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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.
Spirit Airlines shutting down after failed effort at government rescue deal
The budget carrier Spirit Airlines is ceasing operations after failing to land a $500 million bailout from the Trump administration.
Bard College president to retire after revelations of his ties to Epstein
The longtime president of Bard College announced his retirement, months after it was revealed that he had a much deeper relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein than was previously known.
Tennessee, Alabama take steps to redraw House maps in wake of Supreme Court ruling
The Republican governors of Tennessee and Alabama called state lawmakers into special sessions on Friday, initial steps in what could be a scramble to redraw congressional maps after the Supreme Court narrowed the Voting Rights Act.
After a fire torched their Nebraska ranch, anonymous donors came to their rescue
Mike and Kayla Wintz lost their entire 11,000-acre ranch to a wildfire in the span of about two hours. They have since been gifted about $80,000 worth of hay, mostly from anonymous donors.
Appeals court blocks mailing of abortion pill mifepristone in U.S.
A federal appeals court has restricted access to one of the most common means of abortion in the U.S. by blocking the mailing of mifepristone.
MoneyWatch
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Spirit Airlines shutting down after failed effort at government rescue deal
The budget carrier Spirit Airlines is ceasing operations after failing to land a $500 million bailout from the Trump administration.
Pickleball Inc. $225 million deal creates new home for sport
The deal merged Major League Pickleball and the Carvana PPA Tour, two of the nascent sport's most active entities, under one company, Pickleball Inc.
Exclusive
Ford CEO says company is focusing on making vehicles more affordable
Ford CEO Jim Farley tells CBS News, "Most of our new models are going to be more affordable versions."
What will a Spirit Airlines shutdown mean for travelers?
Have tickets to fly on Spirit? Here's what to know about refunds and alternative flights as the budget airline ceases operations.
Here's when businesses will start getting refunds for Trump's IEEPA tariffs
The first refund payments will go out later this month as the portal works through kinks to return money to businesses.
Politics
More Politics
Tennessee, Alabama take steps to redraw House maps in wake of Supreme Court ruling
The Republican governors of Tennessee and Alabama called state lawmakers into special sessions on Friday, initial steps in what could be a scramble to redraw congressional maps after the Supreme Court narrowed the Voting Rights Act.
Trump tightens U.S. sanctions on Cuba, signaling a warning to the island, expert says
The new measures increase pressure on foreign financial institutions by threatening their access to U.S. markets if they continue to work with Cuban government entities.
Judge rebukes prosecutors in hearing for accused correspondents' dinner gunman
A federal judge scolded prosecutors for pushing to move forward with detention proceedings for accused correspondents' dinner gunman Cole Allen, even though Allen agreed to remain in custody.
Exclusive
Trump administration to cut 5,000 U.S. troops from Germany
President Trump said earlier this week he was reviewing the possible reduction of troops in Germany, which hosts more than 35,000 U.S. service members.
Judge blocks Trump from ending deportation protections for Yemenis
A federal judge on Friday blocked the Trump administration from revoking legal protections for more than 2,800 Yemeni nationals.
HealthWatch
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Football practice was leaving a teen fatigued. A rare cancer was to blame.
Cameron Rider's fatigue, body aches and fever were diagnosed as pneumonia, but he couldn't seem to get better.
Appeals court blocks mailing of abortion pill mifepristone in U.S.
A federal appeals court has restricted access to one of the most common means of abortion in the U.S. by blocking the mailing of mifepristone.
FDA expands access to drug helping pancreatic cancer patients
Former Sen. Ben Sasse, 54, called daraxonrasib "a miracle drug" that was allowing him to live longer and with less pain.
Nebraska becomes first U.S. state to enact Medicaid work requirements
The "big beautiful bill" requires U.S. states to add work requirements to Medicaid by January 2027. Experts warn millions could lose health coverage.
Delays in visa program threaten placement of hundreds of doctors in underserved areas
Hundreds of foreign doctors about to complete training in the U.S. will have to leave the country if the federal government doesn't rapidly process their visa waiver applications, immigration attorneys say.
