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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.
DHS to tighten Ebola-related flight restrictions for some foreign travelers
The Department of Homeland Security is set to implement new entry restrictions beginning Thursday for foreign travelers coming to the U.S. from countries at the center of the latest Ebola outbreak.
Vanessa Trump announces breast cancer diagnosis
Vanessa Trump, 48, was married to Donald Trump Jr. for 12 years. They share five children together.
GOP Sen. Bill Cassidy takes digs at Trump, urging renewed unity in politics
Cassidy, who lost his reelection bid last week, called for leaders who are "steady, not erratic" and "thoughtful, not impulsive."
U.S. intel community analyzing how Cuba might respond to military action
These kinds of intelligence forecasts attempt not only to show the immediate consequences of an American action, but the chain of reactions that may follow.
DOJ veterans fear probe into ex-CIA director is being stacked with Trump loyalists
Former CIA Director John Brennan is the subject of two criminal probes being led by the Miami-area U.S. Attorney's Office.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
SpaceX files for IPO as rocket company preps for market debut
Elon Musk's SpaceX is moving ahead with plans to go public in what some expect will be the biggest IPO ever.
Highest gas prices in years expected to continue rising this summer
U.S. motorists are likely to face even hotter gas prices as the summer driving season kicks off, according to a new analysis.
What sagging bond prices are telling us about the U.S. economy
U.S. government bonds are sagging as investors fret that hotter inflation will keep interest rate cuts on hold.
Summer travelers face "vacation inflation" as airfare, gas prices rise
Gas prices, airfares, accommodations and other vacation essentials are more expensive this year compared to last year.
Bezos says bottom half of U.S. earners should pay no federal income tax
The Amazon founder said eliminating taxes for lower-income Americans could ease financial pressure and encourage entrepreneurship.
Politics
More Politics
Texas Dem under fire for saying she'd make ICE jail "prison for American Zionists"
A Democratic House candidate in Texas is facing widespread condemnation and accusations of antisemitism from her own party.
DHS to tighten Ebola-related flight restrictions for some foreign travelers
The Department of Homeland Security is set to implement new entry restrictions beginning Thursday for foreign travelers coming to the U.S. from countries at the center of the latest Ebola outbreak.
Exclusive
Ally of DOJ pardon attorney seeks to join board of Trump's $1.7+ billion fund
In his application letter, attorney Mike Howell proposed organizing a national gathering of "thousands of victims of weaponization," including those involved in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
GOP Sen. Bill Cassidy takes digs at Trump, urging renewed unity in politics
Cassidy, who lost his reelection bid last week, called for leaders who are "steady, not erratic" and "thoughtful, not impulsive."
U.S. intel community analyzing how Cuba might respond to military action
These kinds of intelligence forecasts attempt not only to show the immediate consequences of an American action, but the chain of reactions that may follow.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
HealthWatch
Vanessa Trump announces cancer diagnosis
Vanessa Trump announced on Instagram that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer and is working with her doctors on a treatment plan.
Deadly measles outbreak in Bangladesh fuels concern over risks for U.S.
A CBS News medical correspondent and doctor says her "biggest concern for the World Cup is actually measles. It's not hantavirus, it is not Ebola."
WHO says Ebola risks high for region, but not a "pandemic emergency"
WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says risks from the Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda are "high at the national and regional levels, and low at the global level."
Cheaper, alternative health plans are having a moment, but critics urge caution
Congress' decision not to extend enhanced marketplace tax credits has boosted the appeal of alternative health coverage with lower monthly premiums.
Where things stand with the Ebola outbreak
The State Department on Tuesday strongly urged Americans to avoid travel to Congo, Uganda and South Sudan because of the Ebola outbreak there. More than 130 people have already died. Mark Strassmann has more.
World
More World
U.S. intel community analyzing how Cuba might respond to military action
These kinds of intelligence forecasts attempt not only to show the immediate consequences of an American action, but the chain of reactions that may follow.
Spy plane "dangerously intercepted" by Russian jets over Black Sea
The Russian jets intercepted the U.K. aircraft with one jet flying as close as 19 feet to the British plane's nose, officials said.
U.S. indicts Cuba's Raúl Castro for murder over downing of planes in 1996
Former Cuban leader Raúl Castro was indicted by a U.S. grand jury in connection with the Cuban military's fatal downing of two planes in 1996 — an escalation in the U.S. pressure campaign against the Cuban government.
Netanyahu rebukes Israeli minister for treatment of Gaza flotilla activists
Italy and France have summoned the Israeli ambassadors in their respective capitals after Itamar Ben-Gvir, his national security minister, posted the video.
Deadly measles outbreak in Bangladesh fuels concern over risks for U.S.
A CBS News medical correspondent and doctor says her "biggest concern for the World Cup is actually measles. It's not hantavirus, it is not Ebola."
Entertainment
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Byron Allen on "Comics Unleashed" as it moves to new time slot on CBS
Comedian and media mogul Byron Allen brings "Comics Unleashed" to CBS's late night slot, replacing "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert."
From 1993: Letterman on "The Late Show" launch
Ahead of the premiere of "The Late Show" in August 1993, host David Letterman sat down with "CBS This Morning" to discuss his break from his previous late night show, what viewers could expect from his CBS debut and more.
