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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.
Consumers are still spending, but cracks are starting to show
Shoppers continue to open their pocketbooks, boosting retailers like Walmart, even as inflation jumps to its highest level in three years.
7th and 8th judges rebuff Justice Dept.'s attempts to get voter rolls from states
The Justice Department has sued 30 states and Washington, D.C., in an effort to gain access to their complete voter registration lists.
"Arc de Trump" design plan approved, without lions on the base
The commissioners, all appointed by Trump, acted despite overwhelming public opposition to the 250-foot arch.
Tennessee stops execution after failing to find vein for lethal drugs
Tennessee called off the planned execution of Tony Carruthers on Thursday, his attorney said.
Trump postponing AI executive order "because I didn't like what I was seeing"
President Trump said he doesn't want to "do anything that's going to get in the way" of leading the world on the technology.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Consumers are still spending, but cracks are starting to show
Shoppers continue to open their pocketbooks, boosting retailers like Walmart, even as inflation jumps to its highest level in three years.
Summer air travel could be rough. Here's how travelers can prepare.
A new report finds that on-time flight arrivals are at their worst level since 2014, with fuel costs and weather adding to summer travel risks.
Record 274 climbers scale Nepal's side of Mount Everest in single day
A record 274 climbers scaled the Nepal side of Mount Everest in a single day, officials said. They took advantage of clear weather.
World Cup expected to generate more in sports bets than the Super Bowl
Americans are expected to wager more than $3 billion amid the expansion of legalized sports betting in the U.S.
These are retirees' 5 biggest financial fears
Retirees say inflation, health care costs and market volatility are threatening their financial security.
Politics
More Politics
7th and 8th judges rebuff Justice Dept.'s attempts to get voter rolls from states
The Justice Department has sued 30 states and Washington, D.C., in an effort to gain access to their complete voter registration lists.
Congress delays reconciliation votes amid GOP opposition to new DOJ fund
The House and Senate will both leave Washington for their Memorial Day recess without voting on a reconciliation package to fund federal immigration agencies.
Trump postponing AI executive order "because I didn't like what I was seeing"
President Trump said he doesn't want to "do anything that's going to get in the way" of leading the world on the technology.
DNC releases long-awaited autopsy on 2024 election
The Democratic National Committee released a long-awaited autopsy on the 2024 election that party chair Ken Martin has kept under wraps for months.
Exclusive
DOJ onboards largest-ever class of immigration judges in deportation push
The additions come after the ouster of dozens of immigration judges across the country by the Trump administration over the past year.
HealthWatch
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U.S. doctor with Ebola feared he "wasn't going to make it" before evacuation
Dr. Peter Stafford was working with the missionary group Serge in Congo when he was infected with Ebola.
Is "fibermaxxing" good for your health?
Health and fitness influencers are pushing people to consume more fiber. Keri Glassman, Nutritious Life founder and CEO, joins with her take.
Vanessa Trump announces cancer diagnosis
Vanessa Trump announced on Instagram that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer and is working with her doctors on a treatment plan.
Noah Wyle's push to help healthcare workers
Noah Wyle, who stars in HBO's "The Pitt," joins "CBS Mornings" with Dr. Elisabeth Potter to discuss their push to improve mental health and quality of life for healthcare workers.
Deadly measles outbreak in Bangladesh fuels concern over risks for U.S.
A CBS News medical correspondent and doctor says her "biggest concern for the World Cup is actually measles. It's not hantavirus, it is not Ebola."
World
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U.S. doctor with Ebola feared he "wasn't going to make it" before evacuation
Dr. Peter Stafford was working with the missionary group Serge in Congo when he was infected with Ebola.
Divers killed in Maldives cave may have taken wrong tunnel: "No way out"
Finnish divers found the Italians in a corridor with a dead end inside the cave complex, Italy's la Repubblica daily reported.
Ukraine ups security as Russia holds nuclear strike drills with Belarus
Russia says "nuclear munitions" sent to Belarus for joint drills in the country that Moscow used as a launchpad for its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Record 274 climbers scale Nepal's side of Mount Everest in single day
A record 274 climbers scaled the Nepal side of Mount Everest in a single day, officials said. They took advantage of clear weather.
Live
Iran mulls latest U.S. proposal as Trump says war is in "final stages"
Iran says it's considering the latest U.S. peace offer, as President Trump says he's willing to wait "a couple of days" for a response.
Entertainment
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"Survivor 50" finalists discuss strategy, how they planned to win
Aubry won the record $2 million prize for earning 8-of-11 votes in Wednesday night's finale of "Survivor 50."
"Survivor 50" players on game strategies
"Survivor" host Jeff Probst joins Gayle King and the top five contestants from "Survivor 50" after the jury crowned a winner in the legendary game.
