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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.
Judge rules Trump cutting off funding for NPR and PBS is unconstitutional
U.S. District Judge Randolph Moss blocked the Trump administration from enforcing provisions of his executive order that directed federal agencies to cut off funding to NPR and PBS.
Exclusive
Archives IG says human error to blame for release of Sherrill's military records
The inspector general for the National Archives concluded human error, not political motivations, was to blame for the release of New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill's military records last year.
Americans saving less for retirement — that's a "warning sign," experts say.
Full-time employees cut their 401(k) participation and contribution rates last year amid an affordability crunch, new research shows.
Iran war's impact is spreading beyond oil, hitting helium and aluminum
Shortages of helium, a byproduct of natural gas processing, could create problems for semiconductor and medical equipment manufacturers.
Hegseth slated for House testimony amid Iran war pressure, sources say
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is tentatively expected to testify publicly before the House Armed Services Committee on April 29, according to two sources familiar with the plans.
MoneyWatch
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Americans saving less for retirement — that's a "warning sign," experts say.
Full-time employees cut their 401(k) participation and contribution rates last year amid an affordability crunch, new research shows.
Jamie Dimon: I don't know if Iran war will be "tipping point" for recession
Jamie Dimon told "CBS Evening News" anchor Tony Dokoupil that "what's more important for the future of the world is that this war successfully conclude."
Iran war's impact is spreading beyond oil, hitting helium and aluminum
Shortages of helium, a byproduct of natural gas processing, could create problems for semiconductor and medical equipment manufacturers.
JPMorgan Chase rolls out new effort to expand economic opportunity
The bank plans to lend $80 billion to small businesses over the next 10 years as part of what it's calling the "American Dream Initiative."
Gas in U.S. hits $4 a gallon for first time since August 2022
The average price of gas across the U.S. last reached $4 after Russia's invasion of Ukraine sent crude oil prices surging.
Politics
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Judge rules Trump cutting off funding for NPR and PBS is unconstitutional
U.S. District Judge Randolph Moss blocked the Trump administration from enforcing provisions of his executive order that directed federal agencies to cut off funding to NPR and PBS.
Exclusive
Archives IG says human error to blame for release of Sherrill's military records
The inspector general for the National Archives concluded human error, not political motivations, was to blame for the release of New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill's military records last year.
Hegseth slated for House testimony amid Iran war pressure, sources say
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is tentatively expected to testify publicly before the House Armed Services Committee on April 29, according to two sources familiar with the plans.
Ex-FBI agents who worked on Trump 2020 probe sue Patel, Bondi over their firing
The three former agents were seasoned investigators who primarily handled public corruption investigations and were assigned to special counsel Jack Smith's team.
Supreme Court rules against Colorado ban on conversion therapy
The Supreme Court ruled in favor of a Colorado counselor who challenged a law banning conversion therapy for minors, ruling that lower courts failed to apply "sufficiently rigorous First Amendment scrutiny."
HealthWatch
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States pay contractors millions to comply with Trump law to cut Medicaid rolls
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act will add red tape and restrictions for those seeking Medicaid and SNAP benefits. And the costs to update computer systems that determine eligibility for those programs will be steep.
Hockey player diagnosed with Stage IV cancer at 26: "It was surreal"
David Lyon is one of the rising number of young adults to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
What to know about the "wild, wild West" of viral peptide claims
Here's what to know about peptides, what they can and can't do, and what's driving viral claims about possible health benefits online.
CDC's acting chief promises a return to stability in a tumultuous moment
Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, head of the National Institutes of Health and interim leader of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told staff a permanent CDC director could be nominated soon. "I know that it has been such a difficult year," he said.
FDA says billionaire's claims about cancer drug Anktiva are misleading
Federal health officials posted a warning about misleading statements by biotech billionaire Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong about his company's bladder cancer drug Anktiva.
World
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Iran war's impact is spreading beyond oil, hitting helium and aluminum
Shortages of helium, a byproduct of natural gas processing, could create problems for semiconductor and medical equipment manufacturers.
Hegseth slated for House testimony amid Iran war pressure, sources say
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is tentatively expected to testify publicly before the House Armed Services Committee on April 29, according to two sources familiar with the plans.
Police find drug-smuggling tunnel with rail system and cranes in Spain
Police said two people headed the network, including one person considered to be the "narco-architect" and "mastermind of the tunnels."
Premature babies who escaped Gaza war finally reunited with families
Palestinian parents separated from their premature newborns by the war in Gaza finally get to meet their children for the first time.
Trump says allies must "come in and take care of" Strait of Hormuz
President Trump told CBS News that he is not ready "quite yet" to abandon efforts to force Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz amid the Iran war, despite a Truth Social post suggesting allies need to do it themselves.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Taylor Swift sued for trademark infringement
Taylor Swift is being sued by Las Vegas performer Maren Wade who has accused the superstar of trademark infringement over her latest album, "The Life of a Showgirl." Wade is the creator of the "Confessions of a Showgirl" podcast, which started as a column in 2014.
Sharon Stone talks new season of "Euphoria"
Sharon Stone reflected on her legendary career as she discussed joining the cast of "Euphoria," working with the show's creator, Sam Levinson, and how she has advocated for women in the entertainment industry.
Taylor Swift sued for trademark infringement over "The Life of a Showgirl"
A Las Vegas performer has sued Taylor Swift over the title of her hit album "The Life of a Showgirl," alleging it violates the performer's trademark.
