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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.
Body found in Tampa Bay identified as 2nd missing doctoral student
Nahida Bristy and Zamil Limon were last seen in the Tampa area on April 16. Limon's roommate has been charged with their murders.
Here's when businesses will start getting refunds for Trump's IEEPA tariffs
The first refund payments will go out later this month as the portal works through kinks to return money to businesses.
Comey faces charges over "86 47" post. How far will the case get?
Former FBI Director James Comey was charged with two counts arising out a now-deleted image he shared on Instagram that showed seashells arranged to read "86 47."
Nebraska becomes first U.S. state to enact Medicaid work requirements
The "big beautiful bill" requires U.S. states to add work requirements to Medicaid by January 2027. Experts warn millions could lose health coverage.
Remains of teen sailor who helped rescue downed WWII airmen identified
U.S. Navy Aviation Radioman 2nd Class Robert L. Cyr Jr. enlisted at 17 and flew patrols in the Pacific before his death at 19.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Here's when businesses will start getting refunds for Trump's IEEPA tariffs
The first refund payments will go out later this month as the portal works through kinks to return money to businesses.
Nebraska becomes first U.S. state to enact Medicaid work requirements
The "big beautiful bill" requires U.S. states to add work requirements to Medicaid by January 2027. Experts warn millions could lose health coverage.
Trump says he's hiking tariffs on EU cars and trucks to 25%
President Trump said the European Union "is not complying with our fully agreed to trade deal."
More Americans are quitting their U.S. jobs to work abroad, study finds
Since 2021, the share of U.S.-based employees who have left their jobs to work in another country has more than doubled.
Home prices are dropping in one-third of U.S. cities. Here's where.
Cities in Florida and California, where home prices soared during the pandemic, saw some of the steepest declines in property values.
Politics
More Politics
Comey faces charges over "86 47" post. How far will the case get?
Former FBI Director James Comey was charged with two counts arising out a now-deleted image he shared on Instagram that showed seashells arranged to read "86 47."
Trump says he's hiking tariffs on EU cars and trucks to 25%
President Trump said the European Union "is not complying with our fully agreed to trade deal."
Spirit Airlines could shut down as soon as Saturday
Negotiations over a $500 million dollar government aid package for Spirit stalled after bondholders balked at the terms.
Man facing ICE deportation to the Congo: "I feel like a person who has no value"
Jose Yugar-Cruz was granted a court order preventing his deportation to his home country, but the Trump administration is set to send him to the Congo.
ICE reports 18th detainee death in 2026, putting agency on track for new record
ICE reported the 18th death of an individual in its custody so far this year, putting the agency on track to record a new all-time high in detainee deaths.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Nebraska becomes first U.S. state to enact Medicaid work requirements
The "big beautiful bill" requires U.S. states to add work requirements to Medicaid by January 2027. Experts warn millions could lose health coverage.
Delays in visa program threaten placement of hundreds of doctors in underserved areas
Hundreds of foreign doctors about to complete training in the U.S. will have to leave the country if the federal government doesn't rapidly process their visa waiver applications, immigration attorneys say.
Exclusive
New White House drug abuse strategy floats wastewater testing, AI, more treatment
The Trump administration is proposing wastewater testing to try to ferret out data on illegal drug use in real time, according to a draft of a new drug control strategy obtained by CBS News. It also proposes using AI to track threats.
"Ozempic breath" is boosting Hershey's sales of mints and gum
Hershey says it's benefiting from the growing use of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs even as people cut down on snacks. Here's why.
Funding cuts for fentanyl test strips raise concerns: "It doesn't make sense"
Test strips cost about $1 each and can be used to check drugs for dangerous contaminants, including fentanyl and xylazine.
World
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Book excerpt: "The New Tourist" by Paige McClanahan
Journalist Paige McClanahan writes about how tourism shapes societies and individuals, and about the need to redefine the meaning of "tourist" in today's shrinking world.
Superdry co-founder James Holder convicted of rape in England
James Holder, 54, was found guilty by a jury in Gloucester Crown Court of one count of rape for the May 2022 assault.
Live
Iran offers new proposal for peace talks with the U.S.
Iran says it's offered a new proposal for talks with the U.S. to end the war, as the Strait of Hormuz standoff sends costs soaring around the world.
Man arrested for allegedly dumping wife's body in zoo incinerator
Police arrested a man for allegedly incinerating his dead wife at the zoo where he worked, officials said, following the discovery of human remains.
U.K. raises terrorism threat level to "severe" after stabbing attack
The U.K. has raised its national threat level from "substantial" to "severe," citing the increasing threat of Islamist and extreme right-wing terrorism in the country.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Gold House reveals the Gold100 list
Gold House revealed its 2026 Gold100 list honoring Asian Pacific culture. Co-founder and CEO Bing Chen joins CBS News with more.
Book excerpt: "A Course Called Home" by Tom Coyne
The bestselling author and editor of The Golfer's Journal teed up for a challenge – taking over operations of a failing nine-hole community golf course in New York's Catskill Mountains – and writes of the tribulations that were par for the course.
