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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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"Peanut butter" pay raises are out, as employers shift to merit hikes
Here's what employees can expect for a raise in 2027 as companies move away from broad-based pay increases.
What to know about primaries in 5 states today: Michigan, Virginia and more
Voters are going to the polls Tuesday in five states: Michigan, Virginia, Missouri, Kansas and Washington.
Trump raises concerns in call with Rep. Max Miller amid abuse allegations
Ohio Rep. Max Miller's reelection campaign has been upended by allegations Miller assaulted his ex-wife, Emily Moreno, and their 2-year-old daughter.
More Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool charges dropped by Pirro's office
Since Friday, D.C. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro's office has dropped charges against three more people accused of vandalism.
Arson suspect in Spokane-area wildfire had prior manslaughter conviction
More than 700 buildings in the Spokane area have been destroyed and 400 more haven't been assessed, officials said as three fires burned in the area and an arrest was made in connection with one of them.
MoneyWatch
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"Peanut butter" pay raises are out, as employers shift to merit hikes
Here's what employees can expect for a raise in 2027 as companies move away from broad-based pay increases.
25 states sue Trump administration over latest round of tariffs
New U.S. tariffs are hurting consumers and businesses, California's attorney general said in filing suit to block levies on 60 countries.
Trump says oil companies should cut gas prices after making "too much money"
President Trump said U.S. oil companies made "too much money" from high oil prices. "I'm not happy about it," he added.
What to watch for in SpaceX's first public earnings report today
SpaceX will release its first earnings report as a public company on Tuesday in a key test for the company's stuttering stock price.
JPMorgan Chase to invest $750 billion in boosting housing and homebuying
JPMorgan Chase said the investment will include financing for 1 million affordable housing units and assistance to 500,000 people in buying homes.
Politics
More Politics
Senate candidate Haley Stevens stands firm on backing U.S. military aid to Israel
Michigan Rep. Haley Stevens, one of two Democrats in the primary for her party's Senate nomination, stands firm on backing U.S. military aid to Israel and claims opponent Abdul El-Sayed doesn't recognize Israel's right to exist.
What to know about primaries in 5 states today: Michigan, Virginia and more
Voters are going to the polls Tuesday in five states: Michigan, Virginia, Missouri, Kansas and Washington.
Trump raises concerns in call with Rep. Max Miller amid abuse allegations
Ohio Rep. Max Miller's reelection campaign has been upended by allegations Miller assaulted his ex-wife, Emily Moreno, and their 2-year-old daughter.
More Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool charges dropped by Pirro's office
Since Friday, D.C. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro's office has dropped charges against three more people accused of vandalism.
Justice Dept. moves to dismiss Jan. 6 class action lawsuit
The Justice Department argued that the Jan. 6, 2021, rioters had until Jan. 6, 2023, to sue the federal government under the Federal Tort Claims Act, missing the deadline to file a lawsuit by over two years.
HealthWatch
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HealthWatch
Michigan reports 2 cyclosporiasis deaths
Two people have died of cyclosporiasis in Michigan, officials said Monday, as the state battles the worst outbreak of the disease in the country. Carter Evans has the details.
Michigan health officials report 2 deaths among cyclosporiasis cases
Two Michigan residents who had "significant underlying health conditions" have died after contracting cyclosporiasis, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said.
RFK Jr., Oz blame ACA enrollment drop on fraud, but experts cite rising costs
Rising premiums forced many people in Affordable Care Act plans to give up their coverage. But the Trump administration claims a huge drop in enrollment is almost entirely due to its fraud crackdown.
She went to "hell and back" for a diagnosis. Then her sister showed symptoms.
Megan Kaverman's weight gain, fatigue, high blood pressure and other symptoms were dismissed for years before she was diagnosed with a rare heart disease.
Peptide vendor sentenced for "trail of harm"
A federal judge sentenced the owner of a peptide company to nearly 6 years in prison for deceiving customers and selling products adulterated with steroids, citing a "trail of harm." Adam Yamaguchi reports.
