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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.
Ai Weiwei warns of worsening censorship in the West
Ai Weiwei, who published a new book, "On Censorship," warned the West is "no longer defending very basic humanity, rationality, human rights, freedom of speech."
Man accused of hurling rock at rare seal was assaulted, lawyer says
A witness recorded what prosecutors say was a video of Igor Lytvynchuk throwing the rock at a Hawaiian monk seal at a Maui beach.
The safest vehicles for teen drivers and how much they cost
The Insurance Institute and Consumer Reports ranked 96 of the safest cars for teens. Here's what to know.
Biden sues Justice Department to block release of files from biographer interviews
Former President Joe Biden has sued the Justice Department seeking to block the release of files related to interviews he conducted with a biographer that later became a central part of a special counsel investigation into his handling of classified documents.
1 killed, 2 survive U.S. strike on boat in Eastern Pacific, SOUTHCOM says
At least 193 people have been killed in the Trump administration's campaign of missile strikes on boats it claims are trafficking drugs in Latin American waters.
MoneyWatch
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The safest vehicles for teen drivers and how much they cost
The Insurance Institute and Consumer Reports ranked 96 of the safest cars for teens. Here's what to know.
BP ousts recently appointed chair over "conduct issues"
The board upheaval comes less than a year after BP appointed Albert Manifold to the role.
Kevin Warsh is now leading the Fed. His main challenge is a doozy.
Warsh is taking over as Fed chair as the U.S. faces the hottest inflation in years, impeding the interest rate cuts that President Trump has demanded.
Sponsored
Planning to start your own business? Consider these key tips.
Launching a business can be thrilling, but it pays to plan ahead to maximize your chances of success. Here's what to consider (sponsored by AT&T).
Stocks mixed as investors shrug off renewed fighting in Iran
Oil prices were also mixed after U.S. strikes on Iranian forces, underscoring the risks still hanging over markets and consumers.
Politics
More Politics
Exclusive
Latino voters turning away from Trump, but warnings remain for Dems, poll says
Hispanic voters are heading into the midterms feeling economically squeezed and increasingly skeptical of the direction of the country — but Democrats are not necessarily running away with their support, a new poll by UnidosUS finds.
People held by ICE dying by suicide at increasing, high rate, AP probe finds
ICE detainees are taking their own lives at a pace that's unprecedented in the agency's two-decade history, highlighting what experts call failures in care and oversight, an AP investigation finds.
Biden sues Justice Department to block release of files from biographer interviews
Former President Joe Biden has sued the Justice Department seeking to block the release of files related to interviews he conducted with a biographer that later became a central part of a special counsel investigation into his handling of classified documents.
Allred defeats Johnson in heated Texas 33 Democratic runoff race
Former Congressman Colin Allred defeated State Rep. Julie Johnson in Tuesday's runoff to become the Democratic nominee for Texas' 33rd Congressional District.
Galindo projected to lose Texas Dem House runoff after antisemitism accusations
Maureen Galindo lost to Johnny Garcia after accusations of antisemitism roiled the race in recent days.
HealthWatch
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Sponsored
HealthWatch
TV host Ty Pennington on bronchiectasis
HGTV host and designer Ty Pennington opens up about his mother's yearslong battle with bronchiectasis, a chronic lung condition that often goes undiagnosed, and shares tips for caregivers on creating a calm environment. (Sponsored by Insmed)
Trump has third medical exam of the past year
President Trump said his health "checked out perfectly" after a medical checkup on Tuesday. Nancy Cordes reports.
Second Ebola treatment center set on fire in epicenter of disease's outbreak
Angry residents of a town at the epicenter of the Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo attacked and burned a tent that was part of a health center where people are being treated for the virus.
The latest details on the Ebola outbreak
Officials have increased the number of countries in Africa at risk for Ebola from three to 10. A third entry point is open for Americans traveling from certain high-risk countries back into the U.S. Holly Williams reports.
What to know about the chemical tank in California that forced evacuations
The tank at GKN Aerospace is estimated to contain 7,000 gallons of methyl methacrylate, a volatile chemical used to produce plastics.
World
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China executes man for poisoning billionaire Netflix producer
Xu Yao was found guilty of killing Lin Qi, the founder of the company that holds the film adaptation rights for the blockbuster sci-fi trilogy "The Three-Body Problem."
Ex-chef who supplied poison for suicides to avoid murder charges
Kenneth Law is a former chef accused of running a number of online forums that offered predominantly young, distressed people advice on how to end their lives.
Live
As Iran and U.S. appear near a deal, Israel ramps up war in Lebanon
As the U.S. and Iran keep up the bluster but appear ready to de-escalate, Israel expands deadly attacks on the complex war's other front in Lebanon.
5 of 7 people trapped in flooded Laos cave for more than a week found alive
Five villagers stuck in a flooded cave in central Laos for more than a week were found alive, rescuers said Wednesday, but two others are missing.
Fire at kosher store in London "non-suspicious," police say
London police say a fire at a kosher store in a London neighborhood with a large Jewish community that's been targeted repeatedly is "non-suspicious."
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Estelle on her latest album "Stay Alta"
Grammy Award-winning artist Estelle released her sixth studio album, titled "Stay Alta," and joins CBS News 24/7 Mornings to reflect on her career and discuss what this record means for her.
