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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.
The Nancy Guthrie investigation could hang on a strand of DNA
A strand of DNA. An eerie doorbell video. The investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance reaches 100th day with no sign of a breakthrough.
Texas sheriff says 7th body could be tied to shipping container deaths
The body of a seventh person was located Monday nearly 150 miles north of a Union Pacific rail yard in Laredo, where six bodies were discovered on Sunday afternoon.
Supreme Court clears path for Alabama to redraw congressional map
The Supreme Court set aside lower court decisions that had blocked the state from using a congressional map drawn by Republicans in 2023 that contained one majority-Black district.
Virginia Democrats ask Supreme Court to reinstate blocked congressional map
Virginia Democrats asked the Supreme Court to restore its congressional map that aimed to give Democrats an edge in the midterms, days after it was blocked by the state's highest court.
Supreme Court continues to temporarily maintain mail access to abortion pill
Justice Samuel Alito extended an administrative stay that maintained access to mifepristone through the mail.
MoneyWatch
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Trump proposes gas tax holiday, but savings may be limited
Suspending the federal gas tax would have a modest impact on fuel prices, while also requiring congressional approval.
ChatGPT developer sued over FSU shooting: "They planned this shooting together"
The family of one of the victims in last year's deadly mass shooting at Florida State University accused ChatGPT developer OpenAI of enabling the suspect leading up to the attack.
Dua Lipa alleges Samsung uses copyrighted image of her to sell TVs
Pop singer accuses electronics manufacturer Samsung of using a copyrighted image of her face to sell TVs.
Exclusive
Trump says he aims to suspend gas tax "for a period of time"
President Trump made the comments in a phone interview with CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes.
Fed unlikely to cut interest rates until 2027, Bank of America says
A "hawkish" turn at the Fed and stubbornly high inflation could delay interest rate cuts, according to Bank of America economists.
Politics
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What to know about today's primaries in Nebraska and West Virginia
Voters are going to the polls in Nebraska and West Virginia on Tuesday, with Democrats vying for the chance to run in an open seat in Nebraska that the party has long been eyeing.
Trump heads to China today for high-stakes meeting with Xi
Trade, Taiwan and tensions with Iran are surefire topics for President Trump's meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
Supreme Court clears path for Alabama to redraw congressional map
The Supreme Court set aside lower court decisions that had blocked the state from using a congressional map drawn by Republicans in 2023 that contained one majority-Black district.
Virginia Democrats ask Supreme Court to reinstate blocked congressional map
Virginia Democrats asked the Supreme Court to restore its congressional map that aimed to give Democrats an edge in the midterms, days after it was blocked by the state's highest court.
Supreme Court continues to temporarily maintain mail access to abortion pill
Justice Samuel Alito extended an administrative stay that maintained access to mifepristone through the mail.
HealthWatch
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WHO chief says "work not over" after evacuation of hantavirus-stricken ship
The head of the World Health Organization says "our work is not over" to contain hantavirus after evacuations from a cruise ship hit by a deadly outbreak of the illness.
Americans from hantavirus ship quarantining
The 18 Americans who were aboard a hantavirus-stricken cruise ship have returned to the U.S. and are now in quarantine. One remains in the biocontainment unit at the University of Nebraska Medical Center after testing positive. Ian Lee has more.
NIH director on hantavirus risk
Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, director of the National Institutes of Health and acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, spoke with "CBS Evening News" anchor Tony Dokoupil about what risks hantavirus poses to the U.S. public.
CDC leader says hantavirus not "a five-alarm fire bell"
Jay Bhattacharya, the acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told CBS News that the hantavirus outbreak should be treated differently from COVID.
Why hantavirus is not like COVID, according to infectious disease experts
Infectious disease experts have sought to reassure people that the hantavirus cruise ship outbreak poses very low risks to the wider public.
World
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WHO chief says "work not over" after evacuation of hantavirus-stricken ship
The head of the World Health Organization says "our work is not over" to contain hantavirus after evacuations from a cruise ship hit by a deadly outbreak of the illness.
Iran hangs another man as executions increase during war
Since the start of the war, Iran has ramped up executions, particularly in cases involving alleged espionage or security-related charges.
Trump heads to China today for high-stakes meeting with Xi
Trade, Taiwan and tensions with Iran are surefire topics for President Trump's meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
American climber dies in avalanche on Nepal's Mount Makalu
American climber Shelley Johannesen died in an avalanche on Mount Makalu, officials said Tuesday, as fatalities mount early in Nepal's busy spring climbing season.
CDC leader says hantavirus not "a five-alarm fire bell"
Jay Bhattacharya, the acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told CBS News that the hantavirus outbreak should be treated differently from COVID.
Entertainment
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Dua Lipa alleges Samsung uses copyrighted image of her to sell TVs
Pop singer accuses electronics manufacturer Samsung of using a copyrighted image of her face to sell TVs.
Annette Bening talks "Dutton Ranch"
Annette Bening talks about starring in the "Yellowstone" spinoff "Dutton Ranch," why she wanted to play her character and learning to ride a horse for the role.
Matt Damon and Ben Affleck sued over movie
Inspired by a true story, Netflix's "The Rip," starring Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, follows two Miami-Dade police officers as they discover more than $20 million of cartel cash during a drug raid and reveals corruption within the department. But now the real-life officers involved in the raid are suing Damon and Affleck through their production company. Carter Evans reports.