World
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Starmer urges action at some Gaza protests after antisemitic attacks
Keir Starmer said he would always defend the right to protest, but that there may be instances where some marches should be banned.
Exclusive
Trump administration to cut 5,000 U.S. troops from Germany
President Trump said earlier this week he was reviewing the possible reduction of troops in Germany, which hosts more than 35,000 U.S. service members.
Trump tells Congress "hostilities" with Iran have "terminated"
President Trump on Friday told Congress that hostilities with Iran have "terminated," addressing a critical 60-day deadline.
Book excerpt: "The New Tourist" by Paige McClanahan
Journalist Paige McClanahan writes about how tourism shapes societies and individuals, and about the need to redefine the meaning of "tourist" in today's shrinking world.
Superdry co-founder James Holder convicted of rape in England
James Holder, 54, was found guilty by a jury in Gloucester Crown Court of one count of rape for the May 2022 assault.
Entertainment
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Exclusive
Entertainment
Gold House reveals the Gold100 list
Gold House revealed its 2026 Gold100 list honoring Asian Pacific culture. Co-founder and CEO Bing Chen joins CBS News with more.
Book excerpt: "A Course Called Home" by Tom Coyne
The bestselling author and editor of The Golfer's Journal teed up for a challenge – taking over operations of a failing nine-hole community golf course in New York's Catskill Mountains – and writes of the tribulations that were par for the course.
Lizzo: "There's a long list" of things the public gets wrong about me
The pop star sat down with Gayle King for an exclusive interview airing Monday on "CBS Mornings."
Lizzo on what the public gets wrong about her
Lizzo sits down with "CBS Mornings" co-host Gayle King to discuss what the public misunderstands about her.
A look at Spencer Pratt's mayoral campaign
Spencer Pratt, who starred in the mid-2000s reality TV show "The Hills," released a new ad in his campaign for Los Angeles mayor that's getting attention online. CBS News political director Fin Gómez joins with analysis.
Technology
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Technology
Reducing data center impact on U.S. power grid
Powerful artificial intelligence data centers are putting a significant strain on the nation's power grid, but one U.S.-based company has a proposal to help solve the issue. Jon Parella, CEO and founder of Terraflow Energy, joins to discuss.
Apple's latest earnings beat expectations
Apple's latest earnings report beat Wall Street expectations. CBS News contributor Patrick McGee joins with more.
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.
Elon Musk concludes testimony in OpenAI trial
Elon Musk's testimony concluded Thursday in his lawsuit against OpenAI. Nicholas Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic and host of "The Most Interesting Thing in AI" podcast, joins "The Takeout" with analysis.
Elon Musk cross-examined in OpenAI trial
Elon Musk was cross-examined in his lawsuit against OpenAI on Thursday. In testimony on Wednesday, he said he was "a fool" for funding OpenAI. He is accusing OpenAI and its CEO, Sam Altman, of betraying him and the public by abandoning its core mission as it transitioned from a nonprofit to a for-profit company. WIRED senior writer Maxwell Zeff joins CBS News to discuss.
Science
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Science
Bill Nye on the Artemis II moon mission
Bill Nye The Science Guy, the chief ambassador of The Planetary Society, joins CBS News 24/7 Mornings with more after meeting the Artemis II crew in person after their successful mission around the moon.
Trump administration fires board overseeing National Science Foundation
The Trump administration has fired all 22 current members of an independent board that oversees the National Science Foundation, one dismissed member says.
AI used to reveal face of victim fleeing Mount Vesuvius eruption
Archaeologists found the victim holding a terracotta mortar, which they interpret as an improvised attempt to shield his head.
In a first, endangered orangutan seen using canopy bridge to cross road
Rapid development has been shrinking the jungle habitat of the critically endangered species, and fatal conflicts with people have been increasing.
