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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.
Indiana man put to death for murder of police officer in 2000
An Indiana man convicted in the 2000 fatal shooting of a police officer is set to receive a lethal injection this week in the state's second execution in 15 years.
Hawaii's once-vivid coral reefs are "all bleached white"
Coral reefs in Honolulu and other coastal areas are undergoing what experts say is the world's worst coral bleaching event.
Hundreds of rural hospitals are at risk of closing, threatening critical care
Hospital officials told CBS News the closure was driven by the same factors that have closed other rural hospitals: low reimbursement rates.
Mortgage rates climb above 7% after Moody's U.S. debt downgrade
Mortgage rates jumped higher on Monday following Moody's downgrade of U.S. debt, adding to the headwinds facing homebuyers.
GOP bill could add trillions to the U.S. deficit, some experts say
Republican tax bill could cost $3.8 trillion over 10 years as its tax cuts surpass spending reductions, according to one analysis.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Mortgage rates climb above 7% after Moody's U.S. debt downgrade
Mortgage rates jumped higher on Monday following Moody's downgrade of U.S. debt, adding to the headwinds facing homebuyers.
GOP bill could add trillions to the U.S. deficit, some experts say
Republican tax bill could cost $3.8 trillion over 10 years as its tax cuts surpass spending reductions, according to one analysis.
Newark airport experiences another air traffic control outage
Monday's radio outage at Newark Liberty International Airport is the fourth such incident at the facility since April 28.
65,000 Airbnb rental listings ordered to be blocked in Spain
Spain has ordered Airbnb to block more than 65,000 holiday listings over rule violations, the Consumer Rights Ministry said.
CBS News President and CEO Wendy McMahon stepping down
McMahon's departure comes weeks after "60 Minutes" executive producer Bill Owens resigned.
Politics
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Mahdawi graduates from Columbia after ICE detention, tells CBS he feels "victorious"
Mohsen Mahdawi said he has "conflicted feelings" about his return to Columbia University, after he was detained at what he believed to be a U.S. citizenship interview.
GOP bill could add trillions to the U.S. deficit, some experts say
Republican tax bill could cost $3.8 trillion over 10 years as its tax cuts surpass spending reductions, according to one analysis.
Senate advances crypto bill after Democratic opposition
The Senate took a key procedural vote Monday evening on a first-of-its-kind crypto regulation bill after Democrats tanked it earlier this month.
Trump signs "Take it Down Act," revenge porn bill backed by Melania Trump
The law requires platforms to remove images and videos, including deepfakes generated by artificial intelligence, within 48 hours after a victim's request.
U.S. to pay $5 million settlement to family of Jan. 6 rioter Ashli Babbitt
Ashli Babbitt's death was a rallying point for Trump loyalists and Capitol rioters who alleged police used unnecessary force in stopping the mob on Jan. 6.
HealthWatch
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Hundreds of rural hospitals are at risk of closing, threatening critical care
Hospital officials told CBS News the closure was driven by the same factors that have closed other rural hospitals: low reimbursement rates.
Biden's prostate cancer diagnosis raises questions about screening
Former President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an advanced stage of prostate cancer that has metastasized, or spread, to his bones.
Bird flu in humans hasn't officially been seen in U.S. in 3 months. Why?
Health officials are making a renewed call for vigilance against bird flu, but some experts are puzzling over why reports of new human cases have stopped.
NIH scientists to be laid off, despite what RFK Jr. told Congress
"As far as I know, we have not fired any working scientists," RFK Jr. had told Congress.
Housing, nutrition in peril as Trump pulls back Medicaid social services
About half of states have broadened Medicaid, the state-federal low-income health care program, to pay for social services such as housing and nutritional support.
World
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Train kills elephant in Sri Lanka's latest wildlife-railway accident
A Sri Lankan express train has fatally struck an elephant despite new safety measures introduced after the same train killed 7 elephants in a previous crash.
Hawaii's once-vivid coral reefs are "all bleached white"
Coral reefs in Honolulu and other coastal areas are undergoing what experts say is the world's worst coral bleaching event.
Lufthansa plane flew 10 minutes without pilot during medical emergency in 2024
The co-pilot of a Lufthansa flight lost consciousness while the captain was using the bathroom, and the plane flew for about 10 minutes before the captain returned.
Hostage Edan Alexander's parents share the joy of a long-awaited reunion
Freed U.S.-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander's parents talk about learning their long wait was over, a joyous reunion, and their anxiety for 58 other families.
65,000 Airbnb rental listings ordered to be blocked in Spain
Spain has ordered Airbnb to block more than 65,000 holiday listings over rule violations, the Consumer Rights Ministry said.
Entertainment
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Henry Czerny closes the loop with "Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning"
Henry Czerny, who first appeared as CIA director Eugene Kittridge in 1996, returns to "Mission: Impossible" and says revisiting the character has been "brilliant."
Hayley Atwell reflects on 5 years of "Mission: Impossible"
After five years on "Mission: Impossible," Hayley Atwell says Tom Cruise's kindness stood out as much as his defying stunts.
Sesame Street signs deal with Netflix for its 56th season
Netflix will stream a new season of Sesame Street, the beloved children's program, and make previous episodes available.
"FBI True" season premiere returns
The Paramount+ series returns this week with a deep dive into a disturbing case from 1988. Former FBI profiler Gregg McCrary recounts how investigators tracked down a serial rapist turned killer—and his unlikely accomplice.
Henry Czerny on "Mission: Impossible" return
"Mission: Impossible" actor Henry Czerny talks about reprising his role as CIA director Eugene Kittridge and his on-screen tension with Tom Cruise's Ethan Hunt.
