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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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U.S. Tomahawks are being used in Iran war faster than stockpile is being refilled
The U.S. has used close to 1,000 Tomahawk missiles since June 2025 and has been procuring them at a rate of about 90 per year.
Artemis II astronauts arrive in Florida to prepare for launch to the moon
The Artemis II countdown will begin March 30, setting up a launch attempt on April 1 at 6:24 p.m. Eastern Time.
Tiger Woods charged with DUI after crash in Florida, authorities say
In 2021, Woods was seriously injured in a rollover crash in Rolling Hills Estates, a Los Angeles suburb.
Why seizing Iran's nuclear stockpile would be "one of the riskiest" missions
Seizing the highly enriched uranium would be more difficult and complex than anything U.S. Special Operations forces have ever attempted, military experts told CBS News.
How soon will TSA lines return to normal after the shutdown ends?
The Department of Homeland Security said TSA agents should begin receiving pay as early as Monday, March 30.
MoneyWatch
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How soon will TSA lines return to normal after the shutdown ends?
The Department of Homeland Security said TSA agents should begin receiving pay as early as Monday, March 30.
Should you rely on AI to do your taxes? Experts warn of risks.
About 1 in 4 Americans are using AI chatbots to prepare their tax returns, but experts warn the tools can produce outdated or inaccurate guidance.
CBS News gas and oil price tracker shows how much energy costs are rising
As the war with Iran continues, CBS News is tracking gas and oil prices. Find out how much more it costs to fill up your tank or heat your house.
Iran keeps Strait of Hormuz blocked, and threatens another key waterway
Iran has a stranglehold on the Strait of Hormuz, and as pressure mounts, it's threatened to target another vital Middle East shipping lane, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Dow Jones index enters correction territory after five weeks of losses
Stocks suffered a fifth straight weekly loss as oil prices climbed and mixed signals on Iran raised fears about inflation and growth.
Politics
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U.S. Tomahawks are being used in Iran war faster than stockpile is being refilled
The U.S. has used close to 1,000 Tomahawk missiles since June 2025 and has been procuring them at a rate of about 90 per year.
10 Americans injured in Iranian attack on Saudi air base
Ten U.S. service members were injured in an attack on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, according to multiple U.S. officials.
Why seizing Iran's nuclear stockpile would be "one of the riskiest" missions
Seizing the highly enriched uranium would be more difficult and complex than anything U.S. Special Operations forces have ever attempted, military experts told CBS News.
Iran's response to U.S. peace proposal expected Friday, sources say
The Iranian response to the U.S.' 15-point peace proposal is expected on Friday, multiple sources familiar with the matter told CBS News.
FBI Director Kash Patel's personal email breached by hackers linked to Iran
Iran-linked cyber criminals accessed FBI Director Kash Patel's personal email account, sources said.
HealthWatch
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What to know about the "wild, wild West" of viral peptide claims
Here's what to know about peptides, what they can and can't do, and what's driving viral claims about possible health benefits online.
CDC's acting chief promises a return to stability in a tumultuous moment
Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, head of the National Institutes of Health and interim leader of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told staff a permanent CDC director could be nominated soon. "I know that it has been such a difficult year," he said.
FDA says billionaire's claims about cancer drug Anktiva are misleading
Federal health officials posted a warning about misleading statements by biotech billionaire Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong about his company's bladder cancer drug Anktiva.
More parents are refusing routine newborn preventative care, study finds
Doctors fear that skepticism, fueled by anti-science sentiment and mistrust, is extending beyond vaccines to other proven, routine care.
Complex procedure saves officer with chest pain, heart condition
Transit Officer Paul DeGeorge thought his son was lying on him. Then he realized something much scarier was happening.
World
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U.S. Tomahawks are being used in Iran war faster than stockpile is being refilled
The U.S. has used close to 1,000 Tomahawk missiles since June 2025 and has been procuring them at a rate of about 90 per year.
10 Americans injured in Iranian attack on Saudi air base
Ten U.S. service members were injured in an attack on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, according to multiple U.S. officials.
U.S. appears to drop anti-tank mines in Iranian village, analysts say
Iranian state media reported that "explosive packages" slightly larger than tuna cans had been dropped by aircraft over the area. U.S. Central Command declined to comment.
Why seizing Iran's nuclear stockpile would be "one of the riskiest" missions
Seizing the highly enriched uranium would be more difficult and complex than anything U.S. Special Operations forces have ever attempted, military experts told CBS News.
Colombian mayor says body found in search for missing U.S. flight attendant
Eric Fernando Gutierrez Molina, 32, a U.S. citizen and North Texas resident, went missing Saturday evening after a night out with a fellow flight attendant.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Billy Idol on his career highs and lows
Rockstar Billy Idol spoke to Anthony Mason about how he broke into music, why he says he's lucky to be alive and what it's like to be a grandparent.
How "Love Story" has captivated audiences
The finale of the FX series "Love Story" aired Thursday and has captivated audiences as it follows the romance between John F. Kennedy. Jr. and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy. The limited series focuses on well-documented moments in the couple's lives, but fills in the rest with fiction. It has also received some backlash. Adriana Diaz reports.
Savannah Guthrie on mom's disappearance
Savannah Guthrie is speaking out about her mom's disappearance as she prepares to return to the "Today" show. CBS News' Jonathan Vigliotti reports.
