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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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Senate confirms Kevin Warsh as Fed chair as Trump presses for lower rates
The Senate voted to confirm Kevin Warsh as chairman of the Federal Reserve, marking a victory for President Trump.
Exclusive
House leaders to take action on process for sexual misconduct claims
Speaker Mike Johnson and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries are preparing to announce a bipartisan task force aimed at addressing how sexual misconduct claims are handled within the House of Representatives, multiple sources confirm to CBS News.
Exclusive
Netanyahu made secret visit to UAE to meet with country's president
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a secret visit to the United Arab Emirates recently, where he met with Mohammed bin Zayed, the country's president.
Senate defeats 7th attempt to limit Trump on Iran, despite new GOP defection
The Senate rejected another attempt by Democrats to limit President Trump's ability to use military force against Iran, but one new Republican senator voted in favor of advancing the measure.
Overdose deaths fall for 3rd straight year, CDC data shows
This marks the longest decline in overdose deaths in decades, according to preliminary government data.
MoneyWatch
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How much sway will new Fed Chair Kevin Warsh have over interest rates?
Fed chairs usually have a great deal of influence over the committee that sets interest rates, but their power is not absolute. And experts say Warsh will need to work to form consensus.
Senate confirms Kevin Warsh as Fed chair as Trump presses for lower rates
The Senate voted to confirm Kevin Warsh as chairman of the Federal Reserve, marking a victory for President Trump.
Top U.S. CEOs worth nearly $1 trillion accompany Trump to China
The delegation of business leaders underscores the deep ties many major U.S. companies maintain with China despite years of trade tensions.
Will Trump seek investment to join China in a "dark factory" future?
A Chinese manufacturing giant tells CBS News how its sprawling factory runs with a fraction of the human workforce previously required.
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.
Politics
More Politics
Lawmakers seek crackdown on China-owned U.S. farmland
President Trump's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping comes as members of Congress are calling for a crackdown on China's ability to acquire U.S. farmland, citing national security concerns.
How much sway will new Fed Chair Kevin Warsh have over interest rates?
Fed chairs usually have a great deal of influence over the committee that sets interest rates, but their power is not absolute. And experts say Warsh will need to work to form consensus.
Senate confirms Kevin Warsh as Fed chair as Trump presses for lower rates
The Senate voted to confirm Kevin Warsh as chairman of the Federal Reserve, marking a victory for President Trump.
Kemp calls special legislative session to redraw Georgia's congressional map
Georgia lawmakers will return to the Capitol on June 17 for a special session focused on redistricting.
Exclusive
House leaders to take action on process for sexual misconduct claims
Speaker Mike Johnson and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries are preparing to announce a bipartisan task force aimed at addressing how sexual misconduct claims are handled within the House of Representatives, multiple sources confirm to CBS News.
HealthWatch
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Overdose deaths fall for 3rd straight year, CDC data shows
This marks the longest decline in overdose deaths in decades, according to preliminary government data.
Sponsored
How diet and nutrition may help boost your brain health
Alzheimer's Association CEO and president Joanne Pike shares some recommendations on which foods to eat, and which foods to limit, for better brain health. (Sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association.)
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.
World
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Lawmakers seek crackdown on China-owned U.S. farmland
President Trump's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping comes as members of Congress are calling for a crackdown on China's ability to acquire U.S. farmland, citing national security concerns.
Exclusive
Netanyahu made secret visit to UAE to meet with country's president
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a secret visit to the United Arab Emirates recently, where he met with Mohammed bin Zayed, the country's president.
Senate defeats 7th attempt to limit Trump on Iran, despite new GOP defection
The Senate rejected another attempt by Democrats to limit President Trump's ability to use military force against Iran, but one new Republican senator voted in favor of advancing the measure.
Bear kills worker at uranium mining facility in Canada
A black bear killed a man working for a Canadian uranium exploration and acquisition company in Saskatchewan.
Princess Kate visits Italy on first overseas trip after cancer treatment
Catherine, the Princess of Wales, is in Italy for her first foreign trip after undergoing cancer treatment.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Geena Davis talks new series "The Boroughs"
Actor Geena Davis talks about starring in the new series "The Boroughs," if there are parallels between herself and the character she plays, and why she's drawn to supernatural projects. She also addresses representation in the entertainment industry.
"Top Gun" celebrates 40 years
The action movie "Top Gun," starring Tom Cruise, was released 40 years ago. To celebrate its anniversary, the film and its sequel, "Top Gun: Maverick," are returning to AMC theaters nationwide for one week. Vladimir Duthiers reports.
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.
Technology
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Technology
The good behind the rise of AI
Josh Tyrangiel, a producer, journalist and author, breaks down the potentially positive uses of artificial intelligence amid concerns. Tyrangiel explains how AI can help solve meaningful problems and breaks down its use in schools.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman testifies at trial
In federal court on Tuesday, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman testified about his leadership and pushed back against claims made by co-founder Elon Musk. Musk, who has since launched his own AI company, is suing Altman and OpenAI, claiming it flipped its original structure as a neutral nonprofit in favor of a for-profit business.
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.
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.
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
Court overturns Alex Murdaugh's conviction
The South Carolina Supreme Court overturned the murder convictions against Alex Murdaugh and ordered a new trial. Murdaugh was found guilty in 2023 of killing his wife and son in 2021. The court questioned "improper" conduct by the county clerk, Becky Hill, who later wrote a book about her time working on the trial. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson has more.
Court overturns Alex Murdaugh's murder convictions, orders new trial
Alex Murdaugh was convicted of his killing his wife and his son at the family's home in 2021.
Judge shot dead while heading to gym without her bodyguards
Lady Pachar was shot that day while traveling by car to a gym in the southwestern city of Machala.
Convicted Utah author's son reveals new details about night his dad died
Prosecutors said Kouri Richins laced her husband's cocktail with five times the lethal dose of fentanyl in 2022.
New details about Boston-area highway gunman
The suspect who allegedly fired into a major road near Boston had prior criminal convictions. Jericka Duncan reports on new details about the shooting and the suspect.
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
Watch: Vance takes questions on fraud and more
Vice President JD Vance took questions from reporters Wednesday after announcing new anti-fraud initiatives.
Senate confirms Kevin Warsh as next Fed chair
Kevin Warsh was confirmed by the Senate on Wednesday as the next Federal Reserve chair. Warsh will succeed Jerome Powell, whose term ends Friday. CBS News' Caitlin Huey-Burns has more.
Watch: Vance asked about 2028, Rubio
Vice President JD Vance was asked Wednesday about a potential 2028 pairing with Secretary of State Marco Rubio on a run for president. See the moment.
Murkowski joins Democrats in latest war powers vote
GOP Sen. Lisa Murkowski voted with Democrats Wednesday in the latest attempt to limit President Trump's ability to use military force against Iran. The vote failed 50-49. CBS News congressional correspondent Caitlin Huey-Burns reports.
things to know ahead of Trump-Xi meeting
President Trump arrived in Beijing on Wednesday for a high-stakes meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. CBS News' Anna Coren and Nancy Cordes have more.