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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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DOJ probing outside funding E. Jean Carroll received for Trump civil lawsuits
DOJ is probing a nonprofit run by billionaire Reid Hoffman that funded a portion of E. Jean Carroll's civil litigation against President Trump, several sources said.
Exclusive
Woman missing right hand speaks out about viral traffic stop video
Kathleen Thomas, who is missing her right hand, thought it was a misunderstanding when a deputy pulled her over for allegedly holding her phone with that hand while driving. Bodycam video shows the viral interaction.
Nick Bilton named executive producer of "60 Minutes"
Investigative journalist and filmmaker Nick Bilton has been named executive producer of "60 Minutes."
Exclusive
USCG can send divers to Bahamas to search for Lynette Hooker, source says
Lynette Hooker was reported missing by her husband in early April after the couple allegedly went for a nighttime ride aboard a dinghy.
Claude Lemieux, 4-time Stanley Cup champion, dies at age 60
The NHL Alumni Association announced Claude Lemieux's death. A cause of death was not immediately available, nor was it clear where Lemieux was when he died.
MoneyWatch
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Treasury Department is weighing a $250 bill with Trump's image
The department said it is preparing for the banknote in response to legislation proposed last year.
The Trump Accounts app launches today. Here's what to know.
The Trump Accounts app allows parents to open new tax-preferred investment accounts for their children, including a $1,000 government contribution.
First inflation report under new Fed chief shows prices still rising
The personal consumption expenditures price index, the Federal Reserve's preferred gauge of inflation, jumped due to higher energy costs.
3M sued for $1.4 billion by Australia over "forever chemicals" at defense bases
Australia is suing 3M for more than 2 billion Australian dollars ($1.4 billion) over so-called "forever chemical" contamination from firefighting foam at defense bases, the government says.
Google employee accused of making over $1.2M by insider trading on Polymarket
A software engineer at Google is facing federal charges after allegedly betting on confidential company information on Polymarket, netting more than $1.2 million in profits.
Politics
More Politics
DOJ probing outside funding E. Jean Carroll received for Trump civil lawsuits
DOJ is probing a nonprofit run by billionaire Reid Hoffman that funded a portion of E. Jean Carroll's civil litigation against President Trump, several sources said.
First on CBS
Democrats argue ballroom construction shouldn't continue without Congress' consent
Democratic lawmakers argue the Trump administration must get express consent from Congress before continuing construction on the White House ballroom.
White House has yet to release results of Trump's latest physical
The White House has yet to release a summary the results of President Trump's latest physical exam.
Treasury Department is weighing a $250 bill with Trump's image
The department said it is preparing for the banknote in response to legislation proposed last year.
Some artists drop out of Freedom 250 concerts shortly after lineup released
Some artists announced for the Freedom 250 concert series in Washington, D.C., this summer, say they won't be performing.
HealthWatch
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HealthWatch
Rubio: No more Ebola patients allowed in U.S.
The Trump administration announced plans to set up an Ebola quarantine and treatment center in Kenya for Americans exposed to the deadly virus overseas. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is now saying no Ebola patients will be allowed into the U.S. Mark Strassmann reports.
Americans speak on health insurance costs
In the 1800s, Hartford, Connecticut, picked up the nickname, "The Insurance Capital of the World." Tony Dokoupil visits the city to ask people about rising insurance and healthcare costs.
Uganda closes its border with Congo over Ebola outbreak
Uganda on Wednesday ordered the closure of its border with Congo, where suspected cases of a rare type of Ebola are surging.
U.S. setting up Ebola quarantine facility in Kenya, officials say
The U.S. is in the process of setting up a quarantine facility in Kenya for Americans who were exposed to Ebola or infected with the deadly illness.
Sponsored
TV host Ty Pennington on bronchiectasis
HGTV host and designer Ty Pennington opens up about his mother's yearslong battle with bronchiectasis, a chronic lung condition that often goes undiagnosed, and shares tips for caregivers on creating a calm environment. (Sponsored by Insmed)
World
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Taylor Swift concert attack plot suspect sentenced to 15 years in prison
An Austrian court has convicted a man of planning to attack a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna nearly two years ago.
Exclusive
USCG can send divers to Bahamas to search for Lynette Hooker, source says
Lynette Hooker was reported missing by her husband in early April after the couple allegedly went for a nighttime ride aboard a dinghy.
Claude Lemieux, 4-time Stanley Cup champion, dies at age 60
The NHL Alumni Association announced Claude Lemieux's death. A cause of death was not immediately available, nor was it clear where Lemieux was when he died.
Nearly 500,000 Russian soldiers have died in Ukraine war, Britain says
It is the highest on-the-record estimate of Russian military deaths to come from any government since the war in Ukraine began.
Iranian protesters who escaped tell CBS News war has made things worse
Two Iranian brothers who joined January's protests say the war has made things worse, and ending it shouldn't only be about uranium.
Entertainment
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Taylor Swift concert attack plot suspect sentenced to 15 years in prison
An Austrian court has convicted a man of planning to attack a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna nearly two years ago.
Some artists drop out of Freedom 250 concerts shortly after lineup released
Some artists announced for the Freedom 250 concert series in Washington, D.C., this summer, say they won't be performing.
