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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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The Trump Accounts app launches today. Here's what to know.
The Trump Accounts app allows parents to open new tax-preferred investment accounts for their children, including a $1,000 government contribution.
First inflation report under new Fed chief shows prices still rising
The personal consumption expenditures price index, the Federal Reserve's preferred gauge of inflation, jumped due to higher energy costs.
American climber breaks Everest speed record, his team says
Tyler Andrews, 36, climbed the 29,032-foot peak in just 9 hours and 55 minutes, smashing the record of 10 hours and 56 minutes, his team said.
DOJ investigating whether Trump accuser E. Jean Carroll committed perjury
The Justice Department is conducting a criminal investigation into whether author E. Jean Carroll committed perjury in connection with her civil lawsuits against President Trump, sources familiar with the matter said.
Ex-judges push to look into "anti-weaponization fund" deal
A group of 35 former federal judges asked a court to reopen a legal dispute between President Trump and the government, calling the deal to create a $1.776 billion "anti-weaponization fund" potentially fraudulent.
MoneyWatch
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The Trump Accounts app launches today. Here's what to know.
The Trump Accounts app allows parents to open new tax-preferred investment accounts for their children, including a $1,000 government contribution.
First inflation report under new Fed chief shows prices still rising
The personal consumption expenditures price index, the Federal Reserve's preferred gauge of inflation, jumped due to higher energy costs.
3M sued for $1.4 billion by Australia over "forever chemicals" at defense bases
Australia is suing 3M for more than 2 billion Australian dollars ($1.4 billion) over so-called "forever chemical" contamination from firefighting foam at defense bases, the government says.
Google employee accused of making over $1.2M by insider trading on Polymarket
A software engineer at Google is facing federal charges after allegedly betting on confidential company information on Polymarket, netting more than $1.2 million in profits.
YouTube taking steps to make clear when realistic videos are made by AI
YouTube said it will automatically label photorealistic content created by AI, the video platform said.
Politics
More Politics
DOJ investigating whether Trump accuser E. Jean Carroll committed perjury
The Justice Department is conducting a criminal investigation into whether author E. Jean Carroll committed perjury in connection with her civil lawsuits against President Trump, sources familiar with the matter said.
Google employee accused of making over $1.2M by insider trading on Polymarket
A software engineer at Google is facing federal charges after allegedly betting on confidential company information on Polymarket, netting more than $1.2 million in profits.
Ex-CIA official arrested after $40M in gold bars allegedly found at his home
A former CIA official was arrested after FBI agents allegedly found $40 million worth of gold bars at his home while investigating whether he lied about his background.
Ex-judges push to look into "anti-weaponization fund" deal
A group of 35 former federal judges asked a court to reopen a legal dispute between President Trump and the government, calling the deal to create a $1.776 billion "anti-weaponization fund" potentially fraudulent.
U.S. carries out new strikes against Iranian military site, official says
The U.S. military carried out another round of strikes on Iran, a U.S. official confirmed to CBS News on Wednesday, another challenge to a shaky ceasefire between the two countries.
HealthWatch
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HealthWatch
Rubio: No more Ebola patients allowed in U.S.
The Trump administration announced plans to set up an Ebola quarantine and treatment center in Kenya for Americans exposed to the deadly virus overseas. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is now saying no Ebola patients will be allowed into the U.S. Mark Strassmann reports.
Americans speak on health insurance costs
In the 1800s, Hartford, Connecticut, picked up the nickname, "The Insurance Capital of the World." Tony Dokoupil visits the city to ask people about rising insurance and healthcare costs.
Uganda closes its border with Congo over Ebola outbreak
Uganda on Wednesday ordered the closure of its border with Congo, where suspected cases of a rare type of Ebola are surging.
U.S. setting up Ebola quarantine facility in Kenya, officials say
The U.S. is in the process of setting up a quarantine facility in Kenya for Americans who were exposed to Ebola or infected with the deadly illness.
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)
World
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"Donald Trump" the buffalo spared from sacrifice in Bangladesh
An albino buffalo with a tuft of hair that got him nicknamed "Donald Trump" was granted a government reprieve from sacrifice in a Muslim religious festival.