Technology
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Trump signs "Take it Down Act," revenge porn bill backed by Melania Trump
The law requires platforms to remove images and videos, including deepfakes generated by artificial intelligence, within 48 hours after a victim's request.
Chatbot encourages movie theater phone use
Using your phone has always been a no-no in movie theaters. But movie theatergoers could soon be encouraged to use them to interact with chatbots. New York Times reporter Brooks Barnes wrote an article about Meta's "movie mate" chatbot. He joins "The Daily Report" with more.
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.
Web exclusive: AI pioneer Geoffrey Hinton
"Godfather of AI" Geoffrey Hinton shows Brook Silva-Braga how he uses current AI models, asks ChatGPT some questions and more in this special "CBS Saturday Morning" web extra.
How to clean up your digital footprint
Old accounts and forgotten photos can make you a target. CBS News Confirmed's Alex Clark shares how to delete your data and stay safe as internet scams reach a record $16.6 billion in losses.
Science
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Science
Custom gene therapy saves infant
Baby KJ Muldoon was born with a rare genetic condition that is often fatal, but doctors used custom CRISPR gene therapy to target the exact mutation in his DNA. His family shares their emotional journey in their first TV interview with CBS News.
Richard Garwin, a designer of the first hydrogen bomb, dies at 97
Garwin advised several presidents published more than 500 papers and was granted 47 U.S. patents.
Universe will die "much sooner than expected," researchers say
The universe is poised to die much faster than previously thought, according to new research by Dutch scientists.
Some U.S. cities are sinking, study finds
A new study shows the land under some of the largest cities in the U.S. is sinking. "Land subsidence" is the gradual setting or sudden sinking of the Earth's surface, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Manoochehr Shirzaei, a co-author of the study, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
Rare New Zealand snail filmed laying egg from its neck
The strange reproductive habits of a large, carnivorous New Zealand snail were once shrouded in mystery. Now, footage of the snail laying an egg from its neck has been captured for the first time.
Crime
More Crime
Indiana man put to death for murder of police officer in 2000
An Indiana man convicted in the 2000 fatal shooting of a police officer is set to receive a lethal injection this week in the state's second execution in 15 years.
Dawn Richard testifies at "Diddy" trial
A former member of the pop group Danity Kane returned to the witness stand Monday in Sean "Diddy" Combs' federal sex trafficking and racketeering trial. CBS News national correspondent Jericka Duncan has the details.
Case against Newark Mayor Ras Baraka dropped, Rep. McIver charged
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka's federal trespassing charge has been dismissed, U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Alina Habba announced.
Michigan woman gets life again for 2007 death of husband
A Michigan woman accused of setting her husband on fire then driving a van over his burning body has been sentenced again to life in prison.
Manhunt continues after New Orleans jailbreak
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry is ordering all inmates be removed from the New Orleans jail a group of inmates escaped from Friday. CBS News national reporter Kati Weis has more.
Space
More Space
Webb telescope captures images of Jupiter's auroras in stunning detail
Jupiter's stunning auroras are hundreds of times brighter than those seen on Earth, as pictured in new images taken by the James Webb Space Telescope.
May's full flower moon appears today. Here's how and when to see it.
May's full flower moon will light up the night sky.
Soviet-era spacecraft plunges back to Earth after 53 years stuck in orbit
Kosmos 482 was launched by the then-Soviet Union in 1972 as part of a series of missions bound for Venus. But this one never made it out of orbit around Earth, stranded there by a rocket malfunction.
Soviet spacecraft plunging back to Earth
A Soviet-era spacecraft that was meant to land on Venus in 1972 is plunging back to Earth. Marlon Sorge, an executive director at The Aerospace Corporation, joins CBS News with what to expect.
Soviet spacecraft is plunging back to Earth 53 years after launch
A Soviet-era spacecraft meant to land on Venus a half century ago is expected to plunge uncontrolled back to Earth within days.
Latest Galleries
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"No Kings": Protesters across country march against Trump, Musk
Protests against the Trump administration took place across the U.S. Saturday. The demonstrations were held to mark the 250th anniversary of the start of the Revolutionary War.
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.
"Hands Off!": Americans across country protest Trump, Musk
Hundreds of thousands took to the streets, in Washington, D.C. and other cities across the United States, in opposition to the policies of Donald Trump, in the largest protests since he returned to the presidency.
Husband pieces together wife's last movements to find out how she was killed
A look into a grieving husband Jan Cilliers' investigative work after his wife Christy Giles and her friend Hilda Marcela Cabrales died after a night out.
The Scott Peterson case: New evidence?
Peterson's death sentence for the murder of his pregnant wife Laci has been overturned. Now his supporters are pushing for a complete retrial.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
Edan Alexander's parents talk reunion
With dozens of hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza -- not all of them alive -- a homecoming is cause for celebration. CBS News' Debra Patta spoke with the parents of Edan Alexander, who was recently freed after more than a year in captivity.
Dawn Richard testifies at "Diddy" trial
A former member of the pop group Danity Kane returned to the witness stand Monday in Sean "Diddy" Combs' federal sex trafficking and racketeering trial. CBS News national correspondent Jericka Duncan has the details.
New therapy helps baby with rare disorder
For the first time in history, doctors have successfully used custom-made gene therapy to treat a baby born with a rare genetic disorder. Dr. Peter Marks, a physician-scientist who wrote an editorial accompanying the research paper on this case, joins CBS News to unpack the significance of the treatment.
Reporter's Notebook: Why CEOs are frozen
Uncertainty caused by shifting tariff policy has many business leaders frozen. Psychology may explain the hesitation. "CBS Evening News" co-anchor John Dickerson explains.
Size of Palm Springs blast stuns investigators
Investigators are learning more about a blast outside a Palm Springs fertility clinic that killed the suspect and injured four people. Jonathan Vigliotti reports.