Byron Allen on filling CBS' late night slot
Comedian and media mogul Byron Allen sits down with "CBS Mornings" to discuss his show "Comics Unleashed" and its transition into the CBS late night spot.
Sponsored
Michelle Monaghan on getting quality sleep
Actress Michelle Monaghan joins "CBS Mornings" to talk about her 24-hour wellness cycle and why it's important to get quality sleep and consistent energy. (Sponsored by Natrol)
Soon-to-be mom Beanie Feldstein reveals sex of her baby
Actor Beanie Feldstein told "CBS Mornings" she and wife Bonnie-Chance Roberts are expecting a baby girl.
Technology
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Technology
What Nvidia's Q1 earnings say about AI race
Cementing its status as the world's most valuable company, Nvidia reported record revenue in its latest earnings report. Britney Nguyen, Nvidia and chips reporter at MarketWatch, joins with analysis.
Google announces AI-focused search bar revamp
Artificial intelligence is prompting Google to change its iconic search bar for the first time in more than 25 years. Mashable tech editor Tim Werth joins CBS News to discuss.
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.
Concern ramps up over the use of AI in combat
The Defense Department says it wants to be "AI-first," but some service members are concerned about how quickly the technology is developing. Chris Livesay reports.
Privacy concerns grow over AI, phone numbers
Privacy concerns about artificial intelligence are growing after people discovered that chatbots are sharing their real phone numbers. Eileen Guo, investigative tech reporter for MIT Technology Review, joins to discuss.
Science
More Science
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.
El Niño could bring "double whammy" of high tide flooding, NOAA warns
The upcoming El Niño could trigger frequent and widespread flooding in coastal areas around the United States, even when storms aren't actively taking place, scientists warn.
New dinosaur weighing as much as 9 elephants identified by scientists
The long-necked herbivore is the largest ever found in Southeast Asia, researchers said.
How a growing El Niño will affect 2026 hurricane season in Atlantic, Pacific
The last time an El Niño pattern occurred was in 2023, when the Eastern Pacific hurricane season produced 20 tropical systems.
Crime
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Crime
TikTok star accused of murder-for-hire plot
A social media influencer and her father are accused of plotting to kill her famous singer ex, amid a bitter years-long custody dispute, court documents show. Jonathan Vigliotti is following the case.
Watch: Blanche announces Raúl Castro indictment
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced murder and conspiracy charges Wednesday against former Cuban leader Raúl Castro and five others over the downing of two planes in 1996.
Man jailed over Kirk post wins settlement
Larry Bushart, who spent 37 days in jail over his Facebook post about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, will get $835,000 to settle a lawsuit against Tennessee officials. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul reports.
More details on Mango founder's son
Court records reveal more details about the Mango founder's son, Jonathan Andic, who was arrested Tuesday in connection to his father's 2024 death. Leigh Kiniry reports.
Details emerge on San Diego mosque attack
More details are emerging on the victims and two gunmen from the deadly shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego. Lana Zak reports.
Space
More Space
SpaceX launches cargo ship to International Space Station
The International Space Station-bound SpaceX Cargo Dragon is loaded with 6,500 pounds of needed equipment, research gear and crew supplies.
NASA maps show Earth's brightest and darkest regions at night
Researchers expected to find "a gradual increase in artificial light at night," but instead saw "much more nuanced patterns," NASA said.
NASA spacecraft to fly past Mars on voyage to rare metal asteroid
NASA's Psyche spacecraft will slingshot past Mars on Friday, on its way toward a rare metal-rich asteroid.
UFO files reveal astronauts saw mysterious objects and lights in 1972
NASA's Apollo 17 crew reported seeing three mysterious dots and sparks that resembled fireworks, according to new files released by the Pentagon.
Pentagon begins releasing UFO files: "It's time the American people see"
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a statement that the documents "have long fueled justified speculation — and it's time the American people see it for themselves."
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
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Why Harvard is limiting number of "A" grades
In a historic move, Harvard University faculty members have voted to limit the number of "A" grades given to undergraduates to curb rising grade inflation. Axios Boston reporter Mike Deehan joins "The Daily Report" with more.
Target Q1 earnings beat expectations
Home Depot, Target, Lowes and TJ Maxx all beat expectations with their first quarter earnings and revenue reported on Wednesday. Target had their strongest gains in years. CBS News senior business and tech correspondent Jo Ling Kent has more.
Raúl Castro indictment's significance
President Trump said he does not think there will be any additional escalation following the Justice Department's indictment of former Cuban leader Raúl Castro. CBS News national correspondent Lilia Luciano breaks down the situation.
Jan. 6 officers suing to block Trump fund
Metropolitan Police officer Daniel Hodges is one of two law enforcement officers who defended the Capitol during the Jan. 6 riots and is suing to block the Trump administration's nearly $1.8 billion so-called "anti-weaponization" fund. He joins "The Daily Report" to discuss why.
5/20: The Takeout with Major Garrett
Breaking down Tuesday's primaries as another Republican who broke with Trump falters; U.S. indicts Raúl Castro.