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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.
Trump extends ceasefire in Iran indefinitely
President Trump said he's extending the ceasefire until Iran has submitted a proposal in talks with the U.S. "and discussions are concluded."
UPS, FedEx and DHL file for tariff refunds. What it means for consumers.
Shippers have pledged to share refunds with customers who paid tariffs once the government issues refunds.
Will gas dip below $3 a gallon this year? Here's what experts think.
It could take months for U.S. gas prices to recede to their level before the outbreak of war in Iran, economists and energy experts say.
Cherfilus-McCormick resigns from Congress before Ethics hearing on sanctions
The Florida Democrat stepped down shortly before a House Ethics Committee hearing to determine whether she should be punished.
Senate GOP unveils budget resolution, kickstarting process to fund ICE
Senate Republicans unveiled a budget resolution to begin the process of funding immigration agencies under DHS without help from Democrats.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
UPS, FedEx and DHL file for tariff refunds. What it means for consumers.
Shippers have pledged to share refunds with customers who paid tariffs once the government issues refunds.
Will gas dip below $3 a gallon this year? Here's what experts think.
It could take months for U.S. gas prices to recede to their level before the outbreak of war in Iran, economists and energy experts say.
Kevin Warsh testifies that the Fed will remain "strictly independent"
Warsh, nominated by President Trump to replace Fed Chair Jerome Powell, also said he'll work with the White House on some matters.
Who will run the Federal Reserve if the Senate doesn't confirm Trump's pick?
President Trump is fighting to reshape the Federal Reserve by replacing Chair Jerome Powell with Kevin Warsh — but if the Senate doesn't confirm Warsh by next month, it's not clear who will run the nation's central bank.
Uber found liable for actions of driver who grabbed passenger's inner thigh
The so-called bellwether case is part of a broader group of sexual assault lawsuits filed against Uber in multiple jurisdictions around the country and is the third to go to trial.
Politics
More Politics
Trump extends ceasefire in Iran indefinitely
President Trump said he's extending the ceasefire until Iran has submitted a proposal in talks with the U.S. "and discussions are concluded."
Cherfilus-McCormick resigns from Congress before Ethics hearing on sanctions
The Florida Democrat stepped down shortly before a House Ethics Committee hearing to determine whether she should be punished.
Senate GOP unveils budget resolution, kickstarting process to fund ICE
Senate Republicans unveiled a budget resolution to begin the process of funding immigration agencies under DHS without help from Democrats.
Hegseth scraps mandatory flu shots for troops
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said U.S. service members will no longer be required to get annual flu shots.
Southern Poverty Law Center facing DOJ probe over use of paid informants
The Justice Department is investigating the Southern Poverty Law Center in connection with a now-defunct program that used paid informants to infiltrate extremist groups.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Food stamp work rules don't increase employment, researchers say
Work requirements will encourage people who are able to work to seek and maintain jobs, proponents say. But researchers haven't found that they lower the unemployment rate.
New CDC pick may face "threat to follow ideology over evidence," ex-official says
Former Trump Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams described Dr. Erica Schwartz as a "home run pick."
Trump signs executive order to research psychedelics for mental health
The order will open the door for more research into psychedelic drugs, including ibogaine, sources told CBS News earlier this week.
Mom's labor turns into fight for life after 1 symptom: "I think I'm about to die"
Casey Gould wanted to be a mom her whole life. Her long-awaited pregnancy went smoothly — until she saw something alarming.
Dr. Erica Schwartz nominated for CDC director
President Trump nominated a new director for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday. Dr. Erica Schwartz is a former deputy surgeon general and retired Coast Guard rear admiral.
World
More World
Trump says U.K.'s Starmer can "recover" as Epstein scandal hits him again
Trump says British leader Keir Starmer has "time to recover" from the latest scandal over his decision to tap an Epstein associate as his U.S. ambassador.
Iran war shows "era of fossil fuel security is over," says U.K energy secretary
President Trump recently encouraged the U.K. to "drill baby, drill" in the oil-rich North Sea.
NATO intercepts Russian bombers and fighter jets over Baltic Sea
The Russian mission included two supersonic Tu-22M3s, as well as about 10 fighters, the French detachment said.
Mass murder trial in El Salvador for almost 500 alleged MS-13 members
Nearly 500 alleged MS-13 members, including several alleged leaders, are on trial collectively in El Salvador, accused of thousands of murders.
Live
Trump extends ceasefire as uncertainty over U.S.-Iran peace talks remains
With a two-week ceasefire set to expire and Iran balking at the resumption of peace talks, President Trump said he would be extending the deadline to allow for Iran to "come up with a unified proposal."
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Opening statements in Weinstein rape retrial
Opening statements have concluded in Harvey Weinstein's New York rape retrial. CBS News' Jericka Duncan has more.
D4vd charged with murder in14-year-old's death
Singer D4vd appeared in court Monday, hours after prosecutors announced he would be charged with first-degree murder in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Matt Gutman reports.
Details on charges against D4vd in teen's death
Los Angeles prosecutors on Monday charged singer D4vd in the murder of a 14-year-old girl whose dismembered body was found in his car last year. CBS News chief correspondent Matt Gutman has the details.
What to know on the "Matlock" season finale
"Matlock" stars Skye P. Marshall and Jason Ritter join CBS News with more clues ahead of the show's season finale.