Legendary mafia leader's "vast fortune" seized by police
Italy said it was seizing $232 million in assets belonging to the late Mafia boss Matteo Messina Denaro, who was captured after 30 years on the run.
3M sued for $1.4 billion by Australia over "forever chemicals" at defense bases
Australia is suing 3M for more than 2 billion Australian dollars ($1.4 billion) over so-called "forever chemical" contamination from firefighting foam at defense bases, the government says.
Live
Iran fires missile at Kuwait after second round of U.S. strikes in days
Iran says it targeted a U.S. base in retaliation for the second set of what the Pentagon calls "purely defensive" strikes carried out this week.
Another alleged drug boat struck by U.S. military in eastern Pacific, killing 2
The U.S. military said it struck another vessel suspected of transporting drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing two men, the day after it said a similar strike killed one man and left two survivors.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Extended: Former reality TV star Judd Winick
Judd Winick talks to CBS Mornings' Vladimir Duthiers about appearing on MTV's "The Real World: San Francisco" in 1994, the audition process for the reality TV series and more.
Extended: "RHONY" star Dorinda Medley
Dorina Medley, who appeared in the "Real Housewives of New York City" for six seasons, talks to CBS Mornings' Vladimir Duthiers about her decision to join the Bravo series, why she has no regrets and what draws people to reality TV.
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.
Technology
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Technology
Meta's new features for paid subscribers
Meta says its rolling out paid social subscriptions that will include exclusive features like "super reactions" and customizable themes. Kelly O'Grady reports.
YouTube revamping its AI labeling system
YouTube unveiled a new AI labeling system on Wednesday, aiming to make it easier for viewers to distinguish between real and AI content. CNET editor-at-large Scott Stein joins CBS News to break down the change.
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.
YouTube taking steps to make clear when realistic videos are made by AI
YouTube said it will automatically label photorealistic content created by AI, the video platform said.
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.
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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Legendary mafia leader's "vast fortune" seized by police
Italy said it was seizing $232 million in assets belonging to the late Mafia boss Matteo Messina Denaro, who was captured after 30 years on the run.
Teen charged in cruise killing to remain free for now
Timothy Hudson, the 16-year-old charged with sexually assaulting and killing his 18-year-old stepsister, Anna Kepner, will remain free for now while a judge considers arguments following a hearing Wednesday. CBS News' Katrina Kaufman has the latest updates.
New evidence in Bahamas disappearance
New forensic evidence appears to contradict Brian Hooker's account of where he says he was the night his wife Lynette went missing in the Bahamas. Cristian Benavides has the details.
Matthew Perry's assistant sentenced
"Friends" star Matthew Perry drowned in his hot tub in 2023 under the effects of ketamine. The 54-year-old's longtime personal assistant, who gave him the fatal injection, pleaded guilty to conspiracy and was sentenced to over three years in prison.
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.
Space
More Space
Blue micromoon makes rare appearance this weekend
A rare blue micromoon will appear in night skies this weekend. Here's what to expect.
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.
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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Where to get the latest CBS Mornings Deals
On this edition of CBS Mornings Deals, we show you items that will help improve your everyday lifestyle. Visit cbsdeals.com to take advantage of these exclusive deals today. CBS earns commissions on purchases made through cbsdeals.com.
What high-functioning burnout looks like
Board-certified psychiatrist Dr. Sue Varma explains what high-functioning burnout is and how it can have long-term health consequences.
Meta's new features for paid subscribers
Meta says its rolling out paid social subscriptions that will include exclusive features like "super reactions" and customizable themes. Kelly O'Grady reports.
Zelenskyy wants more Patriot missile systems
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is urging the U.S. to expand deliveries of Patriot missile systems for the war against Russia. CBS News' Ramy Inocencio reports.
U.S. facility in Kenya hopes to contain Ebola
The Trump administration is building a facility to contain Americans who contracted Ebola in Kenya and avoid spread in the U.S. CBS News' Dr. Celine Gounder has more.