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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.
U.S. military plane crashes in Iraq as status of crew is unknown, officials said
An aerial refueling tanker crashed in Western Iraq, U.S. officials said.
Exclusive
White House mulls defunding civil rights election observer program
The federal observer program sends neutral observers to monitor election sites to ensure voters don't experience discrimination at the polls.
FBI closes 2020 election fraud inquiry demanded by NV's top federal prosecutor
The FBI found only 38 non-citizens may have voted in the 2020 presidential election in the inquiry ordered by Sigal Chattah, Nevada's top federal prosecutor.
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.
What will it take for ships to brave the Strait of Hormuz again?
Energy prices won't ease up until the Strait of Hormuz is secure, experts say. Here's what it will take to get the oil flowing again.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
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.
What will it take for ships to brave the Strait of Hormuz again?
Energy prices won't ease up until the Strait of Hormuz is secure, experts say. Here's what it will take to get the oil flowing again.
Trump weighs Jones Act waiver amid rising fuel prices, White House says
Easing the century-old shipping law could help lower fuel prices as the Iran war pushes crude oil near $100 a barrel, experts say.
Lawsuit alleges David Protein understates calories and fat of its bars
Plaintiffs claim that David Protein bars contain "way more" calories and fat than what's displayed on the label.
Massive emergency oil release fails to stem investor fears
Attacks on shipping traffic and energy infrastructure in the Persian Gulf temporarily pushed oil back above $100 a barrel, stoking investor fears.
Politics
More Politics
U.S. military plane crashes in Iraq as status of crew is unknown, officials said
An aerial refueling tanker crashed in Western Iraq, U.S. officials said.
Exclusive
White House mulls defunding civil rights election observer program
The federal observer program sends neutral observers to monitor election sites to ensure voters don't experience discrimination at the polls.
FBI closes 2020 election fraud inquiry demanded by NV's top federal prosecutor
The FBI found only 38 non-citizens may have voted in the 2020 presidential election in the inquiry ordered by Sigal Chattah, Nevada's top federal prosecutor.
Senate passes sweeping bipartisan housing bill, but House roadblocks remain
The Senate approved a package of bills aimed at lowering housing costs, the most sweeping housing legislation in decades and a rare point of bipartisan consensus in an election year, with the issue of affordability top of mind for many voters.
Dad of 3 felt forced to quit TSA job amid shutdown: "Family has to come first"
More than 300 TSA officers have quit since the partial government shutdown began last month, according to agency statistics obtained by CBS News.
HealthWatch
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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.
Disease once linked to mining hits workers in countertops industry
Crystalline silica, which is released into the air when workers cut and polish engineered stone for kitchen countertops, can scar human lungs beyond repair.
"I was fighting to survive": Patients still struggle with preauthorization hurdles
Last summer, the Trump administration announced a voluntary pledge by health insurers to reform prior authorization, but patient advocates and medical providers remain skeptical.
Investigation
There's one building in LA with 89 registered hospices: "Ground zero" for fraud?
A CBS News analysis of records for every hospice operating in Los Angeles County finds indications of fraud are growing.
Raw oysters and clams recalled in 9 states over norovirus risks
Food containing norovirus may smell and taste normal but still cause serious illness if consumed, FDA warns.
World
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U.S. military plane crashes in Iraq as status of crew is unknown, officials said
An aerial refueling tanker crashed in Western Iraq, U.S. officials said.
Iran shares first statement attributed to its new supreme leader
Iranian state media say the country's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, in his first public statement, has called for the Strait of Hormuz to remain shut.
How do other countries view the U.S. and Israel's war with Iran?
CBS News journalists offer international perspectives from leaders and citizens in a number of countries as the Iran war nears the two-week mark.
Paralympian Oksana Masters "on top of the world" after winning 22nd medal
Oksana Masters said she was shocked to win her 22nd Paralympic Medal in Milan.
Giant underground pipe mysteriously rises over 30 feet in Japan
The pipe, with a diameter of 11.5 feet, towered as high as 42 feet at one point, according to the Osaka construction department.
Entertainment
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Misty Copeland fires back at Timothée Chalamet ballet, opera comments
Ballerina Misty Copeland responded to controversial comments made by actor Timothée Chalamet when he appeared to dismiss the significance of ballet and opera, saying, "No one cares."
John Grisham on his first-ever spy novel
John Grisham, who has written 52 bestsellers, reveals the name of his new novel on "CBS Mornings" and talks about how writing about espionage compares to his legal thrillers.
Spoiler alert! Latest "Survivor elimination
The fourth contestant eliminated from "Survivor: In the Hands of the Fans" joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss being voted off and playing the game again.
Misty Copeland on Timothée Chalamet comments
Misty Copeland, the first Black female principal dancer for the American Ballet Theater, said Timothée Chalamet "wouldn't be an actor and have the opportunities he has as a movie star if it weren't for opera and ballet and their relevance in that medium." Her response comes after Chalamet's comments on ballet and opera sparked backlash.