Survivor 50 winner describes show experience
(Warning: spoiler alert!) The "Survivor 50" final five contestants join Gayle King to discuss the season finale.
"Survivor 50" winner crowned
(Warning: spoilers ahead!) The "Survivor 50" winner has been crowned after a monumental season featuring some of the best in the game. Gayle King breaks down the wild finale.
"Peanuts" music owner sues U.S. government over use of iconic songs
Lee Mendelson Film Productions alleges the U.S. Department of the Interior illegally used the jazzy tunes in social media posts and a video game.
Technology
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Trump postponing AI executive order "because I didn't like what I was seeing"
President Trump said he doesn't want to "do anything that's going to get in the way" of leading the world on the technology.
Meta's massive layoffs
Meta is cutting thousands of jobs as the company invests in artificial intelligence. Business Insider's Hugh Langley joins CBS News with more details.
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.
What Nvidia's Q1 earnings say about AI race
Cementing its status as the world's most valuable company, Nvidia reported record revenue in its latest earnings report. Britney Nguyen, Nvidia and chips reporter at MarketWatch, joins with analysis.
Google announces AI-focused search bar revamp
Artificial intelligence is prompting Google to change its iconic search bar for the first time in more than 25 years. Mashable tech editor Tim Werth joins CBS News to discuss.
Science
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NOAA's 2026 Atlantic hurricane season outlook announced
The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season is quickly approaching, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is releasing its forecast for what to expect.
2 humpback whales swam record-breaking distance, photos reveal
The pictures represent the longest-distance ever seen between two pictures of the same humpback whale, researchers said.
Live chicks hatched from artificial eggshell, biotech company says
Independent scientists say the technology, while impressive, lacks some components to be truly considered an artificial egg.
El Niño could bring "double whammy" of high tide flooding, NOAA warns
The upcoming El Niño could trigger frequent and widespread flooding in coastal areas around the United States, even when storms aren't actively taking place, scientists warn.
New dinosaur weighing as much as 9 elephants identified by scientists
The long-necked herbivore is the largest ever found in Southeast Asia, researchers said.
Crime
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Tennessee stops execution after failing to find vein for lethal drugs
Tennessee called off the planned execution of Tony Carruthers on Thursday, his attorney said.
Charges dismissed for ex-official at school where 6-year-old shot teacher
A judge has dismissed all charges against a former school administrator accused of ignoring warnings about a 6-year-old with a gun.
Arrest made in Connecticut 40 years after woman's murder in Virginia
The body of 22-year-old Roberta Walls was found in a field in Virginia Beach on the morning of May 15, 1986.
TikTok star charged in alleged murder plot
A TikTok star and her father were charged for allegedly plotting to kill the father of her daughter, boy band singer Jack Avery, by paying in bitcoin and using the dark web and coded messages. Jonathan Vigliotti has the details.
Feeding Our Future fraud ringleader Aimee Bock sentenced to 41+ years
Aimee Bock, the convicted ringleader of the $250 million Feeding Our Future fraud scheme in Minnesota, was sentenced to more than 40 years in prison on Thursday.
Space
More Space
SpaceX ready to launch more powerful Super Heavy-Starship
The new rocket features a host of upgrades intended to improve safety and performance of the world's most powerful rocket.
SpaceX launches cargo ship to International Space Station
The International Space Station-bound SpaceX Cargo Dragon is loaded with 6,500 pounds of needed equipment, research gear and crew supplies.
NASA maps show Earth's brightest and darkest regions at night
Researchers expected to find "a gradual increase in artificial light at night," but instead saw "much more nuanced patterns," NASA said.
NASA spacecraft to fly past Mars on voyage to rare metal asteroid
NASA's Psyche spacecraft will slingshot past Mars on Friday, on its way toward a rare metal-rich asteroid.
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.
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
Comer on interview with Epstein assistant
House Oversight Committee chairman James Comer told reporters Thursday that Jeffrey Epstein's former personal assistant, Sarah Kellen, gave three new names of "people that were involved in abuse."
DNC releases 2024 election autopsy
The Democratic National Committee has released a long-awaited "autopsy" report on the 2024 presidential election. CBS News' Fin Gómez reports.
Rosa María Payá on Raúl Castro indictment
Cuban human rights activist Rosa María Payá joins CBS News 24/7 with her reaction to this week's indictment of Raúl Castro and what comes next for Cuba.
Trump postpones AI cybersecurity order
President Trump on Thursday said he was postponing the signing of an executive order on artificial intelligence cybersecurity. CBS News senior White House correspondent Weijia Jiang reports.
Trump on SCOTUS birthright citizenship case
President Trump spoke to reporters in the Oval Office on Thursday and blasted the Supreme Court over its decision on his tariff policy. This comes as Americans await a massive ruling on Mr. Trump's bid to end birthright citizenship. CBS News' Aaron Navarro reports.