Indigo Girls' member reveals incurable medical disorder affecting her voice
Emily Saliers, one-half of the Atlanta folk duo The Indigo Girls, has revealed that she has been diagnosed with two incurable movement disorders that will forever change the way that she sings.
Technology
More Technology
Technology
How Tim Cook's Apple exit impacts big tech
Tim Cook announced he's stepping down as Apple CEO after nearly 15 years. Anna Rathbun, the CEO and founder of Grenadilla Advisory, joins with more.
Major change at Apple
Apple CEO Tim Cook announced he is stepping down from his leadership role running one of the world's biggest companies. CBS News contributor Patrick McGee joins CBS News with more details.
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.
Tim Cook to step down as Apple CEO
Tim Cook, who has been with Apple for nearly three decades and has served as the company's CEO for 15 years, will step down in September and stay on as chairman. The tech giant announced Monday who will replace Cook. Jo Ling Kent reports.
Tim Cook to step down as Apple CEO
After 15 years, Tim Cook is stepping down as Apple's CEO. Starting in September, Cook will be the executive chairman of Apple's board of directors. New York Times technology correspondent Mike Isaac joins CBS News to discuss.
Science
More Science
Mars rover carries out chemistry experiment never done beyond Earth
"This experiment's never been run before on another world," said Amy Williams, an astrobiologist working on the Curiosity mission.
Cementing a more sustainable alternative to concrete
The process of making 30 billion tons of concrete every year produces more carbon pollution than all the world's ships and planes put together. Now, the North Carolina and Denmark-based Biomason is using biotechnology, including naturally-occurring microbes, to create "biocement" that's just as sturdy but emits much less CO2. David Pogue reports.
Breeding a better bread
Over the past century, the cultivation and processing of wheat has led to strains of grain that are less nutritious, less flavorful, and more vulnerable to climate change. The researchers at Breadlab, at Washington State University, are trying to breed varieties of whole grains that are better for farmers, consumers – and taste buds. David Pogue reports.
Using the ocean to power data centers
The renewable energy company Panthalassa says it has a solution to the proliferation of AI data centers, which consume massive amounts of energy and are the cause of increased carbon pollution: sea-based data centers, powered by wave energy.
Using the ocean to power data centers
The renewable energy company Panthalassa says it has a solution to the proliferation of AI data centers, which consume massive amounts of energy and are the cause of increased carbon pollution: sea-based data centers, powered by wave energy. Correspondent David Pogue examines what Panthalassa's alternative to land-based data centers may mean.
Crime
More Crime
Crime
D4vd pleads not guilty to first-degree murder
Singer and songwriter D4vd is facing several charges linked to the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. CBS News' Matt Gutman has the latest.
Weinstein faces third rape trial in New York
Disgraced Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein will be in a Manhattan courtroom on Tuesday for trial. He is accused of third-degree rape. CBS News' Jericka Duncan reports.
Shooting at Mexico's Teotihuacán pyramids
A Canadian tourist was killed, and 13 others were injured, during a shooting at the popular Teotihuacán pyramids in Mexico, officials confirmed. CBS News' Bradley Blackburn reports.
D4vd charged with murder, pleads not guilty
Singer D4vd pleaded not guilty Monday to first-degree murder in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. If convicted he could face the death penalty.
Mass murder trial in El Salvador for almost 500 alleged MS-13 members
Nearly 500 alleged MS-13 members, including several alleged leaders, are on trial collectively in El Salvador, accused of thousands of murders.
Space
More Space
Mars rover carries out chemistry experiment never done beyond Earth
"This experiment's never been run before on another world," said Amy Williams, an astrobiologist working on the Curiosity mission.
Blue Origin New Glenn rocket puts satellite payload into wrong orbit
The launching appeared to go off without a hitch, but a problem prevented the rocket's upper stage from putting its payload into the correct orbit.
Artemis II crew on historic moon mission and what it means for Earth
"We are carrying back everything we learned, not only about where we went but ourselves," mission specialist Christina Koch told "CBS Evening News" anchor Tony Dokoupil.
Artemis II astronauts still awed by moonshot experience: "It was otherworldly"
The four Artemis II astronauts struggled to describe the view and overall experience of flying around the moon's far side and witnessing a solar eclipse in deep space.
"God of chaos" asteroid will pass close to Earth in 3 years, NASA says
People on the ground in the Eastern Hemisphere will be able to observe the asteroid with their own eyes, weather permitting, according to NASA.
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
Trump extends Iran ceasefire until talks wrap
Hours before the Iran ceasefire was set to expire on Tuesday, President Trump announced he extended the truce until "discussions are concluded." CBS News White House reporter Olivia Rinaldi has the latest.
Virginia redistricting election underway
Virginia voters are headed to the polls Tuesday for a special election that would redraw the state's congressional district map. CBS News' Fin Gomez has more.
Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick resigns
Democratic Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick of Florida resigned from Congress Tuesday moments before a House Ethics Committee meeting to determine whether any punishment was warranted for her alleged misconduct. She has been charged with stealing nearly $5 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency funds for her campaign and pleaded not guilty.
Opening statements in Weinstein rape retrial
Opening statements have concluded in Harvey Weinstein's New York rape retrial. CBS News' Jericka Duncan has more.
Early takeaways from Kevin Warsh hearing
Kevin Warsh, President Trump's nomination for chair of the Federal Reserve, told senators Tuesday that the central bank would remain "strictly independent." CBS News' Taurean Small reports on the hearing.