Oscars 2026: Behind the scenes with the best supporting actor nominees
Watch scenes from the performances nominated for best supporting actor at the 98th annual Academy Awards, as well as interviews with the nominees.
Technology
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Technology
How Pentagon-Anthropic AI dispute escalated
The Trump administration has blacklisted AI giant Anthropic, labeling it a supply chain risk. The company has sued in response. New York Times tech reporter Sheera Frenkel joins CBS News to break down the feud.
Memory chip shortage could raise tech prices
An explosion in artificial intelligence data centers and cloud computing is shrinking the supply of memory chips, which is having a major impact on the price consumers pay for everyday tech. CNET editor-in-chief David Katzmaier joins CBS News to discuss.
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.
What is XMoney, Elon Musk's new digital payments platform?
Elon Musk said his long-planned payments platform, dubbed XMoney, is set to launch for select users. Here's what to know.
How Hollywood is grappling with AI
AI-generated artist Tilly Norwood and the company behind her released a new music video speaking directly to her critics. As AI evolves, Hollywood faces questions over legal protections, copyright infringement and human labor. Jo Ling Kent reports.
Science
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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.
How Washington's crossing of the Delaware presaged a changing world
On the evening of Christmas 1776, Gen. George Washington surprised the King's forces by leading the Continental Army in a surprise crossing of a near-frozen Delaware River - a watershed military maneuver that dramatized a changing America, and a changing climate.
Crime
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Crime
Details on Michigan synagogue attack
Two major active shooting situations occurred in the U.S. on Thursday. The first happened at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, during an ROTC class. A retired Army officer was killed and two other people were injured. The gunman, who was also killed, had previously pleaded guilty in the U.S. over connections to ISIS. In Michigan, a truck rammed into one of the biggest synagogues in the country. A security guard shot killed the suspect who exited the vehicle armed with a rifle. CBS News' Bradley Blackburn, Anna Schecter and Sam Vinograd have more.
FBI identifies Old Dominion shooter
The FBI held a briefing Thursday after a gunman killed at least one person and injured two others at Old Dominion University. Officials identified the shooter as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, who was previously imprisoned for trying to support ISIS.
Sen. Gary Peters on Michigan synagogue attack
Security staffers killed a man after he rammed a car into a Michigan synagogue on Thursday. Democratic Sen. Gary Peters of Michigan joins "The Takeout" to discuss.
Possible terror attacks in Virginia, Michigan
On Thursday, a man rammed a car into Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, Michigan, and a gunman killed at least one person at Old Dominion University in Virginia. It is unclear if the incidents are related. CBS News' Scott MacFarlane and Samantha Vinograd join with the latest on what we know about both crimes.
Trump: Michigan synagogue attack "terrible thing"
President Trump addressed the attack at a Michigan synagogue on Thursday, calling the incident "a terrible thing" and saying he was sending his love to the community.
Space
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Space
1,300-pound NASA satellite to crash on Earth
Nearly 14 years after it was launched in 2012, NASA says a 1,300-pound satellite is expected to come crashing back to Earth on Wednesday. Most of it will burn up as it reenters the atmosphere, but NASA warns some debris could survive reentry.
1,300-pound NASA satellite re-enters Earth's atmosphere after 14 years in space
The Van Allen probe's mission was meant to last two years, but ended up going for nearly seven.
Why NASA is overhauling Artemis program
NASA has announced a major overhaul of its Artemis moon program amid ongoing safety concerns. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood has more details.
How NASA plans to get astronauts on the moon
NASA announced an overhaul to its Artemis moon program as safety concerns persist. CBS News space contributor Christian Davenport breaks down the key takeaways.
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.
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
Details on Michigan synagogue attack
Two major active shooting situations occurred in the U.S. on Thursday. The first happened at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, during an ROTC class. A retired Army officer was killed and two other people were injured. The gunman, who was also killed, had previously pleaded guilty in the U.S. over connections to ISIS. In Michigan, a truck rammed into one of the biggest synagogues in the country. A security guard shot killed the suspect who exited the vehicle armed with a rifle. CBS News' Bradley Blackburn, Anna Schecter and Sam Vinograd have more.
Ex-Israeli Ambassador to U.S. on Hezbollah threat
Officials in Lebanon say more than 630 people have been killed during the war with Iran, including 91 children. Former Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Michael Oren joins "The Takeout" to explain the relationship between Lebanon and the Iran war.
Warren breaks down newly-passed housing bill
The Senate on Thursday overwhelmingly passed a bill aimed at lowering housing costs. Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts joins "The Takeout" to break down the legislation.
Iranian oil exports up about 30% month over month
CBS News has learned that despite the U.S.-Israeli war, for the first nine days of March, Iran exported about 30% more oil than in the first nine days of February. Matt Gutman has more.
FBI identifies Old Dominion shooter
The FBI held a briefing Thursday after a gunman killed at least one person and injured two others at Old Dominion University. Officials identified the shooter as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, who was previously imprisoned for trying to support ISIS.