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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.
What is the White House press pool and how does it work?
President Trump's move to ban CNN, MS NOW and POLITICO from the White House has highlighted the role of the press pool.
Exclusive
U.S. to welcome up to 17,500 more White South Africans as refugees
The Trump administration is planning to welcome up to 17,500 additional White Afrikaners from South Africa as refugees over the next 12 months, according to a notice sent to Congress.
3 guys hacked OpenAI using a rival Anthropic model. Here's what to know.
Cybersecurity researchers from a small firm called Hacktron in India broke into OpenAI, showing how vulnerable frontier labs are.
ICE officer who shot Venezuelan man wasn't wearing body camera, sources say
The ICE officer who shot a Venezuelan delivery driver was not wearing a body camera at the time of the shooting, sources familiar with the investigation told CBS News.
Diesel prices just hit a new record. Would a U.S. export ban bring relief?
Some lawmakers want to halt U.S. diesel exports as prices top $6.50 a gallon. But such a ban could have unintended consequences, experts say.
MoneyWatch
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3 guys hacked OpenAI using a rival Anthropic model. Here's what to know.
Cybersecurity researchers from a small firm called Hacktron in India broke into OpenAI, showing how vulnerable frontier labs are.
Diesel prices just hit a new record. Would a U.S. export ban bring relief?
Some lawmakers want to halt U.S. diesel exports as prices top $6.50 a gallon. But such a ban could have unintended consequences, experts say.
Have an Apple iPhone 15 or 16? How to file a claim for up to $95.
The claims window is open until Dec. 21, 2026. To file a claim, iPhone users must enter basic personal info and their iPhone's serial number.
What is an "AI swarm," and why it giving tech experts nightmares?
AI "agents" show a remarkable ability to share information and knowledge with other bots. That should worry us.
Selling early access to Trump Truth Social posts is illegal, ex-prosecutors say
Trump Media & Technology recently launched a Truth Social API data feed, charging $100,000 for "real-time access to posts from the highest-ranking Truth Social accounts."
Politics
More Politics
What is the White House press pool and how does it work?
President Trump's move to ban CNN, MS NOW and POLITICO from the White House has highlighted the role of the press pool.
Exclusive
U.S. to welcome up to 17,500 more White South Africans as refugees
The Trump administration is planning to welcome up to 17,500 additional White Afrikaners from South Africa as refugees over the next 12 months, according to a notice sent to Congress.
ICE officer who shot Venezuelan man wasn't wearing body camera, sources say
The ICE officer who shot a Venezuelan delivery driver was not wearing a body camera at the time of the shooting, sources familiar with the investigation told CBS News.
Senators press Rubio to prioritize release of American journalist held in Iran
Reza Valizadeh, a U.S.-Iranian dual citizen and former journalist for U.S.-funded broadcaster Radio Farda, has been imprisoned in Iran since September 2024.
Trump signs agreement giving U.S. broad military authority in Greenland
The U.S., Denmark and Greenland signed a new security agreement bolstering the United States' military and security presence on the island.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Even the smallest joys can help prevent suicide, researchers say
New research highlights common themes shared by people who found reasons to keep living through dark times.
First on CBS
JB Pritzker reveals GLP-1 use, pressed on possible presidential run
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker revealed to "CBS Mornings" that for the last two years he has been using a GLP-1 medication to lose weight.
Her son was dying, but his rare cancer made it difficult to get the right drug
As knowledge about genetics advances, some doctors say cancers should be defined by their mutations, not the tissues where they manifest.
Her postpartum symptoms wouldn't go away. A brain tumor was to blame.
Lisa Fasone's first pregnancy went smoothly. Then a rare health condition put her dreams of a second child on hold.
RFK Jr. tells anti-vaccine activists they have a "friend in the White House"
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. spoke at a conference hosted by an organization he once led that has promoted doubts about vaccines.
World
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Exclusive
U.S. to welcome up to 17,500 more White South Africans as refugees
The Trump administration is planning to welcome up to 17,500 additional White Afrikaners from South Africa as refugees over the next 12 months, according to a notice sent to Congress.
Senators press Rubio to prioritize release of American journalist held in Iran
Reza Valizadeh, a U.S.-Iranian dual citizen and former journalist for U.S.-funded broadcaster Radio Farda, has been imprisoned in Iran since September 2024.
U.S. fighter jet crashes at air base in Germany, injuring pilot
The U.S. Air Base Spangdahlem said that the pilot ejected and was receiving medical care.
Trump signs agreement giving U.S. broad military authority in Greenland
The U.S., Denmark and Greenland signed a new security agreement bolstering the United States' military and security presence on the island.
Metal detectorist finds record-breaking trove of ancient Roman coins
A man who discovered Roman silver coins in a field realized he had stumbled upon something bigger when his metal detector kept signaling.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Judge Judy reflects on 30-year career
Judith Sheindlin, known on TV as Judge Judy, sits down with "CBS Mornings" to discuss her 30-year career as she passes the torch to her son, Adam.
Grandmaster Flash talks new book on hip-hop
Grandmaster Flash speaks with Nate Burleson about his new book, "Birth of a Culture," where he gives readers an intimate look at his role in the birth of hip-hop.
Hayden Panettiere died from accidental overdose, autopsy finds
An autopsy by the Greenville County Coroner's Office determined Hayden Panettiere's death was due to an accidental overdose of several drugs, including fentanyl.
Fat Bear Week is here: Meet Backpack, Bucky and other chunky contenders
Sixteen bears are facing off in Fat Bear Week 2026, the highly anticipated tournament among the chunkiest bears at the Katmai National Park and Preserve in Alaska.
Converse pulls sneaker ad after critics say it uses racist imagery
Nike-owned Converse acknowledged that an ad for its Chuck Taylor sneaker is "deeply upsetting."