Saving the Venus fly trap
The carnivorous Venus fly trap is native to the Carolinas, but its population is dwindling due to loss of habitat. Correspondent Seth Doane talks with botanist Julie Moore, who has spent much of her life helping to save these remarkable plants; and with Damon Waitt, director of the North Carolina Botanical Garden, who discusses the unusual traits of a species that Charles Darwin called the most interesting plant in the world.
Crime
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Starmer urges action at some Gaza protests after antisemitic attacks
Keir Starmer said he would always defend the right to protest, but that there may be instances where some marches should be banned.
3 months since Nancy Guthrie's disappearance
Friday marked exactly three months since Nancy Guthrie, the mother of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie, was reported missing. Briana Whitney, a breaking news reporter for the Crime Junkie podcast, joins "The Daily Report" with more.
WHCA scholarship recipients on shooting
For more than 100 years, the White House Correspondents' Dinner has celebrated the First Amendment and freedom of the press. The annual event is also a fundraiser for journalism scholarships. This year, the White House Correspondents' Association awarded $156,000 in grants to 30 college students. Two recipients, Kaitlin Bender-Thomas and Madison Maynard, join "The Daily Report" to discuss the shooting.
New video in D.C. dinner shooting
Newly released video shows the White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting suspect and his movements ahead of the attack. Other video also shows a clearer image of the confrontation between law enforcement and the suspect. CBS News' Anna Schecter has more details.
Missing Florida doctoral student's body found
A body found in Tampa Bay has been identified as the second missing student from the University of South Florida, according to the sheriff, who called their killings a "monstrous crime." Cristian Benavides reports.
Space
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Artemis crew surprises 5-year-old aspiring astronaut with special gift
The Artemis II team gained a new member, and the crew made sure their youngest teammate had the right stuff for space.
Artemis II crew reveals what snack they ate right after splashdown
The Artemis II astronauts said they actually really enjoyed the space food, but it was a familiar candy they enjoyed after splashing down in the Pacific Ocean.
Artemis II astronauts talk mission toilet troubles: "We made do"
The plumbing issues aboard the Orion capsule became headline news in the early days of the historic Artemis II mission.
Only on CBS
Artemis crew tells kids moon flight was "the best roller coaster ride"
The Artemis II astronauts joined "CBS Mornings" for a live town hall where they took questions from kids just weeks after returning from their historic moon mission.
SpaceX launches Falcon Heavy rocket carrying powerful satellite
SpaceX's most powerful operational rocket boosted a high-speed ViaSat internet data relay satellite into space to complete a globe-spanning constellation.
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
Killing bin Laden | 60 Minutes Archive
In 2012, Scott Pelley spoke with a retired Navy SEAL, and former member of SEAL Team 6, who recounted the May 2011 raid on Osama bin Laden's compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan.
Watch: May Day protests
Americans took to the streets on Friday for May Day, also referred to as International Workers' Day. The day commemorates the 1886 Haymarket Affair, when a Chicago protest for an eight-hour workday turned into a violent clash between demonstrators and police. Some cities saw "Workers Over Billionaires" rallies and marches this year.
Who's favorited heading into Kentucky Derby?
Saturday marks the 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. 20 horses are set to run for the roses in the first leg of the triple crown. Hannah Vanbiber, a senior editor at The Athletic, joins "The Daily Report" to preview what's dubbed the most exciting two minutes in sports.
3 months since Nancy Guthrie's disappearance
Friday marked exactly three months since Nancy Guthrie, the mother of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie, was reported missing. Briana Whitney, a breaking news reporter for the Crime Junkie podcast, joins "The Daily Report" with more.
How Americans prioritize spending
Consumers are cutting back on goods with sharp price increases, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. From December to February, spending on clothing fell 7%, spending on furniture fell 5% and spending on sports equipment fell 6%. The Wall Street Journal economics reporter Rachel Wolfe writes in her recent piece that recent inflation is not driven by consumer demand, but by companies passing on increased costs to customers. She joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.