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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.
2 Georgia wildfires destroy more than 100 homes, scorch over 38,000 acres
Extreme drought has turned the region into a tinderbox and allowed flames to spread.
U.S. strike on alleged drug boat kills 2 in eastern Pacific, military says
U.S. Southern Command shared a video showing a boat floating in the water before an explosion left it in flames.
Roommate faces murder charges in deaths of 2 doctoral students
A 26-year-old man is facing two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy, according to authorities.
How a 9-year-old girl found a confidence-changing role model in a Denver soccer star
"I didn't want to be known as the girl with one arm that plays soccer," Denver Summit FC player Carson Pickett told CBS News. "I just wanted to be known for the girl that plays soccer."
The Iran war's economic hit could linger through 2026, economists say
Economists say Americans should expect elevated prices at the pump and rising grocery costs in the months to come.
MoneyWatch
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Naval escorts will likely be needed when Strait of Hormuz reopens, Chevron CEO says
Commercial vessels face risks from mines and threats from land, Chevron's chief executive Mike Wirth said in an interview with "Face the Nation" moderator Margaret Brennan.
The Iran war's economic hit could linger through 2026, economists say
Economists say Americans should expect elevated prices at the pump and rising grocery costs in the months to come.
Trump extends Jones Act waiver for another 90 days
The waiver lets international ships carry goods between U.S. ports and is aimed at lowering energy prices.
Trader Joe's customers sue over coffee's caffeine levels
Consumers allege that Trader Joe's improperly advertised a coffee product as fully caffeinated when it was not.
IEA says Iran war will keep the natural gas market tight for two years
The conflict is expected to crimp global natural gas supplies due to damage to liquefied natural gas facilities in Qatar.
Politics
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U.S. strike on alleged drug boat kills 2 in eastern Pacific, military says
U.S. Southern Command shared a video showing a boat floating in the water before an explosion left it in flames.
Ben Sasse is on extended time. He credits "providence, prayer and a miracle drug."
The former U.S. senator from Nebraska opened up about his terminal diagnosis, his family and the state of American politics in a "Things That Matter" town hall.
Trump extends Jones Act waiver for another 90 days
The waiver lets international ships carry goods between U.S. ports and is aimed at lowering energy prices.
Exclusive
Johnson & Johnson to launch on TrumpRx with 4 of its prescription drugs
Drug-making giant Johnson & Johnson will officially start marketing four of its medications on the Trump administration's TrumpRx website on Friday, CBS News exclusively learned.
Exclusive
White House mulls using Defense Production Act in Spirit Airlines takeover
President Trump is open to some type of federal action, several sources told CBS News, and he has said publicly he'd "do it to save the jobs."
HealthWatch
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A 13-year-old's kidney was failing. Then a stranger stepped in.
Tim Fitzpatrick, a father of a chronically ill child, saw the story of a boy in need of a new kidney and felt compelled to help.
Ben Sasse is on extended time. He credits "providence, prayer and a miracle drug."
The former U.S. senator from Nebraska opened up about his terminal diagnosis, his family and the state of American politics in a "Things That Matter" town hall.
Exclusive
Johnson & Johnson to launch on TrumpRx with 4 of its prescription drugs
Drug-making giant Johnson & Johnson will officially start marketing four of its medications on the Trump administration's TrumpRx website on Friday, CBS News exclusively learned.
Medigap premiums leap, and consumers have few alternatives
Millions of people rely on the supplemental insurance to offset the deductibles, copayments, and other costs faced by enrollees in the traditional Medicare program.
Food stamp work rules don't increase employment, researchers say
Work requirements will encourage people who are able to work to seek and maintain jobs, proponents say. But researchers haven't found that they lower the unemployment rate.
World
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Armed groups in Mali attack capital in possible coordinated effort, army says
Mali has been plagued by insurgencies fought by affiliates of al Qaeda and the Islamic State group.
U.S. strike on alleged drug boat kills 2 in eastern Pacific, military says
U.S. Southern Command shared a video showing a boat floating in the water before an explosion left it in flames.
Sam Altman apologizes for not flagging authorities to mass shooter's ChatGPT account
The ChatGPT account of the shooter, who killed eight people in a small British Columbia community, had been banned about eight months prior to the massacre.
Naval escorts will likely be needed when Strait of Hormuz reopens, Chevron CEO says
Commercial vessels face risks from mines and threats from land, Chevron's chief executive Mike Wirth said in an interview with "Face the Nation" moderator Margaret Brennan.
Netanyahu says he was treated for early-stage prostate cancer
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the successful operation for prostate cancer happened 18 months ago and that he is now in "excellent physical condition."
Entertainment
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Entertainment
The Milk Carton Kids perform "A Friend Like You"
Grammy-nominated folk duo The Milk Carton Kids are out with their 7th studio album, "Lost Cause Lover Fool." Here they are performing "A Friend Like You."
The Milk Carton Kids perform "I'll Go Home From Here"
Grammy-nominated folk duo The Milk Carton Kids are out with their 7th studio album, "Lost Cause Lover Fool." Here they are performing "A Friend Like You."
The Milk Carton Kids perform "Lost Cause Lover Fool"
Grammy-nominated folk duo The Milk Carton Kids are out with their 7th studio album, "Lost Cause Lover Fool." Here they are performing "A Friend Like You."
