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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.
U.S. men suffer first 2026 World Cup loss, 3-2 to Turkey before knockout round
The U.S. men's team had already clinched its spot in the Round of 32, the knockout round, with its 2-0 win over Australia on Friday.
LA investigating construction at warehouse involved in massive fire
Los Angeles building inspectors have launched an investigation into alleged unpermitted construction at a warehouse that erupted in flames last week — its second fire in two years.
Mangione's attorneys discussed possible plea deal but talks fell apart, sources say
Mangione is facing both state and federal charges for UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson's murder in December 2024. He has pleaded not guilty in both cases.
Judge orders DOJ to either unredact more Epstein files or explain why it can't
A judge on Thursday ordered the Justice Department to either release unredacted versions of several files on the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein or explain why it can't do so.
How much water does AI really use?
The heaviest demand on America's water supply isn't data centers or AI. It's from everyday uses such as growing food, watering lawns and flushing toilets.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Apple and Microsoft are raising their prices as chip costs soar
Apple is raising the prices of some MacBooks and iPads, while Microsoft is raising Xbox prices as semiconductor costs surge.
Big Tech is all in on AI. Now all they need is customers.
Technology companies are betting trillions of dollars that consumers will open their wallets for AI services. But what if Big Tech is wrong?
Supreme Court sides with Monsanto in case over cancer risks from weedkiller
The Supreme Court ruled that Monsanto cannot be held liable under state laws for failing to warn consumers about the alleged cancer risks of its weedkiller Roundup on its label.
Fed's preferred inflation gauge hits 3-year high
Inflation continued to rise in May, with the Personal Consumption Expenditures price index rising at an annual rate of 4.1%.
IBM unveils tech for higher-performance chips that use much less power
IBM has raised the curtain on semiconductor technology it says could deliver computer chips with 50 percent better performance while dramatically lowering power consumption.
Politics
More Politics
Internal emails show how RFK Jr.'s team sought to sway the CDC
A trove of emails offers a new look at how the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention navigated some of the most controversial decisions of President Trump's second term.
Judge orders DOJ to either unredact more Epstein files or explain why it can't
A judge on Thursday ordered the Justice Department to either release unredacted versions of several files on the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein or explain why it can't do so.
Hundreds of veterans snag free World Cup tickets
A program for veterans, current military and first responders secured almost 5,000 free tickets for World Cup matches.
Just 2 votes separate candidates in mayoral race: "Every vote matters"
Christine Erickson is two votes ahead of Jamie Smith, the Minnehaha County Auditors and Elections Office said.
Iran strikes ship in Strait of Hormuz in challenge to U.S.-Iran deal
Iran attacked a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, a U.S. official confirmed, leading a United Nations agency to pause an evacuation effort.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Internal emails show how RFK Jr.'s team sought to sway the CDC
A trove of emails offers a new look at how the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention navigated some of the most controversial decisions of President Trump's second term.
Chris Evert announces her ovarian cancer has returned
American tennis legend Chris Evert announced that her ovarian cancer had returned in a social media post Thursday.
Democrats to propose bill capping out-of-pocket Medicare costs for enrollees
Some Senate Democrats want to cap the amount beneficiaries in traditional Medicare have to pay toward care, but the move is expected to draw GOP opposition for potentially adding billions to Medicare costs.
Medicare's AI push snarls patients and doctors in errors and delays
Medicare is testing the use of artificial intelligence to preapprove several healthcare services.
Confirmed Ebola cases in Congo top 1,000, deaths surpass 250, officials say
Confirmed Ebola cases in the outbreak in eastern Congo have reached 1,003, including 254 deaths, officials said, and tracing those who've been in contact with patients remains a major challenge.
World
More World
U.S. men suffer first 2026 World Cup loss, 3-2 to Turkey before knockout round
The U.S. men's team had already clinched its spot in the Round of 32, the knockout round, with its 2-0 win over Australia on Friday.
Iran strikes ship in Strait of Hormuz in challenge to U.S.-Iran deal
Iran attacked a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, a U.S. official confirmed, leading a United Nations agency to pause an evacuation effort.
Influencer faces possible execution in Dubai after allegedly fatally stabbing man
U.K. influencer Brooke George says a man she met online repeatedly assaulted her in the UAE, according to an advocacy group. Now she's facing possible execution for allegedly stabbing him to death.
Heat waves push more Europeans to embrace air conditioning
Only 20% European homes have AC, compared to 90% in the U.S., but as the climate changes, that vast gulf may be set to shrink.
Poland's deputy prime minister warns of possible Russian "false flag operation"
Poland's deputy prime minister tells CBS News he "wouldn't exclude the Russians doing some kind of false flag operation" to justify an attack on NATO.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
William Holden, Joseph Cotten mark bicentennial
In the lead-up to America's bicentennial in 1976, CBS aired brief segments featuring well-known figures of the time describing moments from early U.S. history. CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett introduces clips featuring legendary actors William Holden and Joseph Cotten.
New NYT reporting on Taylor Swift's wedding
The New York Times is reporting that Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce might tie the knot at Madison Square Garden. She has reportedly booked out the arena for the Fourth of July weekend, the rumored wedding date.
Taylor Swift wedding venue speculation fueled by MSG permit
There appear to be new clues about the location of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding.
