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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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These GOP candidates in tight races are calling for a quick end to Iran war
Some Trump-aligned candidates are calling for an end to the Iran war, even as Trump stands by his Iran strategy and has suggested escalation is possible.
El Niño could cause 451,000 more heat deaths compared to normal year, group says
Researchers project nearly half a million more heat-related deaths from June 2026 to February 2027 compared with a typical year, as a result of El Niño.
Should the U.S. raise payroll taxes to save Social Security?
Raising payroll taxes enough to stabilize Social Security could add thousands of dollars in annual costs, according to one analysis.
Shipwreck, apparent human remains found 7 years after boat sank in Atlantic
The non-profit Green Oceans asked the Coast Guard to reopen an investigation that had classified the F/V Mistress as lost.
Mortgage rates top 7% for the first time since May 2024
As rates climb, more buyers are seeking riskier adjustable-rate mortgages, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.
MoneyWatch
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Should the U.S. raise payroll taxes to save Social Security?
Raising payroll taxes enough to stabilize Social Security could add thousands of dollars in annual costs, according to one analysis.
Mortgage rates top 7% for the first time since May 2024
As rates climb, more buyers are seeking riskier adjustable-rate mortgages, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.
Meta's Muse shopping agent is a hit, as AI commerce starts to take off
Meta's new AI tool now ranks at the top of the App Store. Some retail experts see a "natural evolution from search."
Andreessen Horowitz launches AI school as college alternative
One of Silicon Valley's most prominent venture investors is gearing its new tech academy toward aspiring entrepreneurs focused on building AI.
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.
Politics
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These GOP candidates in tight races are calling for a quick end to Iran war
Some Trump-aligned candidates are calling for an end to the Iran war, even as Trump stands by his Iran strategy and has suggested escalation is possible.
DOJ defends Trump media ban, citing national security and "professionalism"
The Justice Department claimed that reporting from CNN, MS NOW and Politico raises national security concerns and accused their journalists of failing to act with "professionalism and decorum."
Wife of scholar detained in China wants Trump to press Xi to release him
Min Zin, a Myanmar scholar, has been held for more than 100 days at what human rights groups say is a "black site" in China.
Live
U.S., Iran hold first talks since June as Trump threatens annihilation
U.S. and Iranian delegations met on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly, rekindling diplomacy amid Trump's threat to "annihilate" the regime.
Redrawn Missouri congressional map lands before Supreme Court for third time
The fight over Missouri's congressional map returned to the U.S. Supreme Court for a third time after an appeals court ordered the revival of new districts backed by President Trump.
HealthWatch
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Bone health and the "silent disease": 4 things women should know
In the latest episode of "Healthful," Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein, an orthopedic surgeon at Duke University School of Medicine, discusses what women should know about protecting their bones.
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.
World
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El Niño could cause 451,000 more heat deaths compared to normal year, group says
Researchers project nearly half a million more heat-related deaths from June 2026 to February 2027 compared with a typical year, as a result of El Niño.
Wife of scholar detained in China wants Trump to press Xi to release him
Min Zin, a Myanmar scholar, has been held for more than 100 days at what human rights groups say is a "black site" in China.
Live
U.S., Iran hold first talks since June as Trump threatens annihilation
U.S. and Iranian delegations met on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly, rekindling diplomacy amid Trump's threat to "annihilate" the regime.
Ancient wall found under Paris hotel could confirm origins of city
The wall dating from the Gallo-Roman period was discovered beneath a hotel on the Île de la Cité, a stone's throw from Notre Dame Cathedral.
Venezuela blocks 3 attempts by opposition leader Machado to return, team says
Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado tried 3 times to enter her country "by air and sea but has been turned away each time," her team says.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Dolly Parton's estate in feud with her nephew
Dolly Parton's estate has accused her nephew, Bryan Seaver, of extortion. Seaver, who announced the singer's death last month, was also fired as her head of security. Adriana Diaz reports.
Taylor Swift announces new song out this week
Taylor Swift announced she's releasing a new song, "Patient Zero," on Friday. Jo Ling Kent reports.
Details on Hayden Panettiere's cause of death
Hayden Panettiere died of an accidental overdose involving fentanyl, the coroner's office said in its autopsy report. Lillia Luciano reports.
Hayden Panettiere cause of death revealed
Actress Hayden Panettiere died from an accidental overdose of fentanyl and several other drugs, according to a coroner in South Carolina. Lilia Luciano reports.
Hayden Panettiere died from accidental overdose
A South Carolina coroner revealed Tuesday that actor Hayden Panettiere died from an accidental overdose of several drugs, including fentanyl. CBS News national correspondent Lilia Luciano has more.
Technology
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Technology
Trump to meet with China's XI over AI
President Trump has downplayed the threat posed by artificial intelligence amid growing calls for AI regulation. MIT professor and artificial intelligence expert Max Tegmark weighs in on Mr. Trump's planned meeting with China's Xi Jinping.
How a "swarm" of AI agents hacked a company
Experts are worried about the dangers of "swarms" of AI models coming together to accomplish a complex task for nefarious reasons. CBS News' Megan Cerullo breaks down what this means.
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.
Downloads surge for Meta's new AI agent Muse
Meta's new AI personal assistant, Muse, has reached the top of the U.S. App Store charts, surpassing competitor ChatGPT. CBS News digital reporter Lauren Fichten details how the app's popularity is helping Meta play catch-up in the AI race.
Trump rejects calls to rein in AI
At the U.N. General Assembly on Tuesday, President Trump told world leaders that the U.S. rejects efforts to rein in artificial intelligence. Stephen Witt, a journalist focused on AI, joins "The Takeout" with analysis.
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
Nolan Wells' family demands answers
An attorney for the family of Mississippi teen Nolan Wells is calling for the Department of Justice to step in after a grand jury declined to charge anyone in his drowning death. CBS News' Skyler Henry reports.
Harvey Weinstein sentenced to 15 years in New York sexual assault case
Harvey Weinstein, the disgraced movie mogul, was sentenced to 15 years in prison Wednesday morning for sexually assaulting Miriam Haley at his Manhattan apartment in 2006.
Concerns over kids' safety getting off the bus
When a school bus stops to pick up kids, the other cars on the road are supposed to stop with it. But thousands of times a day, they do not. As Mark Strassmann reports, some areas have found a way to crack down.
Hayden Panettiere cause of death revealed
Actress Hayden Panettiere died from an accidental overdose of fentanyl and several other drugs, according to a coroner in South Carolina. Lilia Luciano reports.
Political donations form family tied to suspected Chinese spy
A family tied to a suspected Chinese spy made $4.4 million in donations to California politicians, including Gov. Newsom, a CBS News investigation found. CBS News' Josh Boswell breaks it down.
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
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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.
Bone Loss: A Silent Disease
About half of women over the age of 50 experience bone density loss, but most don't even know they have a problem. That's why Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein calls it a "silent disease." Dr. Wittstein has been at the forefront of understanding how joint pain and joint health evolve over a woman's lifetime. She tells Norah how you can reverse bone loss and what impact hormones have on bone density.
Israeli ambassador to the U.N. speaks
Danny Danon, the Israeli ambassador to the United Nations, comments on U.S.-Israeli relations, Gaza and the war in Iran.
Trump to meet with China's Xi
CBS News' Olivia Rinaldi has what you should know about the first day of the United Nations General Assembly and looks ahead to President Trump's meetings with world leaders.
Dolly Parton's estate in feud with her nephew
Dolly Parton's estate has accused her nephew, Bryan Seaver, of extortion. Seaver, who announced the singer's death last month, was also fired as her head of security. Adriana Diaz reports.