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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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Florida's "Alligator Alcatraz" could close in June, sources say
The closure comes amid escalating operating costs for the facility, which are now estimated to total nearly $1 billion.
Trump on "the only thing that matters" in dealing with Iran
President Trump said Americans' financial situation isn't motivating him to make a deal, "Not even a little bit," and that he is only focused on preventing Iran from getting nuclear weapons.
Businesses starting to receive their IEEPA tariff refunds
"I'd been checking the status feverishly to see if anything was in my bank account," one small business owner said.
Searing U.S. energy prices are driving the hottest inflation in years
CPI gas price index has surged 28% from a year ago, while overall energy costs are up nearly 18%, new inflation data shows.
Brandon Clarke of the Memphis Grizzlies dies at age 29
Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke has died at the age of 29, the team announced.
MoneyWatch
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Businesses starting to receive their IEEPA tariff refunds
"I'd been checking the status feverishly to see if anything was in my bank account," one small business owner said.
Searing U.S. energy prices are driving the hottest inflation in years
CPI gas price index has surged 28% from a year ago, while overall energy costs are up nearly 18%, new inflation data shows.
Social Security's cost-of-living adjustment could reach nearly 4% in 2027
A larger COLA would boost monthly checks for retirees, but also strain Social Security's already depleted trust funds.
Senate confirms Kevin Warsh as Fed governor, clearing path to become chair
The Senate has confirmed Kevin Warsh to the Federal Reserve's Board of Governors, a crucial step in President Trump's push to make Warsh the central bank's leader, replacing Jerome Powell.
Exclusive
Parents sue OpenAI over teen's death after he used ChatGPT to get drug info
A Texas couple is filing a lawsuit accusing the AI company of guiding their teenage son in using drugs, resulting in a fatal overdose.
Politics
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Florida's "Alligator Alcatraz" could close in June, sources say
The closure comes amid escalating operating costs for the facility, which are now estimated to total nearly $1 billion.
Trump on "the only thing that matters" in dealing with Iran
President Trump said Americans' financial situation isn't motivating him to make a deal, "Not even a little bit," and that he is only focused on preventing Iran from getting nuclear weapons.
Marty Makary resigns as FDA commissioner after internal tensions
FDA Commissioner Marty Makary resigned his position, stepping aside amid a swirl of reports that his tenure was coming to an end.
Senate confirms Kevin Warsh as Fed governor, clearing path to become chair
The Senate has confirmed Kevin Warsh to the Federal Reserve's Board of Governors, a crucial step in President Trump's push to make Warsh the central bank's leader, replacing Jerome Powell.
Justice Department defends subpoenas of Wall Street Journal reporters
The Justice Department defended itself after the Wall Street Journal revealed it has received subpoenas in connection with a leak investigation.
HealthWatch
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Sponsored
How can movement boost your brain health?
A recent survey by the Alzheimer's Association found most adults think maintaining brain health is very important, but they don't know what steps to take. (Sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association.)
Sponsored
How exercise can improve brain health
Daily physical activity is one of the important steps to building healthy habits to lower the risk of dementia. As part of a three-part series, "Brain Health: From Awareness to Action," Alzheimer's Association President and CEO Joanne Pike joins "CBS Mornings" with tips on incorporating exercise into your routine as part of their "(re)think your brain" initiative. Learn more about their "6-Step Challenge" at rethinkyourbrain.org (Sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association)
Exclusive
Parents sue OpenAI over teen's death after he used ChatGPT to get drug info
A Texas couple is filing a lawsuit accusing the AI company of guiding their teenage son in using drugs, resulting in a fatal overdose.
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.
World
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Putin says Russia test launches "most powerful missile in the world"
Russia tested a new long-range missile capable of carrying nuclear warheads, months after the last treaty with the U.S. expired.
U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer rejects mounting calls to resign
Despite a fifth of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's fellow Labour Party lawmakers calling on him to step down, he says he'll "get on with governing."
Data reveals 42% drop in Canadian visits to U.S. last year
University of Toronto researchers say cellphone data shows a major drop not only in Canadian tourists visiting the U.S., "but also in business-related travel."
