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.
Some U.S. grocery prices are dipping for the first time since 2020
Americans have struggled with high grocery costs since inflation soared during the pandemic. Now prices are falling.
AirTag users will soon be able to share location with airlines
Ever use an AirTag to locate lost luggage? Soon airlines will be able to see your bag's AirTag location, too.
Microchipped dog helps Texas police identify woman's killer
Officials who responded to a burning body found a dog nearby. The animal refused to leave the scene.
These House seats are still undecided
CBS News characterizes control of the House as lean Republican, with a handful of seats still undecided.
Here is why Costco recalled almost 80,000 pounds of butter
The packaging label omitted a key ingredient, prompting a Food and Drug Administration recall.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Some U.S. grocery prices are dipping for the first time since 2020
Americans have struggled with high grocery costs since inflation soared during the pandemic. Now prices are falling.
AirTag users will soon be able to share location with airlines
Ever use an AirTag to locate lost luggage? Soon airlines will be able to see your bag's AirTag location, too.
Sephora says it did not donate to Trump, after online calls for boycott
Amid calls for holiday season boycotts, Sephora and other large retailers refute claims of political donations.
Here is why Costco recalled almost 80,000 pounds of butter
The packaging label omitted a key ingredient, prompting a Food and Drug Administration recall.
What could Trump's return, and his tariffs, actually mean for China?
Could the tariffs Trump's threatened to slap on Chinese imports backfire and help Beijing? Some experts say they will.
Politics
More Politics
Biden meets with Israel's Herzog on Middle East conflict, humanitarian aid to Gaza
Israel faces a Wednesday deadline to increase humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Sephora says it did not donate to Trump, after online calls for boycott
Amid calls for holiday season boycotts, Sephora and other large retailers refute claims of political donations.
These House seats are still undecided
CBS News characterizes control of the House as lean Republican, with a handful of seats still undecided.
Jeffries says Democrats will have a "family conversation" after 2024 election losses
The House is leaning toward Republican control, CBS News estimates.
Supreme Court rejects Meadows' bid to move Georgia election case to federal court
Former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows was charged with two counts in the case brought by Fulton County prosecutors over alleged efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election in Georgia.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Here is why Costco recalled almost 80,000 pounds of butter
The packaging label omitted a key ingredient, prompting a Food and Drug Administration recall.
What to know about food safety in your home
A CBS News analysis found foodborne illnesses have increased 42% since 2013 in regions the CDC monitors. Recent outbreaks of listeria and E. coli have made headlines nationwide. Nancy Chen shows if consumers are taking the proper steps at home when it comes to safe food storage and preparation.
Study shows increase in heavy drinking
A new study finds the United States has more heavy drinkers than it did a few years ago before the pandemic began. CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook explains why and what to know about the dangerous trend.
Americans' increased pandemic drinking lasted for years, study finds
Pandemic-prompted drinking persists, according to a new study that shows a continued increase in alcohol use.
New data on pandemic-era drinking persisting
Alcohol is a leading cause of illness and death in the United States, and new research suggests an alarming increase in alcohol use since the pandemic is persisting. CBS News' Stephanie Stahl reports.
World
More World
Surfboards with lights could deter shark attacks: "Invisibility cloak"
Seal-shaped boards decked with bright horizontal lights were less likely to be attacked by great white sharks, researchers found.
Biden meets with Israel's Herzog on Middle East conflict, humanitarian aid to Gaza
Israel faces a Wednesday deadline to increase humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Russia lawmakers pass bill banning "child-free propaganda"
Facing low birth rates and an aging population, Russia is set to ban any information deemed to promote a "rejection of childbearing."
Conor McGregor accuser found "very bruised" after alleged rape, medic says
A paramedic has told a court hearing a civil suit brought by a woman accusing Conor McGregor of raping her in a hotel room that she was found with significant injuries.
MLS player Marco Angulo, 22, dies from car crash injuries
Marco Angulo died from injuries sustained in a car crash that also killed his former youth team teammate Roberto Cabezas, officials said.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Leon Bridges on returning to his Texas roots with new album
Celebrating his Texas roots, Grammy-winning artist Leon Bridges releases "Leon," an album he calls a love letter to the city of Fort Worth.
"Mornings Memory": Richard Petty on survival
In today's Mornings Memory, we revisit a 1992 interview with NASCAR legend Richard Petty, who shared his story of resilience after surviving a horrific crash with only a broken ankle.
Leon Bridges on new album
Touring his new album "Leon," singer-songwriter Leon Bridges talks with Anthony Mason about his music, his connection to Texas and the power of staying grounded.
Paul Reiser on returning to stand-up
Comedy legend Paul Reiser is the star of "Mad About You" and "Stranger Things." He returns to stand-up with "Life, Death, and Rice Pudding," his first special in more than 30 years.
Mattel faults print error for porn site listed on "Wicked" doll box
Mattel apologizes for inadvertently directing people to pornography site instead of one promoting upcoming film.
Technology
More Technology
Technology
Technology helps preserve memories
When climate disasters hit, important memories stored in photos and other artifacts can be lost forever. Dave Malkoff takes a look at how technology is being used to help preserve those memories.
When Trump's victory became clear, online claims of election fraud quieted
As votes were tallied and it became clear that Trump was on his way to victory, the deluge of posts questioning the integrity of the election fell to a trickle.
