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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.
House Dem accused of stealing FEMA funds set to face rare ethics "trial"
Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick of Florida is accused of using part of the $5 million to bolster her campaign and on luxury goods.
As wealth taxes gain traction, Warren proposes levy on the ultra-rich
Sen. Elizabeth Warren's bill would raise taxes on households worth more than $50 million and on billionaires.
Wreckage of crashed Air Canada plane being cleared from LaGuardia Airport runway
Since Monday, much of the wreckage had remained on the tarmac, blocking access to one of LaGuardia's two runways at one of the country's busiest airports.
FEMA resumes disaster mitigation program following judge's order
FEMA will make $1 billion available for the BRIC program, which helps local governments harden against natural hazards like fires, floods, earthquakes and hurricanes.
Twin Cities residents missed work, school during Operation Metro Surge, survey finds
A survey of Minneapolis and St. Paul residents found the deployment of thousands of federal agents to their cities caused significant upheaval to their lives.
MoneyWatch
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As wealth taxes gain traction, Warren proposes levy on the ultra-rich
Sen. Elizabeth Warren's bill would raise taxes on households worth more than $50 million and on billionaires.
USPS to add temporary fuel surcharge for some postage prices
The U.S. Postal Service is raising some postage prices to help offset the federal agency's rising transportation costs as fuel prices surge.
$100,000 in Social Security benefits? New proposal would cap them.
With Social Security's trust fund sliding toward insolvency, one group wants to cap benefits for the wealthiest U.S. couples.
Trump waives summer gasoline regulations to ease fuel prices
Summer gasoline regulations will be waived for 20 days, and possibly longer to try to ease gas prices.
Meta and YouTube found liable on all charges in social media trial
The verdict, which caps a weeks-long trial in Los Angeles, could set a legal precedent for similar allegations brought against social media companies.
Politics
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House Dem accused of stealing FEMA funds set to face rare ethics "trial"
Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick of Florida is accused of using part of the $5 million to bolster her campaign and on luxury goods.
Trump says he doesn't call Iran conflict a "war" due to need for approval from Congress
President Trump suggested late Wednesday he's avoiding describing the military conflict with Iran as a "war" because of concerns around the fact that Congress hasn't authorized military force.
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.
FEMA resumes disaster mitigation program following judge's order
FEMA will make $1 billion available for the BRIC program, which helps local governments harden against natural hazards like fires, floods, earthquakes and hurricanes.
Trump official refers New York AG Letitia James for prosecution again
A Trump administration official has made new criminal referrals against New York Attorney General Letitia James to federal prosecutors in Miami and Chicago for two cases of possible homeowner's insurance fraud, sources told CBS News.
HealthWatch
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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.
More parents are refusing routine newborn preventative care, study finds
Doctors fear that skepticism, fueled by anti-science sentiment and mistrust, is extending beyond vaccines to other proven, routine care.
Complex procedure saves officer with chest pain, heart condition
Transit Officer Paul DeGeorge thought his son was lying on him. Then he realized something much scarier was happening.
Judge blocks parts of RFK Jr.'s vaccine agenda, including revised schedule
A judge blocked a set of changes to the childhood vaccine schedule recommended by allies of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, dealing a setback to the Trump administration's efforts to overhaul federal vaccine policy.
World
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Trump says he doesn't call Iran conflict a "war" due to need for approval from Congress
President Trump suggested late Wednesday he's avoiding describing the military conflict with Iran as a "war" because of concerns around the fact that Congress hasn't authorized military force.
As Iran blocks the Strait of Hormuz, it's borrowing from Ukraine's playbook
Trump says Iran's navy is "gone," so how does it still have a chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz? Part of the answer may lie off Ukraine's Black Sea coast.
El Paso and LA among most polluted U.S. cities in 2025, report says
El Paso, Texas, and Los Angeles, California, had some of the worst air pollution in the U.S. last year, according to a new report.
Iranians who hoped war would bring change now say they feel "doomed"
Some Iranians who'd hoped for regime change say the realities of the U.S. and Israel's war have been a "rude awakening," and they just want it to stop.
2 NATO allies report drone impacts as Ukraine and Russia traded attacks
NATO members Estonia and Latvia say stray drones hit their territory amid one of Moscow's biggest assaults on Ukraine.
Entertainment
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MLB's "robot umpire" debuts in Yankees-Giants season opener
Major League Baseball's "robot umpire" made its debut in the season-opening New Yankees-San Francisco Giants game in Oracle Park.
New video of Taylor Frankie Paul arrest
A newly released video shows the police interactions with Taylor Frankie Paul in 2023 that led to charges, including domestic violence in the presence of a child. CBS News Shanelle Kaul has the latest.
"NCIS" star on show's 500th episode
Rocky Carroll, who has played the role of Director Leon Vance on "NCIS" for nearly two decades, joins to discuss the show's 500th episode, which aired Tuesday.
Rocky Carroll on major "NCIS" twist
(Alert: Spoilers ahead!) Actor Rocky Carroll, who has played beloved "NCIS" director Leon Vance for 18 season, talks with "CBS Mornings" about a shocking twist in the series in the show's 500th episode and what he would tell his younger self.
Makers of "The AI Doc" on tech's peril, promise
A new documentary examines the artificial intelligence boom and its potential risks to humanity, featuring interviews with top AI company CEOs and other experts. Co-director Charlie Tyrell and producer Ted Tremper join CBS News to discuss the making of the film, "The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist."
