing lawsuits against six outlets selling versions of its promising but unapproved weight-loss drug, retatrutide.
Politics
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U.S. indicts former SPLC executive for her role in alleged fraud scheme
Prosecutors have accused the Southern Poverty Law Center of telling donors and banks it was dismantling white supremacist and extremist groups, while funneling payments to confidential informants in the groups.
Karoline Leavitt exiting as White House press secretary
President Trump said Karoline Leavitt will be leaving her role to focus on her young family.
11 charged for alleged sham marriages to help Chinese nationals get green cards
The DOJ unveiled criminal charges alleging 11 people participated in a scheme that involved more than 1,000 "sham marriages" between Chinese nationals and U.S. citizens.
First on CBS
Top Trump officials heading to Iowa to help GOP campaigns, sources say
The upcoming Iowa State Fair is a pivotal window of opportunity for candidates on the campaign trail.
Rubio, Bessent took decoy Air Force One, Hegseth flew on secret flight with Trump
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent were on the decoy flight last month when President Trump secretly switched to a different plane while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was with Mr. Trump.
HealthWatch
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Maps and charts show record number of measles cases in U.S. this year
CBS News has been tracking a record number of measles cases and outbreaks around the country. The majority of cases are among those who haven't been vaccinated.
Norah O'Donnell: I take testosterone. Here's why.
Norah O'Donnell sat down with her own doctor, Rachel Rubin, to tackle the important topic of menopause: How your body changes, why women may be needlessly suffering, and what you can actually do about it.
Hospitals push for upfront payments as healthcare costs rise
Hospitals and other medical providers are increasingly asking for payment before providing care, collecting more of what patients might owe.
Doctor on Fauci's COVID-era revealed texts
Republican senators this week released 11 new text messages from Dr. Anthony Fauci's government phone in 2021 as part of the investigations into his handling of the COVID pandemic. In the texts, he discussed the potential risks and benefits of the vaccine for pregnant women. Dr. Serena Chen, an OB-GYN and the director of advocacy at CCRM Fertility of New Jersey, has more.
Trump administration bars use of Medicaid funds for some youth transgender care
Medicaid said it won't pay for gender-affirming surgeries or hormones for transgender minors.
World
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At least 1 dead, 172 rescued from ferry fire near Bali, Indonesia
One Indonesian teenager was killed when the vessel caught fire in rough seas.
Cartel sought to buy weapons in exchange for fentanyl, U.S. says
"In exchange for the weapons, the defendants paid in the form of fentanyl and methamphetamine imported into the United States for distribution," the Justice Department said.
Live
Trump says U.S. has "total control" over Strait of Hormuz
President Trump said Wednesday that the U.S. has "total control" over the Strait of Hormuz, writing on social media: "I THINK WE WILL KEEP IT."
Baby rescued from earthquake rubble in Colombia as death toll rises
Footage shared on social media shows a baby being rescued from the bloody arms of a man trapped underneath a destroyed building in Cali after a powerful earthquake struck Colombia.
Total solar eclipse darkens skies across Northern Hemisphere
The only total solar eclipse of 2026 crossed the Northern Hemisphere today, with a path of totality across parts of Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain. See photos and video from the best viewing locations.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Becky G on her friendship with Karol G
Singer Becky G speaks with Gayle King about her tour with Karol G and the bond the two pop stars have formed. "We have a beautiful friendship," Becky G says, "one I'm really, really thankful for and one that I think throughout the years we've really earned with one another."
Behind the scenes of the movie "Tony"
Actor Dominic Sessa and renowned chef Eric Ripert talk with "CBS Mornings" about the new movie "Tony," which is loosely based on Anthony Bourdain's stories of his first experience working in a kitchen restaurant before he found fame. Sessa describes how he got involved and Ripert, who one of Bourdain's best friends, talks about his relationship with the beloved chef.
Becky G on being family's breadwinner
"CBS Mornings" co-host Gayle King speaks exclusively with pop superstar Becky G about feeling the pressure of becoming her family's breadwinner at a young age.
Spotify to label music from "AI personas"
Kourtnee Jackson, senior streaming and entertainment editor at CNET, joins "The Daily Report" to give her take on Spotify's decision to label AI-generated music and block it from being recommended to users.
Graceland celebrates "Elvis Week"
"Elvis Week" kicked off at Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee, on Aug. 8 and runs until Aug. 16, marking Elvis Presley's death. Alicia Dean, the longtime marketing and promotions specialist for Elvis Presley Enterprises, joins with more.
Technology
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Technology
Google unveils new tech, centered around AI
Google is officially unveiling its latest line of Pixel phones and other new devices at its 2026 Made By Google event in New York. AI is at the center of its newest offerings. Matt Binder, a senior reporter at Mashable, joins CBS News to discuss.