From 2013: Kacey Musgraves on her debut album
In this April 7, 2013 "Sunday Morning" profile, rising country star Kacey Mugraves - who sings of more adult themes than conservative country radio is used to - talked to Anthony Mason about her acclaimed debut studio album, "Same Trailer Different Park"; her songwriting influences; and the family that inspired her.
Extended interview: Don Cheadle
Oscar-nominated actor Don Cheadle has appeared in more than 100 films and TV shows. But it had been a quarter-century since he appeared on stage in the Off-Broadway hit "Topdog/Underdog," until he made his Broadway debut this spring in a revival of "Proof." In this web exclusive, he talks with Tracy Smith about the lessons of his parents; catching the "theater bug" as a child; the "hamster wheel" of an actor's career; and his emotional investment in works like "Hotel Rwanda."
Technology
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Sam Altman apologizes for not flagging authorities to mass shooter's ChatGPT account
The ChatGPT account of the shooter, who killed eight people in a small British Columbia community, had been banned about eight months prior to the massacre.
Why phone-free parties are gaining popularity
Some young people are opting to go phone-free to live in the moment. USA Today youth mental health reporter Rachel Hale went to an underground, phone-free party in New York City and wrote about her experience. She tells "The Daily Report" about it.
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.
Meta to cut 8,000 jobs as it charges into AI
Meta plans to lay off roughly 10% of its workforce as the technology giant steps up its spending on artificial intelligence.
Victim has "nothing left" as AI fuels a surge in crypto fraud schemes
One woman's entire life savings was stolen from her by sophisticated scammers who used artificial intelligence to perfectly manipulate her.
Science
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Science
From 1990: NASA launches Hubble Telescope
On April 24, 1990, NASA launched the Hubble Space Telescope from the Space Shuttle Discovery after seven years of delays. Watch CBS News' coverage from that day.
60-foot octopus ruled the seas during age of dinosaurs, fossils show
New analyses of fossilized jaws reveal that massive, kraken-like octopuses once hunted alongside other marine predators.
Mysterious "golden orb" found in deep sea in 2023 is finally identified
Scientists spent over two years identifying a mysterious object found off the coast of Alaska in 2023.
Salmon exposed to cocaine swim almost twice as far, study shows
Researchers studied how the drug affected the movements of wild fish in their natural habitats.
Mars rover carries out chemistry experiment never done beyond Earth
"This experiment's never been run before on another world," said Amy Williams, an astrobiologist working on the Curiosity mission.
Crime
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Crime
Murder charges in case of USF students
A 26-year-old man is facing murder charges in connection to the disappearance of two University of South Florida doctoral students after one was found dead and police continue searching for the other, authorities said Saturday.
Mom charged after son injures Vietnam vet
A California teen on an electric motorcycle critically injured a pedestrian, and now the boy's mother could now face years in prison. Jonathan Vigliotti explains.
DOJ permits death by firing squad
Death by firing squad is now reinstated in U.S. federal cases, according to a new policy announced on Friday by the Trump administration.
Polymarket on soldier arrest: "The system works"
A U.S. special forces soldier was arrested Thursday for allegedly using confidential government information to make more than $400,000 off the arrest of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on Polymarket. CBS News homeland security correspondent Nicole Sganga has the details. Then, Dennis Kelleher, CEO of financial regulation nonprofit Better Markets, joins with analysis.
Missing Florida student found dead, arrest made
One of two missing University of South Florida doctoral students was found dead, and a roommate was taken into custody, police said on Friday.
Space
More Space
Mars rover carries out chemistry experiment never done beyond Earth
"This experiment's never been run before on another world," said Amy Williams, an astrobiologist working on the Curiosity mission.
Blue Origin New Glenn rocket puts satellite payload into wrong orbit
The launching appeared to go off without a hitch, but a problem prevented the rocket's upper stage from putting its payload into the correct orbit.
Artemis II crew on historic moon mission and what it means for Earth
"We are carrying back everything we learned, not only about where we went but ourselves," mission specialist Christina Koch told "CBS Evening News" anchor Tony Dokoupil.
Artemis II astronauts still awed by moonshot experience: "It was otherworldly"
The four Artemis II astronauts struggled to describe the view and overall experience of flying around the moon's far side and witnessing a solar eclipse in deep space.
"God of chaos" asteroid will pass close to Earth in 3 years, NASA says
People on the ground in the Eastern Hemisphere will be able to observe the asteroid with their own eyes, weather permitting, according to NASA.
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
What to expect from King Charles' U.S. visit
King Charles III is set to make his state visit to the U.S. next week to mark America's 250th anniversary. It comes amid some tension between the U.S. and U.K.
Murder charges in case of USF students
A 26-year-old man is facing murder charges in connection to the disappearance of two University of South Florida doctoral students after one was found dead and police continue searching for the other, authorities said Saturday.
DOJ drops criminal probe into Fed Chair
The Justice Department ended its criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell over the central bank's renovation project, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced Friday.
Georgia wildfires burn more than 100 homes
Two wildfires in Georgia destroyed more than 100 homes as firefighters continue to battle the flames.
U.S. officials head to Pakistan for talks
U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are headed to Islamabad for more Iran peace talks, but it's still unclear if Iran will participate in direct talks with the U.S.