Lawmakers press Hegseth on details on Iran war authorization, ceasefire
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the $1.5 trillion the Pentagon is seeking is "admittedly a historic budget."
Live
Iran says it's ready to "teach a lesson" if U.S. launches new attacks
Iran warns any new U.S. attacks will bring a "bad result," as President Trump acknowledges the ceasefire is faltering and violence flares in Lebanon.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Stars of "Dutton Ranch" on reprising roles
Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser, the stars and executive producers of "Dutton Ranch," sit down with "CBS Mornings" to talk about reprising their "Yellowstone" roles for the series spinoff. The series premieres May 15 on Paramount+.
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.
Technology
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Technology
White House invites business titans on China trip
The White House invited 16 top U.S. executives to join President Trump on his trip to China. CBS News contributor Patrick McGee joins "The Takeout" to discuss what the move could signal to Beijing.
Latest details on Musk-OpenAI court battle
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman took the stand on Tuesday to defend himself against a lawsuit brought by his former business partner, Elon Musk. Paresh Dave, senior writer for Wired, joins to unpack the case so far.
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.
Sam Altman testifies in Musk-OpenAI trial
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman took the stand Tuesday in Elon Musk's high-profile lawsuit against Altman's company. Altman defended the company against Musk's allegations that OpenAI betrayed its founding mission by becoming a for-profit entity. New York Times tech reporter Natallie Rocha joins CBS News to discuss.
Trump-Xi summit expected to focus on trade, AI
President Trump departed the White House for Beijing on Tuesday to attend a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Chris McGuire, senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, joins CBS News to unpack the topics the leaders are expected to discuss.
Science
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Emperor penguins in focus as Antarctica talks start in Japan
Greater protections for endangered emperor penguins and how to manage growing tourism are topping the agenda at talks on Antarctica in Japan.
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."
Crime
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Crime
Charges after Baltimore's Key Bridge collapse
The Justice Department announced criminal charges against the ship operator in the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse that killed six people in 2024. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul has more.
Mayor faces prison time over alleged spying
Eileen Wang, the former mayor of Arcadia, California, faces a 10-year prison sentence for pleading guilty to acting as a covert agent for China. CBS News Los Angeles' Tina Patel has more.
Search for Nancy Guthrie reaches 100 days
The search for Nancy Guthrie has spanned 100 days, and key evidence in the case is still under analysis. CBS News' Anna Schecter reports.
Man shoots at random in Massachusetts
A suspect is in custody after appearing to be shooting at random near three college campuses in Massachusetts. CBS News' Lilia Luciano reports.
Gunman opens fire on busy Cambridge street
Two people are in critical condition after a gunman in Cambridge, Massachusetts, began randomly firing at cars on a busy street, officials say. Lilia Luciano has the latest.
Space
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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
How Hegseth is justifying the military budget
Lawmakers on Capitol Hill grilled Pentagon officials on Tuesday over the military's $1.5 trillion funding request for the 2027 fiscal year. CBS News congressional reporter Taurean Small has more.
Health officials monitoring hantavirus
International health officials say the number of confirmed or suspected hantavirus cases stemming from the cruise ship outbreak has climbed to 11, including the three people who died. CBS News' Ian Lee and Dr. Céline Gounder have more.
Patel denies excessive drinking claims at hearing
FBI Director Kash Patel again pushed back against allegations of excessive drinking at a Senate hearing on Tuesday. Mario Parker, managing editor at Bloomberg, and Paul Kane, congressional reporter for NOTUS, join to discuss.
White House invites business titans on China trip
The White House invited 16 top U.S. executives to join President Trump on his trip to China. CBS News contributor Patrick McGee joins "The Takeout" to discuss what the move could signal to Beijing.
Americans feel pinch of war with Iran
The new inflation report shows that the war with Iran is taking a toll on Americans' finances, but President Trump said on Tuesday that's not a priority when making decisions about the conflict. CBS News' Javier David and Olivia Rinaldi have more.