Meta on trial for social media addiction suit
Tech giant Meta is being accused of designing social media platforms that violate privacy and enable social media addiction in children. Jury selection in the trial begins today. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson has more on the case.
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.
Duffy on new tech for air travel safety
Top transportation officials were at Newark Airport on Tuesday for the installation of a new radar system designed to help controllers prevent runway incidents. CBS News senior transportation correspondent Kris Van Cleave spoke with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy about the new technology.
Wall Street targets $500B for AI
Nvidia scored an astounding $500 billion in financing for artificial intelligence, backed by Wall Street's top power brokers and firms. Puck founding partner and industry journalist William D. Cohan weighs in on the AI boom and data center construction.
Science
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Science
Astronomy professor on how eclipses work
Janna Levin, professor of physics and astronomy at Barnard College, joins CBS News to discuss Wednesday's total solar eclipse.
How a total solar eclipse stopped a war
Columbia University astronomy professor Dr. Janna Levin joins CBS News to discuss Wednesday's total solar eclipse, saying it's a reminder that humans share this Earth together and "we're all part of something larger."
New space object called "black hole star" discovered by astronomers
The newly discovered object looks like a star the size of our solar system, but produces 100 billion times more energy than any star.
Perseid meteor shower peaks during eclipse
The Perseid meteor shower will peak during 2026's only total solar eclipse. Director of astronomy at Adler Planetarium, Dr. Geza Gyuk, explains why the eclipse is so special.
Total solar eclipse in Europe
A small part of the U.S. will be able to see a sliver of partial solar eclipse, but the path of totality will cut through Europe. CBS News meteorologist Rob Marciano has more from Mallorca, Spain.
Crime
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Crime
Lindsay Clancy's counselor takes the stand
Latiesha Dukes, one of Lindsay Clancy's mental health counselors before the deaths of her three children, testified Wednesday that she did not see signs of Clancy in crisis. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul has the latest.
Judge makes rare ruling in Mangione case
At a hearing for Luigi Mangione, who is accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, a judge ruled the jury in Mangione's New York state murder trial will be anonymous. Tom Hanson explains.
How the Secret Service is cracking down on card-skimming scams
A Secret Service analyst told CBS News a single skimming device can net a scammer up to $1 million.
Cartel sought to buy weapons in exchange for fentanyl, U.S. says
"In exchange for the weapons, the defendants paid in the form of fentanyl and methamphetamine imported into the United States for distribution," the Justice Department said.
More healthcare testimony in Clancy trial
Healthcare workers who treated Lindsay Clancy's postpartum mental health concerns are back on the stand Tuesday in her murder trial. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson has the latest.
Space
More Space
New space object called "black hole star" discovered by astronomers
The newly discovered object looks like a star the size of our solar system, but produces 100 billion times more energy than any star.
Total solar eclipse darkens skies across Northern Hemisphere
The only total solar eclipse of 2026 crossed the Northern Hemisphere today, with a path of totality across parts of Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain. See photos and video from the best viewing locations.
Perseid meteor shower reaches peak viewing on Wednesday night
The Perseid meteor shower is the best viewing all year, according to NASA.
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.
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.
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
Google unveils new tech, centered around AI
Google is officially unveiling its latest line of Pixel phones and other new devices at its 2026 Made By Google event in New York. AI is at the center of its newest offerings. Matt Binder, a senior reporter at Mashable, joins CBS News to discuss.
Cyclosporiasis-linked farm last inspected in 2019
The Mexican lettuce farm linked to the cyclosporiasis outbreak has not been inspected by American regulators in seven years. Dr. Kali Kniel, chair of microbial food safety at the University of Delaware, joins CBS News with more.
Surrogate fights parents over Baby Gabriel
A surrogacy case in Texas is raising questions about who decides treatment for a baby - the intended parents or the surrogate. The child, known as Baby Gabriel, was born on Wednesday after the intended parents of the baby requested that the surrogate undergo an abortion at 20 weeks when they learned that the baby had a rare and serious heart defect. The surrogate refused and traveled to Texas. CBS News reporter Shawna Mizelle has the latest and Alexis Cirel, a founding partner of the fertility law practice at SSRGA, has more.
Europe's first total solar eclipse in 27 years
Europe on Wednesday experienced its first solar eclipse in nearly three decades. Lindsey Reiser anchored CBS News' special coverage.
Karoline Leavitt leaving press secretary role
Karoline Leavitt announced Wednesday that she will be departing her role as press secretary at the end of the month. CBS News White House reporter Olivia Rinaldi has more.