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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.
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Avalanche kills snowmobiler in Wyoming, 4th fatality this month
Nicholas Bringhurst, 31, was in the LaBarge Creek area of western Wyoming when he was caught in an avalanche, the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office said in a news release.
CPI report shows inflation rose at a 2.7% annual pace in December
The December CPI reading caps a year when many Americans felt squeezed by affordability pressures.
Their 21 kids were taken by the state. They've since had more surrogate-born babies.
The couple had so many kids in their Los Angeles-area mansion a neighbor "thought it was a kindergarten." The investigation has only gotten stranger.
Monkeys are on the loose in St. Louis and AI is complicating search
People have reported capturing the monkeys, even posting fake pictures online to bolster the claim. But the monkeys remain at large.
Former U.S. Navy sailor gets more than 16 years for selling secrets to China
Patrick Wei, a former U.S. Navy sailor who sold manuals for ships and operating systems to an operative working for China, was sentenced to more than 16 years in prison, prosecutors said.
MoneyWatch
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Foreign central bank chiefs voice "full solidarity with" Fed chief Powell
The heads of 10 central banks and other financial institutions say it's "critical to preserve" the Fed's independence, as Powell is pressured by the Trump administration.
CPI report shows inflation rose at a 2.7% annual pace in December
The December CPI reading caps a year when many Americans felt squeezed by affordability pressures.
Trump slaps 25% tariffs on any countries that do business with Iran
President Trump said Monday he's imposing 25% tariffs on all countries that do business with Iran, as the administration pressures the Iranian government amid anti-regime protests.
Warren says Congress could work with Trump to cap credit card rates
Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a progressive Democrat from Massachusetts, said she told President Trump Congress could cap credit card rates if he pushes for it.
Meta names Dina Powell McCormick as president and vice chairman
Facebook owner Meta has named Dina Powell McCormick, a former Trump administration adviser and longtime finance executive, as its new president and vice chairman.
Politics
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Foreign central bank chiefs voice "full solidarity with" Fed chief Powell
The heads of 10 central banks and other financial institutions say it's "critical to preserve" the Fed's independence, as Powell is pressured by the Trump administration.
BBC to seek dismissal of Trump's $10B defamation lawsuit
British public broadcaster BBC wants a Florida court to throw out Trump's lawsuit, with lawyers arguing a lack of jurisdiction.
Republican congressman proposes bill to make Greenland 51st state
Republican Rep. Randy Fine of Florida introduced a bill to annex Greenland and make it the 51st U.S. state.
Democrats want to know if any Jan. 6 rioters are now working for ICE
Nearly one year after the mass pardon of more than 1,500 Trump-supporting Capitol riot defendants, House Democrats are asking whether any of the pardoned rioters are now working for ICE.
Pentagon adopting Musk's Grok AI despite growing backlash against it
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says the Pentagon will start using Elon Musk's AI chatbot Grok. The word comes days after Grok drew global outcry for generating highly sexualized deepfake images.
HealthWatch
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Nurses strike begins in New York City as thousands walk off jobs
The largest nurses strike ever in New York City is underway as thousands of NYSNA members walk off their jobs at major hospitals.
RFK Jr.'s MAHA movement has picked up steam in statehouses
"Make America Healthy Again" policies driven by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have made major strides in state legislatures, with food additives among the most common targets.
"Enough": Oprah Winfrey on her weight-loss lessons
Oprah Winfrey is one of the best-known, most-admired and successful people on the planet. But for years she seemed powerless to conquer her fluctuating weight problem … until new medications, and a new attitude about her weight, gave her a breakthrough, which she describes in "Enough," a new book she has co-written with Dr. Ania Jastreboff. They talk with Jane Pauley about an individual's genetically-influenced weight range, and how to reset it. Winfrey also relates the long road she traveled since she began her TV career in Nashville, facing sexism, racism, and comments about her weight.
NYC nurses strike looms as negotiations pass midnight deadline
The potential for a major nurses strike in New York City is growing by the minute, with major hospitals and the New York State Nurses Association failing to get a deal done before Sunday's midnight deadline.
State of denial: How insurance companies impact health care today
As millions of Americans struggle with paying for health care, doctors and health experts discuss how medical care is being eroded by insurers denying necessary tests and treatment, making it "more difficult to be healthy in the United States."
World
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Foreign central bank chiefs voice "full solidarity with" Fed chief Powell
The heads of 10 central banks and other financial institutions say it's "critical to preserve" the Fed's independence, as Powell is pressured by the Trump administration.
BBC to seek dismissal of Trump's $10B defamation lawsuit
British public broadcaster BBC wants a Florida court to throw out Trump's lawsuit, with lawyers arguing a lack of jurisdiction.
Over 1,500 pounds of meth found in secret labs in Mexico
More than 1,500 pounds of methamphetamine were seized from clandestine laboratories in Mexico, authorities said.
Videos show rows of body bags in Iran as anti-regime protests enter third week
Other videos posted online show protesters taking to the streets, shouting "death to the dictator" and openly calling for the end of the Islamic Republic.
Lawmakers to visit Denmark as Trump threatens to take over Greenland
President Trump's remarks about taking Greenland by military force have prompted bipartisan criticism from lawmakers who have said they do not support acquiring the Danish territory in such a way.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Behind-the-scenes at the Golden Globes
Celebrities brought glitz and glamor to the red carpet Sunday at the Golden Globes. "CBS Mornings" co-host Gayle King spoke with some of Hollywood's biggest stars and gives a behind-the-scenes look at the awards night.
NAACP Image Awards nominations
The NAACP Image Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements and performances of people of color in arts and entertainment. Comedian and actor Deon Cole and NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson exclusively reveal some of the nominees on CBS Mornings for this year's awards.