Technology
More Technology
3 guys hacked OpenAI using a rival Anthropic model. Here's what to know.
Cybersecurity researchers from a small firm called Hacktron in India broke into OpenAI, showing how vulnerable frontier labs are.
Have an Apple iPhone 15 or 16? How to file a claim for up to $95.
The claims window is open until Dec. 21, 2026. To file a claim, iPhone users must enter basic personal info and their iPhone's serial number.
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.
OpenAI wants U.S. to lead global AI safety
Tech industry insiders are united in saying that artificial intelligence development requires regulation and safety standards. OpenAI says the U.S. should lead the way when it comes to building out global AI safety principles. POLITICO Congress tech reporter Owen Dahlkamp weighs in.
Former controller explains FAA outage
Flights were disrupted after a cable line was accidentally cut at an air traffic control facility in Philadelphia. S. Todd Yeary, a former certified air traffic controller with the FAA, explains what happened and why.
Science
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Science
Neuroscientists grow human brain tissue in mice
Neuroscientists at Stanford University successfully grew human brain tissue inside mice in the hopes of further enabling the development of treatments for brain disorders. Stanford Medicine professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences Dr. Sergiu Pasca, who led the study, joins CBS News to break down the findings.
New species of wild cat discovered for first time in more than a century
Scientists have discovered a new species of wild cat for the first time in more than a century, a Bolivian researcher says.
Humpback whale seen grieving dead calf in rare footage
The footage shows a female humpback whale staying close to the dead calf as it lies motionless on the seafloor, touching it with its head and fin.
Remains of ancient warhorse given honorific burial discovered in Egypt
Archaeologists say they've discovered the remains of a likely ancient Egyptian warhorse given an honorific burial more than 3,000 years ago.
Anthropic CEO says "exponential" growth of AI is a "warning sign"
Artificial intelligence technology is developing at an "exponential" rate, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei told CBS News, calling the situation a "warning sign" for the industry that requires serious safeguards.
Crime
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Crime
Man shot by ICE: "I'm not doing well"
Wilber Rafael Garces Perez was shot in the back by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent in Austin, Texas. Garces Perez's lawyer says he had a work permit and was seeking asylum but had missed a deportation order sent to an old address. CBS News' Jason Allen reports.
"Looksmaxxing" influencer Clavicular charged with rape in Massachusetts
Online personality "Clavicular," whose real name is Braden Peters, faces two felony charges and one misdemeanor charge. He denies the allegations.
Lindsay Clancy's lawyers take next steps
Lindsay Clancy's lawyers filed a motion to dismiss her case and asked the judge to investigate the lone holdout juror after her murder trial ended in a mistrial. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul has more details.
Latest on Nolan Wells case
A grand jury has declined to charge anyone in connection with the death of Mississippi teen Nolan Wells. CBS News' Skyler Henry has more details.
Man shot by ICE in Texas is back in hospital
Protests erupted in Austin, Texas, after a Venezuelan man was shot in his spine by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. CBS News' Jason Allen reports.
Space
More Space
NASA spacecraft discovers moon crater bigger than Roman Colosseum
Scientists have discovered a crater on the moon that's bigger than the Roman Colosseum, the result of a powerful impact two years ago.
NASA launches its Roman Space Telescope to explore the hidden universe
NASA's Roman Space Telescope launched shortly after daybreak from Kennedy Space Center and blazed toward an observation point 1 million miles away.
Roman Space Telescope promises 300-megapixel views of the cosmos
The $4.3 billion telescope is expected to discover tens of thousands of exoplanets while probing the nature of mysterious dark matter and energy.
First on CBS
Trump to honor Artemis II crew with nation's top space medal
President Trump plans to award the Congressional Space Medal of Honor to the crew of NASA's Artemis II mission in a ceremony Aug. 28.
NASA's Swift telescope will plunge toward Earth after rescue mission called off
The mission to save NASA's sinking space telescope has been called off, dooming the telescope to a fiery reentry later this year.
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.
Dolly Parton: An extraordinary life in pictures
Dolly Parton, the country music legend who became a feminist icon, has died at the age of 80. Here is a look back at her life in pictures.
Investigating the death of designer Sylvie Cachay
Sylvie Cachay was found dead in an overflowing bathtub at the exclusive Soho House in New York City on Dec. 9, 2010. A water leak at the hotel gave away a timeline that may have revealed her killer.
Summer music highlights of 2026
Summer is the time to enjoy live music, indoors and out. Scroll through our gallery of some of 2026's leading musical acts, featuring images by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
Photos show celebrations at Obama Presidential Center
The Obama Presidential Center, museum and library opens in Chicago with a star-studded grand opening ceremony and public watch party on Midway Plaisance.
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Extended interview: Patrick Clancy
Patrick Clancy wrestles with grief and shares memories of his children in his first interview since his ex-wife Lindsay Clancy's murder trial ended without a verdict.
Trump to UN: Whoever wins AI, wins
President Trump continued his push for rapid AI development Tuesday in remarks before the United Nations General Assembly. Global affairs analyst Jonathan Wachtel joined CBS News to discuss.
Trump signs new security deal with Greenland
President Trump, Greenland Premier Jens-Frederik Nielsen and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen signed a new security agreement Tuesday. CBS News' Charlie D'Agata has the details.
Cuban foreign minister slams U.S. blockade
Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío spoke with CBS News chief correspondent Matt Gutman ahead of this week's United Nations General Assembly, blasting the ongoing U.S. oil blockade against his country.
Man remains in ICE custody after shooting
The Venezuelan man who was shot by ICE Sunday remains in federal custody despite losing feeling on his left side, his lawyer said. CBS News' Camilo Montoya-Galvez has more.