5/10: Sunday Morning
Hosted by Jane Pauley. Featured: The Supreme Court ushers in a new era of gerrymandering; the legacy of CBS News Radio; motherless daughters; comedian Martin Short; rebuilding L.A.; remembering Ted Turner; and Martha Stewart prepares a Mother's Day breakfast.
Martin Short: Facing tragedy with joy
When you learn what Martin Short has endured in his private life, as captured in the hilarious and heartbreaking documentary "Marty: Life Is Short," the comedian's irrepressibly sunny attitude is all the more astonishing.
Technology
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Technology
Online learning platform Canvas hacked
The online learning platform Canvas, which is used by 30 million students around the world, was hacked Thursday in a massive cyberattack. The platform is used by thousands of schools, including major universities. Jo Ling Kent reports.
Canvas back online after cyberattack hit learning platform for U.S. schools
A system that thousands of schools and universities use was offline due to a cyberattack.
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.
Here's how AI can help with retirement planning, and where it struggles
As more people turn to chatbots for financial advice, experts say AI offers both pros and cons for retirement planning. Here's what to know.
Google unveils screenless Fitbit
Fitness trackers started as devices for measuring workouts, but now they are designed for 24/7 monitoring and the passive collection of health data. Fitbit announced its latest device, called the Fitbit Air, to compete with other screenless trackers like the Whoop. Tech journalist Lexi Savvides joins CBS News with more.
Science
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Science
What's in the released UFO files?
The Pentagon released UFO documents on Friday, with President Trump telling the public to "have fun" deciding for itself what is going on. Carter Evans reports.
Trump: UFO files released for transparency
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said it's time for the American people see it for themselves, as the Pentagon started releasing previously classified documents related to UFOs and UAPs. CBS News Pentagon reporter Eleanor Watson has more.
"The Age of Disclosure" director on UFO files
The Pentagon on Friday released and declassified numerous files on UFOs, including eyewitness testimony, photos and reports. Government knowledge of non-human intelligent life was the subject of the documentary "The Age of Disclosure," released in February. Its director and producer, Dan Farah, joins CBS News to discuss.
Pentagon begins releasing UFO files: "It's time the American people see"
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a statement that the documents "have long fueled justified speculation — and it's time the American people see it for themselves."
Mysterious world beyond Pluto may have atmosphere, study says
If confirmed, the rock would become just the second world past Neptune in our solar system to host an atmosphere.
Crime
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The Nancy Guthrie investigation could hang on a strand of DNA
A strand of DNA. An eerie doorbell video. The investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance reaches 100th day with no sign of a breakthrough.
Gymnast speaks out about alleged abuse by coach
Years after USA Gymnastics was rocked by the scandal of Larry Nassar, the disgraced doctor who pleaded guilty to molesting multiple young gymnasts, a gymnast alleges another coach abused her as a child because warnings went unheeded. CBS News chief investigative correspondent Jim Axelrod has the details.
Exclusive
School principal reflects on stopping shooter
Kirk Moore, an Oklahoma high school principal, took a bullet tackling a gunman in his school's lobby. He told CBS News what he did was "just instinct" and said he didn't even realize he'd been shot at first. Matt Gutman has more.
Palisades fire suspect appears in court
The man accused of starting last year's catastrophic Palisades Fire in Los Angeles appeared in court Monday. Prosecutors said the suspect admired Luigi Mangione, who is accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. CBS News' Carter Evans has more.
Cole Allen's lawyers challenge D.C. attorneys
The lawyers for the man accused of attacking the White House Correspondents' Dinner are seeking to disqualify top prosecutor Jeanine Pirro, acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and other U.S. attorneys in the Washington, D.C. office from the case. CBS News' Jake Rosen has more.
Space
More Space
UFO files reveal astronauts saw mysterious objects and lights in 1972
NASA's Apollo 17 crew reported seeing three mysterious dots and sparks that resembled fireworks, according to new files released by the Pentagon.
Pentagon begins releasing UFO files: "It's time the American people see"
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a statement that the documents "have long fueled justified speculation — and it's time the American people see it for themselves."
Mysterious world beyond Pluto may have atmosphere, study says
If confirmed, the rock would become just the second world past Neptune in our solar system to host an atmosphere.
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.
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
Trump pushes for pause on federal gas tax
President Trump told CBS News exclusively on Monday that he wants to suspend the federal gas tax to give Americans some relief at the pump as the war with Iran continues. CBS News senior White House and political correspondent Ed O'Keefe has more.
Americans from hantavirus ship quarantining
The 18 Americans who were aboard a hantavirus-stricken cruise ship have returned to the U.S. and are now in quarantine. One remains in the biocontainment unit at the University of Nebraska Medical Center after testing positive. Ian Lee has more.
Gymnast speaks out about alleged abuse by coach
Years after USA Gymnastics was rocked by the scandal of Larry Nassar, the disgraced doctor who pleaded guilty to molesting multiple young gymnasts, a gymnast alleges another coach abused her as a child because warnings went unheeded. CBS News chief investigative correspondent Jim Axelrod has the details.
SCOTUS clears way for Alabama's new House map
The Supreme Court on Monday lifted a mandate in Alabama requiring the state to use a congressional map with two majority-Black districts. Wall Street Journal columnist Jason Riley joins to discuss his opposition to "racial gerrymandering."
Exclusive
School principal reflects on stopping shooter
Kirk Moore, an Oklahoma high school principal, took a bullet tackling a gunman in his school's lobby. He told CBS News what he did was "just instinct" and said he didn't even realize he'd been shot at first. Matt Gutman has more.