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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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First on CBS
2 officers in Jan. 6 riot sue to block DOJ "anti-weaponization" fund
The $1.776 billion fund, which is part of the agreement to settle Trump's lawsuit against the IRS and Treasury Dept., is to be used to compensate those who claim that the government weaponized the legal system against them.
Fighter jets intercept plane that entered restricted airspace over D.C.
The aircraft entered the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Area Special Flight Rules Area, or DC SFRA, around 11:15 a.m. on Tuesday.
Assistant principal "did nothing" when told about 6-year-old with gun, prosecutor says
A prosecutor in the trial of a former assistant principal facing criminal charges over a 2023 school shooting said she dismissed concerns about a gun in a student's bag.
Raúl Castro indictment expected to be announced in Miami today, sources say
Raúl Castro is being indicted on charges related to Cuba's deadly 1996 shootdown of planes operated by humanitarian group Brothers to the Rescue, U.S. officials told CBS News earlier this month.
Suspected drug trafficker rescued from plane crash linked to politician
A survivor of a recent plane crash near Florida was allegedly found with roughly $30,000 inside a bag labeled with the name of a Bahamian politician.
MoneyWatch
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Cheaper, alternative health plans are having a moment, but critics urge caution
Congress' decision not to extend enhanced marketplace tax credits has boosted the appeal of alternative health coverage with lower monthly premiums.
As gas prices surge, consumers search for other savings
The national average for a gallon of gasoline has been ticking up since the start of the war with Iran. The latest average of $4.50 a gallon is an increase of over $1.50 since the war started.
Is the teen summer job a thing of the past?
A summer job was once a seasonal tradition for millions of American teenagers. No more — here's why fewer young people are expected to clock in when school ends.
Polymarket to let users make prediction market bets on private companies
Polymarket users can now trade on private companies' valuations, IPOs and secondary market activity.
The 10 most affordable U.S. cities to buy a home
Buyers can still find lower-cost homes in some midsize cities, especially across the Rust Belt and Sun Belt, a new analysis finds.
Politics
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Rubio offers Cubans "new path" in video address
Raúl Castro, the brother of longtime dictator Fidel Castro, is being indicted on charges related to Cuba's deadly 1996 shootdown of planes operated by a humanitarian group, U.S. officials told CBS News.
Barney Frank, Massachusetts congressman for 32 years, dies at 86
Barney Frank, a Democrat who represented Massachusetts in Congress for 32 years, has died. He was 86 years old.
First on CBS
2 officers in Jan. 6 riot sue to block DOJ "anti-weaponization" fund
The $1.776 billion fund, which is part of the agreement to settle Trump's lawsuit against the IRS and Treasury Dept., is to be used to compensate those who claim that the government weaponized the legal system against them.
Raúl Castro indictment expected to be announced in Miami today, sources say
Raúl Castro is being indicted on charges related to Cuba's deadly 1996 shootdown of planes operated by humanitarian group Brothers to the Rescue, U.S. officials told CBS News earlier this month.
Exclusive
U.S. soldier fears newly freed wife could still be deported by ICE at any time
U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class and Afghanistan war veteran Jose Serrano told CBS News his wife, Deisy Rivera Ortega, was detained by ICE despite doing the "right thing."
HealthWatch
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WHO says Ebola risks high for region, but not a "pandemic emergency"
WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says risks from the Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda are "high at the national and regional levels, and low at the global level."
Cheaper, alternative health plans are having a moment, but critics urge caution
Congress' decision not to extend enhanced marketplace tax credits has boosted the appeal of alternative health coverage with lower monthly premiums.
Where things stand with the Ebola outbreak
The State Department on Tuesday strongly urged Americans to avoid travel to Congo, Uganda and South Sudan because of the Ebola outbreak there. More than 130 people have already died. Mark Strassmann has more.
Eroding ACA enrollment portends higher insurance rates
An uptick in people skipping Obamacare premium payments in many states suggests the Affordable Care Act's rising costs are hitting home for 2026 enrollees.
Latest on American who contracted Ebola
A missionary doctor who was serving in Congo will receive treatment in Germany after testing positive for Ebola. Skyler Henry has the latest.
World
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2 humpback whales swam record-breaking distance, photos reveal
The pictures represent the longest-distance ever seen between two pictures of the same humpback whale, researchers said.
Rubio offers Cubans "new path" in video address
Raúl Castro, the brother of longtime dictator Fidel Castro, is being indicted on charges related to Cuba's deadly 1996 shootdown of planes operated by a humanitarian group, U.S. officials told CBS News.
Xi welcomes Putin and touts "unyielding" ties on heels of Trump's visit
China's Xi Jinping welcomed Vladimir Putin in Beijing, touted the countries' "unyielding" ties, and took a loosely veiled jab at Trump's policies.
Raúl Castro indictment expected to be announced in Miami today, sources say
Raúl Castro is being indicted on charges related to Cuba's deadly 1996 shootdown of planes operated by humanitarian group Brothers to the Rescue, U.S. officials told CBS News earlier this month.
WHO says Ebola risks high for region, but not a "pandemic emergency"
WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says risks from the Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda are "high at the national and regional levels, and low at the global level."