The Grateful Dead's Bob Weir dies at 78
Bob Weir, a co-founder and guitarist for the iconic rock band the Grateful Dead, has died at 78. Anthony Mason looks back at Weir's life and music career.
Big moments from Golden Globes
Entertainment Tonight co-hosts Nischelle Turner and Kevin Frasier break down the winners, surprises and big moments from the Golden Globes.
Here's who won big at the Golden Globes
At the first major awards show of the season, "One Battle After Another" and "Adolescence" both won four awards. In a surprise win, "Hamnet" upset "Sinners" for best motion picture for a drama.
Technology
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Pentagon adopting Musk's Grok AI despite growing backlash against it
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says the Pentagon will start using Elon Musk's AI chatbot Grok. The word comes days after Grok drew global outcry for generating highly sexualized deepfake images.
Meta names Dina Powell McCormick as president and vice chairman
Facebook owner Meta has named Dina Powell McCormick, a former Trump administration adviser and longtime finance executive, as its new president and vice chairman.
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.
Mom warns of risks after daughter's death revealed links to online nihilists
Jaimee Seitz said her daughter was convinced to take her own life by members of the online True Crime Community, or TCC, who glorify mass shootings, violence and nihilism.
How to outsmart cybercriminals and protect your data
In his new book "Spies, Lies, and Cybercrime," former FBI Counterintelligence Operative Eric O'Neill describes the art of outsmarting cybercriminals and protecting your data and wallet. O'Neill spoke with CBS News' Major Garrett about steps people can take to stay safe online.
Science
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Fossils found in cave shed light on where our species emerged
Fossilized bones and teeth dating to 773,000 years ago are providing a deeper understanding of the emergence of Homo sapiens.
The history and mystery of kissing
If you rang in the new year with a kiss, you took part in a tradition millions of years in the making. Scientists now say the origins of kissing go back much farther than most think. CBS News' Tina Kraus has more.
2025 was so hot it pushed Earth past critical climate change mark
2025 was the third hottest year on record and pushed Earth past a critical climate change mark, scientists say.
Major climate research center on Trump administration chopping block
The Trump administration intends to dismantle one of the world's leading climate research institutions, in Boulder, Colorado, over what it said were concerns about "climate alarmism."
Researchers capture video of rare polar bear adoption
The footage of a bear caring for an adopted cub was captured during the annual polar bear migration along the Western Hudson Bay in Churchill, Manitoba.
Crime
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Crime
Man admits to starting fire at synagogue
Investigators say Stephen Spencer Pittman admitted to starting a fire at Mississippi's largest synagogue. Newly obtained video shows a man dousing Jackson's Beth Israel Congregation with liquid from a gas container. Jason Allen reports.
Over 1,500 pounds of meth found in secret labs in Mexico
More than 1,500 pounds of methamphetamine were seized from clandestine laboratories in Mexico, authorities said.
Former U.S. Navy sailor gets more than 16 years for selling secrets to China
Patrick Wei, a former U.S. Navy sailor who sold manuals for ships and operating systems to an operative working for China, was sentenced to more than 16 years in prison, prosecutors said.
Suspect appears in court over Ohio double murder
The man accused of killing his ex-wife and her dentist husband appeared in an Ohio courtroom Monday. Lacey Crisp from CBS Columbus affiliate WBNS has the details.
Synagogue arson suspect said "he finally got them" after starting blaze, FBI says
The suspect, Stephen Spencer Pittman, told law enforcement in an interview that Beth Israel Congregation was "the synagogue of Satan," an FBI affidavit said.
Space
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Space
Former astronaut on ISS crew coming home early
Four members of Crew-11 are preparing to return to Earth from the International Space Station later this week after a "medical concern" prompted NASA to cancel a scheduled spacewalk. Former astronaut Dr. Scott Parazynski joins with his reaction.
Space station changes command, setting stage for Crew 11 departure
Outgoing space station commander Mike Fincke, a member of the returning Crew 11, turned the station over to cosmonaut Sergey Kud-Sverchkov, saying the combined crew had developed deep friendships.
Astronaut says early return to Earth is "right call," but "bittersweet"
Mike Fincke thanked NASA for making crew health the agency's top priority.
NASA hopes to return Crew 11 to Earth next week over medical issue
NASA officials reported Thursday that an unidentified member of Crew 11 was dealing with "a medical situation" that would require the crew to return to Earth sooner than anticipated.
NASA cutting ISS mission short
Four crew members aboard the International Space Station will be brought home more than a month early in the coming days as NASA cuts its mission short due to health concerns. NASA says the ailing astronaut is stable and while it is not an emergency, weeks more in space are not in the best interest of their health.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2025
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
Latest news on Iran protests
More images are emerging of anti-government protests in Iran as the U.S. weighs options to intervene. Some experts say internet access could change matters for the regime. CBS News' Holly Williams reports.
Can Trump cap credit card rates?
President Trump says he wants to cap credit card interest rates at 10% for a year by Jan. 20. CBS News business analyst Jill Schlesinger breaks down if the president has the ability to cap rates and what it would mean for you.
Man admits to starting fire at synagogue
Investigators say Stephen Spencer Pittman admitted to starting a fire at Mississippi's largest synagogue. Newly obtained video shows a man dousing Jackson's Beth Israel Congregation with liquid from a gas container. Jason Allen reports.
SCOTUS weighing transgender athlete bans
The Supreme Court is hearing arguments on state bans prohibiting transgender athletes from competing on girls' and women's sports teams. CBS News legal contributor Rebecca Roiphe has more.
Lawmakers on DOJ probing Jerome Powell
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are reacting to the news of the Justice Department investigating Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. CBS News' Natalie Brand reports.