World
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Serviceman kills 3 civilians, 1 soldier in Russian-held Crimea
A serviceman in Russian-held Crimea opened fire on fellow soldiers and civilians, killing four people and wounding four, officials said.
WWII explosives detonate in France amid wildfires: "Sound of war"
The munitions, both German and French, consist mainly of mortar shells, along with some high-explosive anti-tank shells.
3 lions die at zoo as Japan bakes in "cruelly hot" summer
Ten of the 16 lions in Tama Zoological Park have suffered symptoms such as "loss of appetite and decreased activity" since mid-July, and three lionesses died, the zoo said.
Ukrainian drone strike on Russian warehouses in Moscow region kills 5
Ukraine has conducted long-range strikes targeting civilian infrastructure in Russia, and in recent weeks stepped up attacks on warehouses belonging to the Russian e-commerce giant Wildberries.
Funeral held for family "wiped off the map" in Russian strike
At least two adults and four children were killed in the strike but the death toll could be higher as all the remains have not yet been formally identified.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Ariana Grande on her plans to take break
One day after announcing she'll step back from the spotlight after her tour ends, Ariana Grande spoke directly to fans at Monday night's show in Chicago. The singer said the decision was her own and "was made from a thoughtful and empowered place."
Jordan Roth talks "The Shards"
Tony Award-winning producer Jordan Roth talks about starring in the "The Shards" and describes what it was like to go from behind the scenes on Broadway to making his major on-screen acting debut.
Hollywood on hot streak at the box office
"Spider-Man: Brand New Day" leapt straight to the top of the box office this weekend. Its $360 million opening weekend debut is the biggest in U.S. history. Marlow Stern, chief correspondent at Variety, joins CBS News to discuss all the latest movie news.
"My Favorite Person" takes over socials
A social media trend encouraging users to share what they love about their favorite person is bringing light to TikTok and other platforms.
Ariana Grande to step out of public eye
A representative for pop star Ariana Grande says the singer is planning to step out of the public eye after wrapping her ongoing Eternal Sunshine Tour amid "endless, ongoing public scrutiny." Grande has also dropped out of the London-based musical "Sunday in the Park with George," which is set to open next year.
Technology
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Trump administration finalizes AI framework, official says
The order asks AI companies to share previews of powerful new models with the government before they are released to the public.
U.S. probes cyberattack on water systems
Lauryn Williams, the deputy director and senior fellow of the Strategic Technologies Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, joins to discuss the U.S. probe into Iran possibly targeting water systems in Michigan and Minnesota.
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.
Hugging Face CEO calls hack by rogue OpenAI model "very weird and unprecedented"
An artificial intelligence model that was being tested by OpenAI went rogue and hacked the firm Hugging Face on its own, in what Hugging Face CEO Clément Delangue called a "very weird and unprecedented" incident.
CEO of AI firm Hugging Face on OpenAI hack
ChatGPT maker OpenAI revealed that its technology hacked into another AI company on its own during internal testing. Hugging Face CEO Clement Delangue, whose company was hacked, described the "very weird and unprecedented" incident in an interview on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" -- and offered suggestions on how future incidents could be prevented.
Science
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Rare footage of humpback whale birth captured on drone video
The footage is believed to be only the fourth complete humpback whale birth ever recorded on film anywhere in the world and the first-ever captured by drone.
Rare video shows humpback whale birth
A photographer operating a drone off the coast of Australia captured a humpback whale giving birth. It's believed to be the first time such a birth has been recorded by a drone.
How plants feel
Science shows us that, even though plants don't have brains, they seem to have a nervous system that responds to touch in remarkable ways. Robert Krulwich and puppeteer Barnaby Dixon explore the science of thigmomorphogenesis (the phenomenon of plants reacting to outside stimulae), a discussion that plants the seeds for a song.
Nearly 30 beluga whales sent to the U.S.
Nearly 30 beluga whales were sent to aquariums across the U.S. in a multinational emergency operation after their home aquarium in Canada shuttered. Jared Ochacher reports.