Entertainment
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Sponsored
Entertainment
Michelle Monaghan on getting quality sleep
Actress Michelle Monaghan joins "CBS Mornings" to talk about her 24-hour wellness cycle and why it's important to get quality sleep and consistent energy. (Sponsored by Natrol)
Soon-to-be mom Beanie Feldstein reveals sex of her baby
Actor Beanie Feldstein told "CBS Mornings" she and wife Bonnie-Chance Roberts are expecting a baby girl.
Beanie Feldstein on takeaways from kids' book
Actor Beanie Feldstein talks about the theme of her debut children's book, which focuses on the power of friendship. She also discusses becoming a parent soon and starring in a new film with Robert De Niro.
2-time "Survivor" contestant on 50th season
Rob Cesternino, a 2-time "Survivor" castaway, talks about the upcoming "Survivor 50" finale, who he think will make the final three and who is his favorite to win the game.
Hayden Panettiere opens up in new memoir
Golden Globe-nominated actor Hayden Panettiere shares her story and opens up about life in the spotlight as a young actor, postpartum depression and her healing journey.
Technology
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Technology
Concern ramps up over the use of AI in combat
The Defense Department says it wants to be "AI-first," but some service members are concerned about how quickly the technology is developing. Chris Livesay reports.
Privacy concerns grow over AI, phone numbers
Privacy concerns about artificial intelligence are growing after people discovered that chatbots are sharing their real phone numbers. Eileen Guo, investigative tech reporter for MIT Technology Review, joins 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.
Musk loses lawsuit against OpenAI
A California jury on Monday unanimously dismissed Elon Musk's lawsuit against OpenAI and its top executives. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson breaks down the case.
Musk says he'll appeal OpenAI lawsuit dismissal
A California jury on Monday unanimously dismissed Elon Musk's lawsuit against OpenAI and Sam Altman. CBS News senior business and technology correspondent Jo Ling Kent reports.
Science
More Science
2 humpback whales swam record-breaking distance, photos reveal
The pictures represent the longest-distance ever seen between two pictures of the same humpback whale, researchers said.
Live chicks hatched from artificial eggshell, biotech company says
Independent scientists say the technology, while impressive, lacks some components to be truly considered an artificial egg.
El Niño could bring "double whammy" of high tide flooding, NOAA warns
The upcoming El Niño could trigger frequent and widespread flooding in coastal areas around the United States, even when storms aren't actively taking place, scientists warn.
New dinosaur weighing as much as 9 elephants identified by scientists
The long-necked herbivore is the largest ever found in Southeast Asia, researchers said.
How a growing El Niño will affect 2026 hurricane season in Atlantic, Pacific
The last time an El Niño pattern occurred was in 2023, when the Eastern Pacific hurricane season produced 20 tropical systems.
Crime
More Crime
Crime
More details on Mango founder's son
Court records reveal more details about the Mango founder's son, Jonathan Andic, who was arrested Tuesday in connection to his father's 2024 death. Leigh Kiniry reports.
Details emerge on San Diego mosque attack
More details are emerging on the victims and two gunmen from the deadly shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego. Lana Zak reports.
More on California mosque shooters
More details are emerging about the shooters who attacked the Islamic Center of San Diego on Monday, where three people died. CBS News' Lana Zak reports.
Islamic Center shooting victims hailed as heroes
New details are coming out about the victims in Monday's shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego. Lana Zak reports.
Mosque shooting victims hailed as heroes
Police and federal authorities are working to piece together the events leading up to Monday's deadly shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego, as well as what exactly happened during the attack. CBS News' Anna Schecter has the details.
Space
More Space
SpaceX launches cargo ship to International Space Station
The International Space Station-bound SpaceX Cargo Dragon is loaded with 6,500 pounds of needed equipment, research gear and crew supplies.
NASA maps show Earth's brightest and darkest regions at night
Researchers expected to find "a gradual increase in artificial light at night," but instead saw "much more nuanced patterns," NASA said.
NASA spacecraft to fly past Mars on voyage to rare metal asteroid
NASA's Psyche spacecraft will slingshot past Mars on Friday, on its way toward a rare metal-rich asteroid.
UFO files reveal astronauts saw mysterious objects and lights in 1972
NASA's Apollo 17 crew reported seeing three mysterious dots and sparks that resembled fireworks, according to new files released by the Pentagon.
Pentagon begins releasing UFO files: "It's time the American people see"
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a statement that the documents "have long fueled justified speculation — and it's time the American people see it for themselves."
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
Caputo files claim for new DOJ fund
Trump ally and former administration official Michael Caputo has filed a claim to obtain money from the "anti-weaponization" fund established by the Justice Department following a settlement with President Trump. CBS News' Katrina Kaufman reports.
More details on Mango founder's son
Court records reveal more details about the Mango founder's son, Jonathan Andic, who was arrested Tuesday in connection to his father's 2024 death. Leigh Kiniry reports.
Indictment against Raúl Castro expected
The Justice Department is expected to announce criminal charges against Cuba's former leader Raúl Castro, sources tell CBS News.
Key results from the latest primaries
Several states held primaries on Tuesday, and some of President Trump's endorsements appear to have made a difference. CBS News' Ed O'Keefe, Taurean Small and Anthony Salvanto report.
Where to get the latest CBS Mornings Deals
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