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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.
Justice Department eases restrictions on some marijuana products
The order places FDA-approved products containing marijuana and state-regulated medical marijuana products at a lower drug classification.
Judge approves $425 million Capital One settlement. Here's what to know.
The settlement stems from claims Capital One paid lower interest on older savings accounts while offering higher rates on a similar product.
Police hunt 17-year-old suspect in shooting near University of Iowa
Iowa City police are searching for a 17-year-old suspect charged in connection with a shooting that injured five near the University of Iowa over the weekend.
U.S. forces board Iran-linked vessel amid tit-for-tat ship interdictions
U.S. forces have intercepted and boarded another "stateless" vessel linked to Iran, the U.S. military says.
The 2026 NFL Draft is tonight. Here's when and how to watch.
Here is what to know about where and when to watch the 2026 NFL Draft.
MoneyWatch
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Judge approves $425 million Capital One settlement. Here's what to know.
The settlement stems from claims Capital One paid lower interest on older savings accounts while offering higher rates on a similar product.
Victim has "nothing left" as AI fuels a surge in crypto fraud schemes
One woman's entire life savings was stolen from her by sophisticated scammers who used artificial intelligence to perfectly manipulate her.
Rents around the U.S. are growing more slowly than they have in years
The cost of renting a home, which surged during the pandemic, is showing signs of returning to earth, new data shows.
Crypto mogul sues Trump family's World Liberty Financial, alleging fraud
Sun alleges that World Liberty Financial froze the digital tokens he had purchased, locking him out of assets worth as much as $1 billion.
Anthropic investigating possible breach of its Mythos AI model
The AI company behind the chatbot Claude is looking into a report of unauthorized access to Mythos from one of its third-party vendor environments.
Politics
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Justice Department eases restrictions on some marijuana products
The order places FDA-approved products containing marijuana and state-regulated medical marijuana products at a lower drug classification.
Senate adopts budget resolution in effort to fund ICE
The Senate adopted a budget resolution after a six-hour "vote-a-rama," with the GOP moving forward to fund ICE without Democrats.
All U.S. attorney's offices must assign a prosecutor to new fraud division: Memo
In the memo, Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald said detailing a prosecutor from each U.S. attorney's office is aimed to help "execute a nationwide strategy to eliminate fraud in every district."
Judge blocks Virginia from using new House maps, 1 day after redistricting vote
A state court judge on Wednesday blocked Virginia from moving forward with a redistricting effort that passed a day earlier, a roadblock in Democrats' efforts to redraw the state's congressional maps.
"A breaking point": Inside the 68-day DHS shutdown
In a department built to respond to catastrophic threats, employees have been reduced to bartering for office supplies.
HealthWatch
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Medigap premiums leap, and consumers have few alternatives
Millions of people rely on the supplemental insurance to offset the deductibles, copayments, and other costs faced by enrollees in the traditional Medicare program.
Food stamp work rules don't increase employment, researchers say
Work requirements will encourage people who are able to work to seek and maintain jobs, proponents say. But researchers haven't found that they lower the unemployment rate.
New CDC pick may face "threat to follow ideology over evidence," ex-official says
Former Trump Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams described Dr. Erica Schwartz as a "home run pick."
Trump signs executive order to research psychedelics for mental health
The order will open the door for more research into psychedelic drugs, including ibogaine, sources told CBS News earlier this week.
Mom's labor turns into fight for life after 1 symptom: "I think I'm about to die"
Casey Gould wanted to be a mom her whole life. Her long-awaited pregnancy went smoothly — until she saw something alarming.
World
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U.S. forces board Iran-linked vessel amid tit-for-tat ship interdictions
U.S. forces have intercepted and boarded another "stateless" vessel linked to Iran, the U.S. military says.
Prince Harry implores U.S. to do more for Ukraine during surprise Kyiv visit
Prince Harry made an unannounced visit to Ukraine on Thursday to show his support for the country.
Ecuador to extradite notorious drug gang leader to U.S.
Dario Penafiel, known as "Topo," allegedly worked closely with one of Ecuador's most powerful drug lords, Adolfo Macias, alias "Fito."
Live
Iran touts video of ship seizures as Trump keeps quiet on his next move
Iran releases video showing commandos seizing ships in the Strait of Hormuz as Trump remains largely silent on his next move in the war.
Hungary drops veto, clearing path for $106 billion EU loan to Ukraine
The move may signal a more constructive relationship between Ukraine and the European Union following the ouster of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán earlier this month.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
DiCaprio speaks at 2016 Paris Agreement signing
On April 22, 2016, the U.N. held a signing ceremony for the Paris Agreement, an international treaty aimed at curbing climate change, featuring several speakers from various nations, including actor and environmental activist Leonardo DiCaprio. Watch his full speech from the event.
Donnie Wahlberg talks "Boston Blue" success
Donnie Wahlberg talks about starring in the series "Boston Blue" and the emotional moments he shared with the cast members when he revealed the show was being renewed for a second season. He also discusses if his wife, Jenny McCarthy, could make an appearance on the show.
Vinyl record sales continue resurgence
New data shows interest in vinyl records is only getting stronger, with social media and and special releases from artists like Taylor Swift helping drive the trend. Jarred Hill has more.