Barbie Dream Fest disappoints some attendees
A Barbie Dream Fest event in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, generated backlash from attendees over its allegedly underwhelming experience. Jessica Nova, who drove in from Atlanta for the occasion, joins CBS News to recount her experience.
NYT accuses Pentagon of flouting judge's order blocking its press access policy
The New York Times says the Defense Department flouted a court order blocking it from enforcing a policy limiting press access to the Pentagon.
Technology
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Technology
Company tries to make flying car of the future
Many have dreamed of a future with flying cars, eliminating traffic on the morning commute. One company is trying to make that dream a reality. Itay Hod reports.
Judge blocks Pentagon's Anthropic risk label
A judge has temporarily blocked the Pentagon's attempt to designate Anthropic as a supply chain risk. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson joins with analysis.
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.
Kentucky family rejects millions for land
A mother and daughter in Kentucky have turned down a $26 million offer for their land. The offer came from an unnamed tech company wanting to build a data center. CBS News' Jared Ochacher spoke with the family.
CBS News poll analysis on what jobs AI should be doing
As AI use rises, many see it decreasing the number of jobs available.
Science
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Snowy owl, cheetah among 40 species granted international protection
According to a recent report, nearly one in four species catalogued by the CMS are threatened with extinction on a worldwide scale.
Everything to know about NASA's moon mission launching this week
NASA is poised to launch four astronauts April 1 on a historic nine-day trip around the moon and back. Here's everything to know about the Artemis II mission.
Arctic sea ice hits lowest winter level as heat records are shattered worldwide
Arctic sea ice levels are crucial to Earth's climate because, without the ice reflecting sunlight, more heat energy goes into the oceans.
Sharks in Bahamas test positive for caffeine, painkillers, cocaine
Marine biologists found detectable levels of caffeine, cocaine and the over-the-counter painkillers in the blood of 28 sharks.
What to know about the "wild, wild West" of viral peptide claims
Here's what to know about peptides, what they can and can't do, and what's driving viral claims about possible health benefits online.
Crime
More Crime
Police find drug-smuggling tunnel with rail system and cranes in Spain
Police said two people headed the network, including one person considered to be the "narco-architect" and "mastermind of the tunnels."
Questions about bullet used to kill Charlie Kirk
Lawyers for Tyler Robinson, the man charged with killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk, are looking to review an analysis that couldn't conclusively connect a bullet fragment recovered during an autopsy to the rifle found near the scene. CBS News' Carter Evans reports.
Lawyers for Kirk suspect ask to delay hearing
A new court filing reveals defense attorneys for Tyler Robinson, the man accused of killing Charlie Kirk, claim an ATF analysis could not conclusively connect the bullet that killed Kirk to the gun Robinson allegedly used. Now the lawyers are asking to delay Robinson's preliminary hearing to review the evidence. Carter Evans reports.
Camels used to smuggle hundreds of bottles of booze, police say
Authorities said the smuggler turned to forest paths and camels to avoid road checkpoints.
Charlie Kirk's accused assassin's lawyers question bullet-rifle link
Lawyers for the man charged with killing Charlie Kirk are citing a federal agency's report in questioning the link between a bullet from his autopsy and a rifle found near the scene.
Space
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Space
Artemis II moon mission countdown underway
NASA is just a day away from the planned launch of the Artemis II mission around the moon. CBS News senior national correspondent Mark Strassmann has more.
Artemis astronaut on risks of mission
The Artemis II mission could lift off as soon as Wednesday in a historic space flight around the moon. The crew of four has been training for nearly three years for the nine-day mission. Mark Strassmann gives a look at the risks and safety of space travel.
Good weather predicted ahead of Artemis II launch
Forecasters are predicting good weather ahead of the scheduled, historic Artemis II moon mission on Wednesday. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood joins from the Kennedy Space Center with the latest on preparations.
Countdown begins for long-awaited Artemis II moon mission
Countdown clocks began ticking Monday, setting the stage for launch of the Artemis II moon mission early Wednesday evening.
Former NASA astronaut on Artemis II launch
A crew of four astronauts are set for liftoff on Wednesday in a mission that will take them around the moon. Former NASA astronaut Terry Hart joins "The Takeout" to discuss the historic Artemis II effort.
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
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Latest CBS News Videos
Artemis II moon mission countdown underway
NASA is just a day away from the planned launch of the Artemis II mission around the moon. CBS News senior national correspondent Mark Strassmann has more.
Jamie Dimon on Iran war and recession fears
JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon tells "CBS Evening News" anchor Tony Dokoupil he doesn't know if the war in Iran will push the economy into a recession, but, "I think what's more important for the future of the world is that this war successfully conclude."
Key committee votes on Gulf oil, gas activity
The Endangered Species Committee voted Tuesday to exempt oil and gas activity in the Gulf of Mexico from the Endangered Species Act protections. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul has more.
Key NASA administrator on Artemis II launch
Lakiesha Hawkins, the acting deputy associate administrator for NASA's Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate (ESDMD), joins CBS News 24/7 to break down the goals of the Artemis II moon mission.
Hegseth says Iran peace talks are "very real"
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said that apparent peace talks with Iran are "very real" during a Tuesday Pentagon briefing. Meanwhile, Pakistan kicked of talks Sunday with Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Egypt over the Iran war. CBS News national security contributor Sam Vinograd has more.