Lizzo on what the public gets wrong about her
Lizzo sits down with "CBS Mornings" co-host Gayle King to discuss what the public misunderstands about her.
Lizzo: "There's a long list" of things the public gets wrong about me
The pop star sat down with Gayle King for an exclusive interview airing Monday on "CBS Mornings."
A look at Spencer Pratt's mayoral campaign
Spencer Pratt, who starred in the mid-2000s reality TV show "The Hills," released a new ad in his campaign for Los Angeles mayor that's getting attention online. CBS News political director Fin Gómez joins with analysis.
Technology
More Technology
Technology
Apple's latest earnings beat expectations
Apple's latest earnings report beat Wall Street expectations. CBS News contributor Patrick McGee joins with more.
Elon Musk concludes testimony in OpenAI trial
Elon Musk's testimony concluded Thursday in his lawsuit against OpenAI. Nicholas Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic and host of "The Most Interesting Thing in AI" podcast, joins "The Takeout" with analysis.
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.
Elon Musk cross-examined in OpenAI trial
Elon Musk was cross-examined in his lawsuit against OpenAI on Thursday. In testimony on Wednesday, he said he was "a fool" for funding OpenAI. He is accusing OpenAI and its CEO, Sam Altman, of betraying him and the public by abandoning its core mission as it transitioned from a nonprofit to a for-profit company. WIRED senior writer Maxwell Zeff joins CBS News to discuss.
Spotify's new badge identifies human artists, as AI music floods in
As AI-generated music spreads, Spotify says it wants to help users "trust the authenticity" of what they're listening to.
Science
More Science
Trump administration fires board overseeing National Science Foundation
The Trump administration has fired all 22 current members of an independent board that oversees the National Science Foundation, one dismissed member says.
AI used to reveal face of victim fleeing Mount Vesuvius eruption
Archaeologists found the victim holding a terracotta mortar, which they interpret as an improvised attempt to shield his head.
In a first, endangered orangutan seen using canopy bridge to cross road
Rapid development has been shrinking the jungle habitat of the critically endangered species, and fatal conflicts with people have been increasing.
Saving the Venus fly trap
The carnivorous Venus fly trap is native to the Carolinas, but its population is dwindling due to loss of habitat. Correspondent Seth Doane talks with botanist Julie Moore, who has spent much of her life helping to save these remarkable plants; and with Damon Waitt, director of the North Carolina Botanical Garden, who discusses the unusual traits of a species that Charles Darwin called the most interesting plant in the world.
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.
Crime
More Crime
Body found in Tampa Bay identified as 2nd missing doctoral student
Nahida Bristy and Zamil Limon were last seen in the Tampa area on April 16. Limon's roommate has been charged with their murders.
Video shows K-9 near dinner shooting scene
New security video is providing more details on the moments before a shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. CBS News' Anna Schecter has more.
Superdry co-founder James Holder convicted of rape in England
James Holder, 54, was found guilty by a jury in Gloucester Crown Court of one count of rape for the May 2022 assault.
Jewish leader on London stabbing attack
Keith Black, chair of the Jewish Leadership Council, joins CBS News with his reaction to the antisemitic stabbing attack in London and the threat levels rising in the U.K.
Did Jeffrey Epstein write a suicide note?
The New York Times is reporting that a note apparently left behind by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein before his death has been tied up in court for years. CBS News' Anna Schecter has more.
Space
More Space
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.
Artemis II astronauts talk mission toilet troubles: "We made do"
The plumbing issues aboard the Orion capsule became headline news in the early days of the historic Artemis II mission.
Only on CBS
Artemis crew tells kids moon flight was "the best roller coaster ride"
The Artemis II astronauts joined "CBS Mornings" for a live town hall where they took questions from kids just weeks after returning from their historic moon mission.
SpaceX launches Falcon Heavy rocket carrying powerful satellite
SpaceX's most powerful operational rocket boosted a high-speed ViaSat internet data relay satellite into space to complete a globe-spanning constellation.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
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
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Video shows K-9 near dinner shooting scene
New security video is providing more details on the moments before a shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. CBS News' Anna Schecter has more.
Expert on Trump's options for Iran war
President Trump is commenting on the Iran war as the conflict reaches the 60-day mark and as the U.S. receives the latest proposal from Tehran. CBS News analyst Aaron MacLean has more.
Up next for NASA after Artemis II mission
The Artemis II crew visited CBS News to discuss their historic mission to the moon. CBS News' Mark Strassmann and Janna Levin discuss what's next for NASA in space.
Spirit Airlines could shut down Saturday
Spirit Airlines could collapse before Saturday, CBS News has learned. Kris Van Cleave has the latest.
Trump says he's "not satisfied" on Iran talks
President Trump took questions before departing the White House for an event in Florida. The remarks come after Iran submitted, through Pakistani mediators, a proposal for a second round of peace talks. CBS News' Olivia Rinaldi reports.