Essential American songs of last 250 years
For the United States' 250th birthday, Sunday Morning asked dozens of notable Americans, from Jason Alexander and Ken Burns to Misty Copeland, what they considered to be our country's essential songs. This is the Essential American Songbook: 90 contributors and 250 songs. Here's a sample.
250 essential American songs to mark nation's birthday
What are the essential American songs? Ahead of the nation's 250th birthday, we asked that question to Sunday Morning's familiar faces, from performers to artists and writers to community leaders.
Technology
More Technology
How much water does AI really use?
The heaviest demand on America's water supply isn't data centers or AI. It's from everyday uses such as growing food, watering lawns and flushing toilets.
Big Tech is all in on AI. Now all they need is customers.
Technology companies are betting trillions of dollars that consumers will open their wallets for AI services. But what if Big Tech is wrong?
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.
IBM unveils tech for higher-performance chips that use much less power
IBM has raised the curtain on semiconductor technology it says could deliver computer chips with 50 percent better performance while dramatically lowering power consumption.
U.S. aims to break AI reliance on China
The U.S. is trying to break the West's reliance on Chinese artificial intelligence supply chains with an international accord called Pax Silica. Its goal is to shore up supplies of essential components used in high-end computer chips, which power advanced AI models. CBS News coordinating producer Richard Escobedo has more.
Science
More Science
Astronomers find 2 gigantic planets lighter than cotton candy
The featherweight pair — orbiting a star 1,110 light-years away — are the biggest exoplanets found to have less density than cotton candy.
Ancient Egyptian burial site reveals centuries of changing traditions
Human and animal remains unearthed in Egypt's Nile Delta reveal changing funerary practices over some 600 years, and the evolution of a key site itself.
Telescope snaps most detailed photo yet of Milky Way's heart
Euclid is on a mission to chart one-third of the sky in the hopes of shedding light on the enduring mysteries of dark matter and dark energy.
Interstellar comet may be oldest object ever seen in solar system
Exactly where the comet 3I/ATLAS came from within the Milky Way remains a mystery.
6/21: Sunday Morning
Hosted by Lee Cowan. Featured: Birthright citizenship; the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library unveiled; Shooter Jennings releases recordings by his father, Waylon Jennings; comedian John Mulaney; childhood obesity; and the secrets of seahorses and seadragons.
Crime
More Crime
Crime
Lions player arrested on kidnapping charges
Terrion Arnold, a 23-year-old defensive player for the Detroit Lions and a former first-round pick and all-American at the University of Alabama, has been arrested on charges of armed robbery and kidnapping. He is denying it all. Tom Hanson reports.
Report of possible plea deal in Mangione case
Attorneys for Luigi Mangione are accusing prosecutors of trying to manipulate public opinion against him, and calling a report of a possible plea deal "troubling." CBS News' Anna Schecter has the latest.
Mangione's attorneys discussed possible plea deal but talks fell apart, sources say
Mangione is facing both state and federal charges for UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson's murder in December 2024. He has pleaded not guilty in both cases.
Influencer faces possible execution in Dubai after allegedly fatally stabbing man
U.K. influencer Brooke George says a man she met online repeatedly assaulted her in the UAE, according to an advocacy group. Now she's facing possible execution for allegedly stabbing him to death.
Prosecutors drop Harvey Weinstein's New York rape charge
New York prosecutors said they are dropping a rape charge against Harvey Weinstein instead of trying him for a fourth time.
Space
More Space
Astronomers find 2 gigantic planets lighter than cotton candy
The featherweight pair — orbiting a star 1,110 light-years away — are the biggest exoplanets found to have less density than cotton candy.
Telescope snaps most detailed photo yet of Milky Way's heart
Euclid is on a mission to chart one-third of the sky in the hopes of shedding light on the enduring mysteries of dark matter and dark energy.
Interstellar comet may be oldest object ever seen in solar system
Exactly where the comet 3I/ATLAS came from within the Milky Way remains a mystery.
Researchers find "Pink Planet" has salty clouds: "We were very surprised"
The "Pink Planet," formally known as GJ504b, was discovered in 2013 and is technically not a planet but rather a "planetary-mass companion."
NASA chief defends choice of all-male crew for Artemis III mission
NASA's Jared Isaacman says the crew was selected solely based on their experience, expertise and availability for flight assignment.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
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.
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.
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
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Full interview: Poland's Radek Sikorski
Polish Deputy Prime Minister Radek Sikorski speaks with CBS News' Aidan Stretch about the Russia's war in Ukraine, state of NATO, Ukraine-Poland relations and more.
Experts break down the Venezuela earthquakes
Geoscientists and other scientific and humanitarian experts spoke with CBS News about the deadly earthquakes that hit Venezuela on Wednesday.
Supreme Court rules on 2 immigration cases
The Supreme Court issued two major immigration decisions Thursday, including one that lifts deportation restrictions for thousands of Haitian and Syrian immigrants. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson breaks them down.
Geo-technical expert on Venezuela earthquakes
Emergency crews are searching for survivors amongst the rubble after deadly back-to-back earthquakes in Venezuela. Martin Hudson, a geo-technical engineering expert, joins CBS News to discuss the rarity of the event.
Venezuelan airport outside Caracas reopens
People in northern Venezuela are racing against time to pull survivors from the rubble of collapsed buildings after a pair of powerful earthquakes hit the country on Wednesday. CBS News correspondent Cristian Benavides has the latest from Bogotá, Colombia. Then, CBS News meteorologist Darren Peck joins to examine the risk of aftershocks.