Netflix raises its subscription prices for the second time in 2 years
The price hike raises the cost of the standard plan with ads by $1 per month and the cost of the standard and premium plans by $2.
Savannah Guthrie is returning to "Today" show on April 6, NBC says
Savannah Guthrie stepped back from her NBC duties almost two months ago when her mother, Nancy Guthrie, disappeared. The investigation is ongoing.
Technology
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Technology
Judge blocks Pentagon's Anthropic risk label
A judge has temporarily blocked the Pentagon's attempt to designate Anthropic as a supply chain risk. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson joins with analysis.
Kentucky family rejects millions for land
A mother and daughter in Kentucky have turned down a $26 million offer for their land. The offer came from an unnamed tech company wanting to build a data center. CBS News' Jared Ochacher spoke with the family.
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.
CBS News poll analysis on what jobs AI should be doing
As AI use rises, many see it decreasing the number of jobs available.
What jobs are most at risk from AI
New research from the Society of Human Resource Management shows which regions and jobs are most at risk from artificial intelligence. Johnny Taylor, president and CEO of SHRM, joins CBS News to discuss the findings.
Science
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Arctic sea ice hits lowest winter level as heat records are shattered worldwide
Arctic sea ice levels are crucial to Earth's climate because, without the ice reflecting sunlight, more heat energy goes into the oceans.
Sharks in Bahamas test positive for caffeine, painkillers, cocaine
Marine biologists found detectable levels of caffeine, cocaine and the over-the-counter painkillers in the blood of 28 sharks.
What to know about the "wild, wild West" of viral peptide claims
Here's what to know about peptides, what they can and can't do, and what's driving viral claims about possible health benefits online.
Amputee sea turtle being tracked at sea from space
The staff at a Florida sea turtle hospital is monitoring some animals they've rehabilitated from space -- especially amputees, such as one they named Amelie, who's back at sea.
600-year-old pinot noir grape seed found in medieval hospital
The seed reveals that people in France have been cultivating the popular variety of grape since at least the 1400s, scientists say.
Crime
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Crime
Tiger Woods charged with DUI after crash
Tiger Woods was charged with driving under the influence after a car crash in Jupiter, Florida, on Friday, authorities announced during a news conference. CBS News' Anna Schecter joins with more.
Loyola student murder suspect attends hearing
The man suspected in the murder of Loyola University freshman Sheridan Gorman had his detention hearing on Friday. CBS News reporter Ash-har Quraishi has the details.
Judge hears arguments in Fulton County case
A federal judge is hearing arguments on the Fulton County case involving alleged voting irregularities during the 2020 election. CBS News' Skyler Henry reports.
Judge denies Maduro's move to dismiss charges
A federal judge ruled against former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's request to have charges against him dismissed. CBS News' Lilia Luciano reports.
Secret Service agent assigned to Jill Biden accidentally shoots himself at PHL
Police said a Secret Service agent assigned to Jill Biden accidentally shot and injured himself at Philadelphia International Airport.
Space
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Space
Crew arrives ahead of Artemis II launch
Four NASA astronauts are gearing up for a historic mission to return humans to deep space for the first time in over 50 years. The crew touched down at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Friday for final preparations ahead of next week's planned Artemis II launch. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood has more.
Final preparations underway for Artemis II launch
It's the dawn of a new lunar era for NASA, with the four-person Artemis II crew arriving Friday afternoon at Florida's Kennedy Space Center after spending two weeks quarantining in Houston. CBS News space contributor Christian Davenport joins "The Takeout" to preview the mission.
Artemis II astronauts arrive in Florida to prepare for launch to the moon
The Artemis II countdown will begin March 30, setting up a launch attempt on April 1 at 6:24 p.m. Eastern Time.
Artemis II crew arrives at Kennedy Space Center
The countdown is on for NASA's return to the moon. CBS News senior national correspondent Mark Strassmann reports on the upcoming Artemis II launch from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida.
In a first, scientists observe a comet reversing its spin
The comet originated in the outer solar system and visits the inner solar system every 5.4 years.
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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Latest CBS News Videos
Team that appealed own victory gets award
A girls' basketball team appealed their victory after the coach discovered they didn't actually win. Now, they're being lauded for their character. Steve Hartman has the update.
What to watch as March Madness heads into Elite 8
By the end of the night, the NCAA men's March Madness tournament will be down to just eight teams left. Nate Burleson has a preview.
Trump says "substantial talks" with Iran underway
According to a statement from Iran's Revolutionary Guards, the Strait of Hormuz is closed, and they vowed a severe response to any ship trying to get through. That seemed to contradict President Trump's claim that Iran had allowed 10 ships through the Strait as a gift. Holly Williams has details.
TSA officer says he can't afford gas for commute
Long lines at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport over the last week have been driven by TSA officer sick calls. Pascual Contreras, a TSA officer and union official, was one of them. Kris Van Cleave reports.
Shutdown fight grows as Johnson slams Senate deal
House Speaker Mike Johnson said the lower chamber would vote "as soon as possible" on its own plan to fund the Department of Homeland Security after the Senate-approved legislation to fund most of the department, including the TSA, faced major hurdles in the House. Nikole Killion has the latest.