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.
Robots replace sculptors in Italy
In Carrara, Italy, a studio is using robots to create sculptures, a move that has traditional sculptors concerned about the future of Italian art. Bill Whitaker explores the clash between technology and heritage on "60 Minutes."
Starbucks app goes down, customers complain
The app crashed the same day Starbucks introduced its holiday menu, preventing customers from placing mobile orders.
Science
More Science
Surfboards with lights could deter shark attacks: "Invisibility cloak"
Seal-shaped boards decked with bright horizontal lights were less likely to be attacked by great white sharks, researchers found.
Trump officials likely to reverse drilling waste "methane fee" EPA is imposing
Oil and natural gas companies will have to pay a federal fee if they emit methane above certain levels under a rule being finalized by the Biden administration that incoming Trump officials are likely to reverse.
Site of ancient, key battle in Iraq found using spy satellite images
1970s-era U.S. spy satellite imagery has led archeologists to what they believe is the site of a seventh-century battle that was decisive in the spread of Islam in the region.
Who is Lee Zeldin, Trump's pick for EPA head?
President-elect Donald Trump announced on Monday that he would nominate former Republican Rep. Lee Zeldin of New York to lead the Environmental Protection Agency. CBS News national environmental correspondent David Schechter joins to discuss the move.
Crews working to contain U.S. wildfires
Multiple wildfires are burning across the Northeastern U.S. and crews say they are making some headway as they battle a massive wildfire in Southern California. Tom Hanson and Tina Patel have the latest.
Crime
More Crime
Microchipped dog helps Texas police identify woman's killer
Officials who responded to a burning body found a dog nearby. The animal refused to leave the scene.
Conor McGregor accuser found "very bruised" after alleged rape, medic says
A paramedic has told a court hearing a civil suit brought by a woman accusing Conor McGregor of raping her in a hotel room that she was found with significant injuries.
Pentagon leaker Jack Teixeira to be sentenced for violating Espionage Act
Jack Teixeira, who admitted he illegally posted sensitive military information in online chat rooms will be sentenced Tuesday.
Breaking down the Delphi murders verdict
An Indiana jury on Monday convicted 52-year-old Richard Allen of murder seven years after two teenage girls vanished during a hike. CBS News correspondent Ian Lee has more on the verdict.
Delphi murders defendant guilty on 4 counts
Richard Allen, the man accused in the Delphi double murders, has been found guilty on four counts of murder. The 52-year-old Indiana man faces up to 130 years in prison for the killing of two teens more than seven years ago. Ian Lee reports.
Space
More Space
Astronauts decline to answer questions about post-flight medical issue
Medical issues aside, the astronauts described a water leak in June that triggered a blizzard in the International Space Station's airlock.
Cargo ship brings science gear, holiday treats to space station crew
With an Election Day docking, the cargo ship delivered 3 tons of supplies and equipment, including an unusual wooden satellite.
The Taurid meteor showers will peak a week apart in November
Two sister meteor showers are already flashing across night skies — and will peak a week apart.
"Halloween comet" disintegrates after flying close to the sun, video shows
NASA confirmed its sun-observing spacecraft captured the moment when the comet Atlas broke into chunks this week as it passed close to the sun.
Chinese space station gets new crew
A Chinese spacecraft carrying a three-person crew, including the country's first female space engineer, has successfully docked with China's orbiting space station. The launch comes as Beijing works to expand its space exploration and put a person on the moon by 2030.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
Notable Deaths in 2024
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Serial killer Rodney Alcala's secret photos
See some of convicted serial killer Rodney Alcala's photographs that were discovered by detectives in a Seattle storage locker.
The troubled marriage of Ashley and Doug Benefield
The seesaw marriage between the former ballerina and her much older husband only lasted four years, until she shot him on Sept. 27, 2020.
Evidence in "The Dexter Killer" case
A look at the evidence in "The Dexter Killer" case; plus, newly revealed letters from the man police say wanted to be like fictional serial killer Dexter Morgan.
Summer music heats up 2024
Live performances are in full swing this summer. Scroll through our concert gallery, featuring pictures by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Herzog denounces Iran in Biden meeting
Israeli President Isaac Herzog met with President Biden at the White House Tuesday. The two leaders discussed Israel's conflict in the Middle East and the need for more humanitarian aid in Gaza.
Is enough aid entering Gaza?
The U.S. gave Israel 30 days to help ramp up aid efforts for Gaza. The term is coming to an end and serious hurdles remain for supplies entering certain parts of the strip. CBS News' Elizabeth Palmer has more.
Rubio, Waltz and Noem may join Trump
President-elect Donald Trump's team is taking shape with Sen. Marco Rubio expected to be tapped as Secretary of State and and South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem as secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. Trump also announced he will pick Florida Rep. Michael Waltz as his national security adviser. CBS News' Weijia Jiang has the latest on Trump's transition into his second term.
Trump to meet with Congressional Republicans
President-elect Trump will head to Capitol Hill Wednesday to meet with GOP lawmakers in Congress before his meeting at the White House with President Biden. CBS News congressional correspondent Nikole Killion has more.
Supreme Court releases new case order list
The Supreme Court has released its new order list of cases for the coming months as speculation swirls about justices possibly stepping down. CBS News chief legal correspondent Jan Crawford has more.