Opening statements in Weinstein rape retrial
Opening statements have concluded in Harvey Weinstein's New York rape retrial. CBS News' Jericka Duncan has more.
D4vd charged with murder in14-year-old's death
Singer D4vd appeared in court Monday, hours after prosecutors announced he would be charged with first-degree murder in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Matt Gutman reports.
Technology
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Victim has "nothing left" as AI fuels a surge in crypto fraud schemes
One woman's entire life savings was stolen from her by sophisticated scammers who used artificial intelligence to perfectly manipulate her.
How to dispose of e-waste this Earth Day
Tuesday marks Earth Day, and if you have any unused devices at home, there are green ways to dispose of them. CNET senior technology reporter Abrar Al-Heeti 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.
Meta to track workers' computer use to train AI
Business Insider got a look at an email Meta, the parent company of Facebook, sent to all employees, letting them know that it would start tracking their interactions with their computers to train the company's artificial intelligence. Business Insider tech correspondent Charles Rollet joins to discuss.
Trump Media replaces CEO Devin Nunes as its losses top $1 billion
The company behind Truth Social has lost more than $1 billion since going public two years ago, while its shares have tumbled 58% during the past 12 months.
Science
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Salmon exposed to cocaine swim almost twice as far, study shows
Researchers studied how the drug affected the movements of wild fish in their natural habitats.
Mars rover carries out chemistry experiment never done beyond Earth
"This experiment's never been run before on another world," said Amy Williams, an astrobiologist working on the Curiosity mission.
Cementing a more sustainable alternative to concrete
The process of making 30 billion tons of concrete every year produces more carbon pollution than all the world's ships and planes put together. Now, the North Carolina and Denmark-based Biomason is using biotechnology, including naturally-occurring microbes, to create "biocement" that's just as sturdy but emits much less CO2. David Pogue reports.
Breeding a better bread
Over the past century, the cultivation and processing of wheat has led to strains of grain that are less nutritious, less flavorful, and more vulnerable to climate change. The researchers at Breadlab, at Washington State University, are trying to breed varieties of whole grains that are better for farmers, consumers – and taste buds. David Pogue reports.
Using the ocean to power data centers
The renewable energy company Panthalassa says it has a solution to the proliferation of AI data centers, which consume massive amounts of energy and are the cause of increased carbon pollution: sea-based data centers, powered by wave energy.
Crime
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Crime
Scammers are using AI to fuel fraud schemes
The Internal Revenue Service is warning about scammers using AI tools to carry out crypto fraud schemes. CBS News' Anna Schecter reports.
Police hunt 17-year-old suspect in shooting near University of Iowa
Iowa City police are searching for a 17-year-old suspect charged in connection with a shooting that injured five near the University of Iowa over the weekend.
Ecuador to extradite notorious drug gang leader to U.S.
Dario Penafiel, known as "Topo," allegedly worked closely with one of Ecuador's most powerful drug lords, Adolfo Macias, alias "Fito."
Remains found of 3 Memphis children may have been there for years, police say
Memphis authorities say they are investigating the discovery of remains of three children, believed to be between 3 and 7 years of age, that could have been there for years.
Parents of slain Loyola freshman speak out
The parents of Sheridan Gorman, the Loyola University student who police say was gunned down last month by an undocumented immigrant, spoke out for the first time with CBS News' Matt Gutman.
Space
More Space
Mars rover carries out chemistry experiment never done beyond Earth
"This experiment's never been run before on another world," said Amy Williams, an astrobiologist working on the Curiosity mission.
Blue Origin New Glenn rocket puts satellite payload into wrong orbit
The launching appeared to go off without a hitch, but a problem prevented the rocket's upper stage from putting its payload into the correct orbit.
Artemis II crew on historic moon mission and what it means for Earth
"We are carrying back everything we learned, not only about where we went but ourselves," mission specialist Christina Koch told "CBS Evening News" anchor Tony Dokoupil.
Artemis II astronauts still awed by moonshot experience: "It was otherworldly"
The four Artemis II astronauts struggled to describe the view and overall experience of flying around the moon's far side and witnessing a solar eclipse in deep space.
"God of chaos" asteroid will pass close to Earth in 3 years, NASA says
People on the ground in the Eastern Hemisphere will be able to observe the asteroid with their own eyes, weather permitting, according to NASA.
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
How much does it cost to raise a child?
It now costs more than $300,000 to raise a child in the U.S. until the age of 18, according to LendingTree. Kelly O'Grady breaks down how to navigate the costs.
Scammers are using AI to fuel fraud schemes
The Internal Revenue Service is warning about scammers using AI tools to carry out crypto fraud schemes. CBS News' Anna Schecter reports.
Tourists rescued from cliff in Australia
A group of seven tourists became trapped on a cliff in Australia when the tide came in as they went for a morning walk on a beach. Holly Williams reports on the 3-hour operation to rescue them.
California governor race heats up
California's gubernatorial hopefuls joined a debate on Wednesday after Rep. Eric Swalwell dropped out of the race. The New York Times' Laurel Rosenhall joins CBS News with more details.
How U.S.-Mexico border crossings have changed
Illegal crossings along the U.S.-Mexico border have fallen to a 55-year low after skyrocketing several years ago. It comes amid a violent crackdown this year by the Trump administration in some major U.S. cities. Camilo Montoya-Galvez reports.