Broadway's Joshua Henry on "Ragtime" musical
Broadway star Joshua Henry joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss his role in the "Ragtime" musical, which depicts the stories of Americans at the turn of the 20th century.
Extended: Former reality TV star Judd Winick
Judd Winick talks to CBS Mornings' Vladimir Duthiers about appearing on MTV's "The Real World: San Francisco" in 1994, the audition process for the reality TV series and more.
Extended: "RHONY" star Dorinda Medley
Dorina Medley, who appeared in the "Real Housewives of New York City" for six seasons, talks to CBS Mornings' Vladimir Duthiers about her decision to join the Bravo series, why she has no regrets and what draws people to reality TV.
Technology
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Technology
Examining the public sentiment on AI
Pope Leo has released the first encyclical of his papacy, focusing on humanity and, in part, warning of the risks posed by the growing use of artificial intelligence. The message comes amid growing dissent among young people over AI. Nicholas Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic, joins to discuss.
Google worker arrested over Polymarket bets
A Google employee has been arrested for allegedly using insider information to make $1 million on Polymarket. Dustin Gouker, publisher of the Event Horizon newsletter on prediction markets, 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.
Robinhood to allow AI to make stock trades
The digital investing platform Robinhood is now allowing AI agents to trade stocks and make credit card purchases for users. Yahoo Finance senior reporter Brooke DiPalma joins with the details.
How ChatGPT warped reality for these users: "Why would the AI lie to me?"
AI-fueled delusions can happen when chatbots respond to grandiose, paranoid or imaginary ideas with affirmation or encouragement.
Science
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New species of blue octopus discovered 5,900 feet underwater
The new species, named Microeledone galapagensis, has a blue hue, which is believed to be the rarest color in nature.
What we know about new UFO file release
The Pentagon has released another batch of never-before-seen files on reported UFO sightings. CBS News senior national security correspondent Charlie D'Agata reports.
Atlantic hurricane season is coming up. Here's what NOAA predicts.
The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season is quickly approaching, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is releasing its forecast for what to expect.
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.
Crime
More Crime
Taylor Swift concert attack plot suspect sentenced to 15 years in prison
An Austrian court has convicted a man of planning to attack a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna nearly two years ago.
Google worker arrested over Polymarket bets
A Google employee has been arrested for allegedly using insider information to make $1 million on Polymarket. Dustin Gouker, publisher of the Event Horizon newsletter on prediction markets, joins CBS News to discuss.
FBI: Ex-CIA officer had 303 gold bars in home
According to an affidavit, a former CIA official was arrested after the FBI raided his Virginia home and found over 300 gold bars worth $40 million. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson joins to examine the case.
Alleged school shooter gets plea deadline
Colt Gray, the alleged Apalachee High School shooter, was in court Thursday for the next steps before his potential trial. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul reports.
Supreme Court jury discrimination case ruling
The Supreme Court has ruled in favor of a Black death row inmate who argued racial discrimination occurred in the jury-selection process before his trial. CBS News' Katrina Kaufman reports.
Space
More Space
Blue micromoon makes rare appearance this weekend
A rare blue micromoon will appear in night skies this weekend. Here's what to expect.
NASA's moon base plans include landers, buggies and drones for 2028 mission
Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin, Astrolab, Lunar Outpost and Firefly Aerospace are awarded with hundreds of millions of dollars in NASA contracts for the first phase of its moon base plans.
China launches spacecraft with astronaut set to remain in space for a year
China has launched the Shenzhou 23 spacecraft with three astronauts heading to its space station.
SpaceX launches more powerful Super Heavy-Starship rocket
Perfecting SpaceX's mammoth rocket will be critical to NASA's plans for returning astronauts to the surface of the moon.
SpaceX launch of more powerful Super Heavy-Starship rocket scrubbed at last minute
The new rocket features a host of upgrades intended to improve safety and performance of the world's most powerful rocket.
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
Newsom endorses L.A. Mayor Bass for reelection
California Gov. Gavin Newsom has endorsed Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass for reelection as polls show a close mayoral primary. Tia Mitchell, Washington bureau chief for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and Dave Levinthal, senior editor at NOTUS, join to discuss.
Examining the public sentiment on AI
Pope Leo has released the first encyclical of his papacy, focusing on humanity and, in part, warning of the risks posed by the growing use of artificial intelligence. The message comes amid growing dissent among young people over AI. Nicholas Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic, joins to discuss.
Sources: DOJ probing nonprofit in Carroll suit
Sources tell CBS News that the Justice Department is conducting a criminal investigation into a nonprofit that funded part of E. Jean Carroll's civil litigation against President Trump. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson joins with analysis.
Jill Biden says husband was "slowing down"
In an interview airing this weekend on "CBS Sunday Morning," Jill Biden defended her husband's mental state during his presidency. Chris Whipple, author of "Uncharted: How Trump Beat Biden, Harris, and the Odds in the Wildest Campaign in History," joins to discuss.
U.S. building Ebola quarantine facility in Kenya
The Trump administration confirms it is working to set up an Ebola quarantine facility in Kenya for Americans who were exposed to or infected with the deadly illness. CBS News medical correspondent Dr. Céline Gounder, an infectious disease specialist who spent time in Guinea as an aid worker during the West African Ebola virus epidemic, joins to discuss.