Technology
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Technology
New Mexico attorney general on win over Meta
A Los Angeles jury ruled against Meta and Google on Wednesday, finding the companies liable for reports of damage done to young people by social media. That verdict came less than 24 hours after a similar ruling in New Mexico, where a jury found Meta violated state consumer protection law and endangered children. New Mexico attorney general Raúl Torrez joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
Why regulating AI is so difficult
For years, governments have attempted to regulate new, emerging technologies on a global scale. Roland Fryer, a CBS News contributor and author of the Wall Street Journal op-ed "The Economics of Regulating AI," breaks it down.
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.
Breaking down verdict in social media trial
In a landmark social media trial, Meta and YouTube were found liable for creating products that led to addictive behavior. CBS News senior business and technology correspondent Jo Ling Kent has the details.
Meta, YouTube found liable in addiction trial
A Los Angeles jury has found Meta and YouTube liable in a first-of-its-kind lawsuit that alleged the platforms knowingly made their services addictive and harmful to minors. CBS News contributor Jessica Levinson has more on the verdict.
Science
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600-year-old pinot noir grape seed found in medieval hospital
The seed reveals that people in France have been cultivating the popular variety of grape since at least the 1400s, scientists say.
Pit viper among new species discovered in cave in Cambodia
Researchers in Cambodia surveyed dozens of previously unexplored caves and found several species never seen before, including a pit viper that is still being studied.
How a fun nature app aids science
The iNaturalist cellphone app not only helps users identify plant, animal and insect species; it also provides invaluable data to scientists studying biodiversity, species decline, and habitat loss. It also provides opportunities for fun: David Pogue joins iNaturalist fan Martha Stewart in a "bioblitz" – a timed competition with other users to spot and ID species.
Discovery of 1949 whale recording could unlock mysteries of ocean
The song is that of a humpback whale and was recorded by scientists in March 1949 in Bermuda, researchers said.
Sea levels higher than thought due to "methodological blind spot," study says
A new study in the journal Nature says most sea level rise research may have underestimated coastal water heights by an average of 1 foot.
Crime
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Crime
New video of Taylor Frankie Paul arrest
A newly released video shows the police interactions with Taylor Frankie Paul in 2023 that led to charges, including domestic violence in the presence of a child. CBS News Shanelle Kaul has the latest.
Savannah Guthrie gives first interview since mom vanished: "It is unbearable"
Savannah Guthrie said her family is in agony as she made a tearful plea for someone "to do the right thing" nearly two months after Nancy Guthrie disappeared.
Wife of Hawaii doctor testifies at his trial
Arielle Konig testified that her husband, anesthesiologist Gerhardt Konig, attempted to stab her with a syringe, and when that failed she said he repeatedly bashed her head with a rock during a birthday hike one year ago. Gerhardt Konig has pleaded not guilty to the attempted murder of his wife. Matt Gutman reports.
Verdict in landmark trial against Meta
A jury in New Mexico found Meta, which operates Facebook and Instagram, misled users about safety and enabled child sexual exploitation on its platforms. A judge has ordered the tech giant to pay $375 million in civil damages. Meta says it will appeal the verdict.
Cold case murder of K-9 officer's wife could hinge on dog's cause of death
Paul Kovacich's defense team contends that long-suppressed evidence debunks claims that he killed his dog weeks before his wife disappeared.
Space
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Fireball captured on video as meteor streaks across Pacific Northwest sky
As the number of people with cameras on their dashboards and doorbells has grown, so have reports of such sightings.
NASA to spend $20 billion on ambitious moon base
In an on-going overhaul of NASA's Artemis program, agency officials say it will take seven years to build a sophisticated base on the moon.
Artemis II back on launch pad for moon mission
NASA's Artemis II rocket is back on the launch pad after repairs inside the massive Vehicle Assembly Building at the Kennedy Space Center. Early next month, NASA will try, for a second time, to send a crew of four on a flyby of the moon. Mark Strassmann has more.
Possible meteorite crashes into Houston area home, officials say
A possible meteorite crashed into a Houston area house on Saturday night, tearing through the roof and two stories of the home, officials said.
Eileen Collins on breaking barriers in space
Retired NASA astronaut and Air Force Col. Eileen Collins joins "CBS Saturday Morning" to discuss her groundbreaking journey to become the first woman to pilot the Space Shuttle and the first to command a Space Shuttle mission.
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
3/25: The Takeout with Major Garrett
Long TSA lines continue continue across the country as DHS shutdown hits Day 40; White House says Trump will "unleash Hell" if Iran doesn't make a deal.
Doctor's nutrition tips for young athletes
As young athletes work to balance classes and competition, doctors are underscoring the need for proper hydration and nutrition. Gwen Baumgardner reports from Los Angeles, with updated guidelines about the water and carbs needed before taking the field.
Watch: Growing TSA lines around U.S.
Travelers around the country faced growing security lines on Wednesday as the partial government shutdown continued and TSA agents worked without pay.
Democrats flip district that includes Mar-a-Lago
In a Florida special election on Tuesday, Democrats flipped a state House seat in a district that includes President Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate. Political strategists Kendra Barkoff Lamy and Doug Heye join "The Takeout" with analysis.
Former DOJ workers accuse Trump of degrading department
Since President Trump took office for a second time, the Justice Department has undergone significant changes. Former DOJ litigator Stacey Young, founder and executive director of Justice Connection, joins "The Takeout" to discuss her organization's efforts to reform the Department.