SpaceX launches first rocket since IPO
Elon Musk's aerospace company, SpaceX, launched its massive Starship rocket in its first test flight since the company went public. Since achieving the largest IPO in history, SpaceX's stock has dropped drastically. Mark Strassmann takes a look.
Crime
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Crime
Washington wildfires devastate Spokane
Officials arrested a man on suspicion of arson as the Spokane, Washington, area battles multiple fires. Fire crews are working around the clock to contain the massive blazes. CBS News' Kris Van Cleave reports.
Arson arrest amid Washington fires
Police arrested a man in connection with one of three devastating wildfires charring homes, businesses and nature in Washington State. CBS News' Bradley Blackburn has more.
Questions about Nancy Guthrie ransom notes
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told CBS News last Thursday that he didn't have a ransom note saying Nancy Guthrie was dead. But one day later he released a note saying just that. CBS News' Anna Schecter reports.
New details in Idaho In-N-Out shooting
New information is coming out about the shooting at an In-N-Out restaurant in Idaho that killed three people over the weekend. CBS News' Lilia Luciano reports.
Sheriff in Nancy Guthrie case contradicted himself on ransom note
Investigators in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie released two ransom notes, including one contradicting what the Arizona sheriff overseeing the case told CBS News.
Space
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Russian Soyuz brings three home after 8 months at space station
The Soyuz MS-28 landing in Kazakhstan brought a 241-day stay in space to a successful conclusion.
SpaceX's Super Heavy-Starship blasts off on 13th test flight
An upgraded version of the world's most powerful rocket is key to landing NASA astronauts on the moon in the agency's Artemis program.
Meteorite that hit home contains "alien world chemistry," experts say
When scientists examined the preserved fragments of a meteorite that crashed in 2024, they found brine-like fluids and key molecules.
Russian Soyuz rocket launches fresh crew to space station
The new crew will replace three other Soyuz fliers wrapping up a 240-day stay aboard the International Space Station.
Astronomers discover sugar in space that's also found in raspberries
The sugar, called erythrulose, lurks in what's called the interstellar medium: thin clouds of gas and dust littered between stars.
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.
Summer music highlights of 2026
Summer is the time to enjoy live music, indoors and out. Scroll through our gallery of some of 2026's leading musical acts, featuring images by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
Investigating the death of designer Sylvie Cachay
Sylvie Cachay was found dead in an overflowing bathtub at the exclusive Soho House in New York City on Dec. 9, 2010. A water leak at the hotel gave away a timeline that may have revealed her killer.
Photos show celebrations at Obama Presidential Center
The Obama Presidential Center, museum and library opens in Chicago with a star-studded grand opening ceremony and public watch party on Midway Plaisance.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
Full interview: Haley Stevens on Michigan primary
Michigan Rep. Haley Stevens, a moderate, is facing off against progressive Abdul El-Sayed in the Democratic Senate primary that is highlighting splits among some Democrats over their priorities. CBS News senior White House and political correspondent Ed O'Keefe spoke to Stevens about her opponent, her views on President Trump's administration, and the questions about American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) donations for her campaign.
Full Interview: El-Sayed on Michigan primary
Progressive Abdul El-Sayed, a doctor by trade, is facing off against Moderate Rep. Haley Stevens in the Michigan Senate primary, which reflects the split among some Democrats over their voting priorities. CBS News senior White House and political correspondent Ed O'Keefe spoke to El-Sayed about his Senate bid, his view on the Democratic Socialists of America, and how he would work alongside established Democrats if he makes it to Capitol Hill.
Survey on Americans' sentiments on CEOs
A new survey examined Americans' attitudes and perceptions toward CEOs and extreme wealth concentration. CBS News contributor Javier E. David responds.
Washington wildfires devastate Spokane
Officials arrested a man on suspicion of arson as the Spokane, Washington, area battles multiple fires. Fire crews are working around the clock to contain the massive blazes. CBS News' Kris Van Cleave reports.
Sponsored
What to expect from July's jobs report
CBS News business analyst Jill Schlesinger joins CBS News 24/7 to discuss the upcoming jobs report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the state of the economy. (Sponsored by AT&T Business)