Josh Johnson on new special, career in comedy
Comedian Josh Johnson talks with "CBS Mornings" about finding humor in everyday life, how storytelling is at the center of his jokes and his first HBO special, "Symphony."
Top moments from the American Music Awards
There were 12 new categories this year at the American Music Awards, which were held on Memorial Day. For the second time at the awards show, BTS took home the night's biggest prize.
Extended interview: Josh Johnson
Comedian Josh Johnson talks to CBS News' Vladimir Duthiers about his journey from becoming a writer to a correspondent and host on "The Daily Show," his new special, "Josh Johnson: Symphony" on HBO Max, how his family influenced his comedy and more.
Sonny Rollins, trailblazing jazz saxophonist, dies at age 95
Sonny Rollins, the legendary tenor saxophonist known for his bold tone and constant experimentation, has died at 95.
Technology
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Technology
Study evaluates AI's accuracy on news
More than 1 billion people worldwide use artificial intelligence chatbots, but just how accurate are the answers? Forum AI released results from its latest study to determine the accuracy of chatbots in news and current events. Robbie Goldfarb, co-founder of Forum AI, joins CBS News to discuss.
How the U.S. military is using AI in warfare
CBS News' Chris Livesay gets an inside look at how the U.S. military is using artificial intelligence on the battlefield.
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.
Pope Leo's AI warning rocks tech industry
Pope Leo XIV warns of the dangers of artificial intelligence in his first encyclical. CBS News' Chris Livesay reports.
Pope Leo calls for "disarming" of AI in technology-focused encyclical
In his "Magnifica Humanitas" encyclical, Pope Leo warns that as civilization grapples with the power of AI, the main challenge is remaining "profoundly human."
Science
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New species of blue octopus discovered 5,900 feet underwater
The new species, named Microeledone galapagensis, has a blue hue, which is believed to be the rarest color in nature.
What we know about new UFO file release
The Pentagon has released another batch of never-before-seen files on reported UFO sightings. CBS News senior national security correspondent Charlie D'Agata reports.
Atlantic hurricane season is coming up. Here's what NOAA predicts.
The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season is quickly approaching, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is releasing its forecast for what to expect.
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.
Crime
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Crime
Clues in the Lynette Hooker investigation
An infrared camera mounted on the sailboat used by Brian and Lynette Hooker in the Bahamas could contain clues about her disappearance, CBS News has learned. Cristian Benavides has more.
China executes man for poisoning billionaire Netflix producer
Xu Yao was found guilty of killing Lin Qi, the founder of the company that holds the film adaptation rights for the blockbuster sci-fi trilogy "The Three-Body Problem."
Matthew Perry's assistant to be sentenced
Matthew Perry's assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, will be the fifth and final person sentenced for playing a role in the actor's 2023 ketamine death. Carter Evans reports.
Ex-chef who supplied poison for suicides to avoid murder charges
Kenneth Law is a former chef accused of running a number of online forums that offered predominantly young, distressed people advice on how to end their lives.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara resigns after internal probe
Mayor Jacob Frey announced O'Hara's resignation late Tuesday after an investigation found he deleted a contact from his city-issued phone to hide his connection to an employee during a prior investigation.
Space
More Space
NASA's moon base plans include landers, buggies and drones for 2028 mission
Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin, Astrolab, Lunar Outpost and Firefly Aerospace are awarded with hundreds of millions of dollars in NASA contracts for the first phase of its moon base plans.
China launches spacecraft with astronaut set to remain in space for a year
China has launched the Shenzhou 23 spacecraft with three astronauts heading to its space station.
SpaceX launches more powerful Super Heavy-Starship rocket
Perfecting SpaceX's mammoth rocket will be critical to NASA's plans for returning astronauts to the surface of the moon.
SpaceX launch of more powerful Super Heavy-Starship rocket scrubbed at last minute
The new rocket features a host of upgrades intended to improve safety and performance of the world's most powerful rocket.
SpaceX to explore "the true nature of the universe" as it plans IPO
Elon Musk's SpaceX is moving ahead with plans to go public in what some expect will be the biggest IPO ever.
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
Clues in the Lynette Hooker investigation
An infrared camera mounted on the sailboat used by Brian and Lynette Hooker in the Bahamas could contain clues about her disappearance, CBS News has learned. Cristian Benavides has more.
Sponsored
TV host Ty Pennington on bronchiectasis
HGTV host and designer Ty Pennington opens up about his mother's yearslong battle with bronchiectasis, a chronic lung condition that often goes undiagnosed, and shares tips for caregivers on creating a calm environment. (Sponsored by Insmed)
The economics of loneliness
Harvard economics professor Roland Fryer joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss what might be behind the world feeling lonelier.
Ai Weiwei warns about dangers of censorship
Contemporary artist and activist Ai Weiwei sits down with "CBS Mornings" to discuss his new book, "Ai Weiwei on Censorship," and the dangers of authoritarianism.
New colorectal cancer screening guidelines
Dr. Céline Gounder joins "CBS Mornings" to break down the American Cancer Society's updated guidelines for colorectal cancer screenings.