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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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Walz: Trump agrees to consider reducing federal surge in Minnesota
Gov. Tim Walz says that he and President Trump shared a phone call Monday morning, during which he says the president agreed to consider a reduction of federal immigration enforcement forces in Minnesota following the second fatal shooting of a resident by federal agents.
Google to pay $68 million over allegations it eavesdropped on users
Class-action lawsuit alleged that Google's voice assistant illegally recorded and shared private conversations with advertisers.
Feds yank contracts with Booz Allen Hamilton after Trump tax leak
Treasury Department ends contracts with consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton after a former contractor leaked tax returns, including info for President Trump.
How much snow did the storm bring? See lists of snowfall totals.
The winter storm bringing harsh weather to much of the U.S. dumped snowfall totals higher than 20 inches in some states. How much snow did we get?
ICU nurse killed by federal agents "wanted to make a difference," mentor says
A former mentor of Alex Pretti, the Minneapolis man who was shot and killed by federal agents over the weekend, said he had "a lot of compassion" for his community.
MoneyWatch
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Google to pay $68 million over allegations it eavesdropped on users
Class-action lawsuit alleged that Google's voice assistant illegally recorded and shared private conversations with advertisers.
Feds yank contracts with Booz Allen Hamilton after Trump tax leak
Treasury Department ends contracts with consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton after a former contractor leaked tax returns, including info for President Trump.
X and Grok AI users can still digitally undress people without consent
As the European Union announces an investigation, the Grok chatbot tells CBS News, "Yes, tools like me should face meaningful regulation."
Payments from Apple lawsuit are now landing in people's bank accounts
Apple users report receiving about $8 per eligible device from the settlement, based on the amount landing in their accounts.
Gold tops $5,000 for the first time. How high could it go?
Wall Street analysts expect the gold rally to continue as investors pile in because of mounting geopolitical uncertainty and economic concerns.
Politics
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Walz: Trump agrees to consider reducing federal surge in Minnesota
Gov. Tim Walz says that he and President Trump shared a phone call Monday morning, during which he says the president agreed to consider a reduction of federal immigration enforcement forces in Minnesota following the second fatal shooting of a resident by federal agents.
Feds yank contracts with Booz Allen Hamilton after Trump tax leak
Treasury Department ends contracts with consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton after a former contractor leaked tax returns, including info for President Trump.
U.S. officials' response to Alex Pretti shooting causes anger among some at DHS
"When we gaslight and contradict what the public can plainly see with their own eyes, we lose all credibility," one DHS official said.
Shutdown threat looms as Democrats pledge to block funding after shooting
Senate Democrats came out against a funding package in the wake of the deadly shooting of a Minneapolis man by federal agents, with just days until the deadline to fund the government.
ICE's Homeland Security Investigations leading probe into Alex Pretti shooting
The decision to place HSI in the lead investigative role is unusual and has raised questions among current and former federal law enforcement officials.
HealthWatch
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Heart failure threatened her pregnancy. A first-of-its-kind procedure saved it.
Cassandra King was thrilled to be pregnant after years of fertility struggles and multiple miscarriages. Then a sudden cardiac event threatened everything.
Loss of measles-free status would be "cost of doing business," new CDC deputy says
After a year of ongoing measles outbreaks that have sickened more than 2,400 people, the United States is poised to lose its status as a measles-free country.
Measles cases surge in South Carolina as U.S. risks elimination status
An infectious disease physician and former CDC official said he does not "have faith" that the U.S. is "handling measles very well."
Tylenol not linked to autism, new study shows
A review of studies published in The Lancet found no link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism, contradicting the Trump administration's recent claims.
Woman gets her life back after rare transplant: "Prepared for the worst"
Lacy Cornelius Boyd needed IV nutrition and an ileostomy bag after a devastating car crash. A rare transplant was her only option.
World
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X and Grok AI users can still digitally undress people without consent
As the European Union announces an investigation, the Grok chatbot tells CBS News, "Yes, tools like me should face meaningful regulation."
Cyclist knocked off bike by kangaroo, recovers to win Tour Down Under
Jay Vine was knocked from his bike when two large kangaroos bounced onto the road on a high speed section.
Israel says remains of last hostage recovered from Gaza
Israel's military says the remains of Ran Gvili, the last person whose body was taken hostage into Gaza, have been recovered.
Lightning injures 89 at rally for former Brazilian President Bolsonaro
Lightning struck near a rally of supporters of Brazil's former far-right president Jair Bolsonaro in Brasilia, injuring 89 people, according to the fire department.
U.S. carrier strike group enters Middle East region after Iran warning
The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group has crossed into Central Command, the Middle East region that includes Iran.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Sundance Film Festival leaving Park City, Utah
After more than 40 years, the Sundance Film Festival is leaving its longtime host of Park City, Utah, and heading to Boulder, Colorado. Sarah Horbacewicz reports.
The adventures of Lauren Hutton, the original supermodel
As the face of Revlon, Lauren Hutton – called a "believable beauty" – became the highest-paid model in history, and still holds the record for most cover appearances on American Vogue. She talks about her adventurous life of no regrets.
The adventures of Lauren Hutton
She didn't set out to be a model, or an actress, and several agencies rejected the gap-toothed Lauren Hutton, before Eileen Ford gave her a shot. As the face of Revlon, Hutton became the highest-paid model in history, and still holds the record for most cover appearances on American Vogue. She talks with Anthony Mason about her adventurous life of no regrets – from living among the bushmen of the Kalahari, to a near-fatal motorcycle accident in 2000. Even of the low points she says, "I'd do it again in a second."
Passage: In memoriam
"Sunday Morning" remembers some of the notable figures who left us this week, including the iconic Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani.
"Wonder and awe": The art of Ruth Asawa
In her choice of media, sculptor Ruth Asawa (1926-2013) employed a resourcefulness that stemmed from her early years on a farm – and in a WWII detention camp for Japanese Americans. She's now the subject of a retrospective at New York's Museum of Modern Art.
Technology
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Google to pay $68 million over allegations it eavesdropped on users
Class-action lawsuit alleged that Google's voice assistant illegally recorded and shared private conversations with advertisers.
X and Grok AI users can still digitally undress people without consent
As the European Union announces an investigation, the Grok chatbot tells CBS News, "Yes, tools like me should face meaningful regulation."
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.
Microsoft says outage affecting several services has been resolved
Microsoft services were down for thousands of users, according to tracking service Downdetector.
Snapchat's parent company settles lawsuit
Snapchat's parent company, Snap Inc., settled a lawsuit surrounding allegations of social media addiction burdening users. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul reports.
Science
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Science
Cow develops technique to scratch herself
"CBS Saturday Morning" learns more about Veronika, the clever cow who figured out multiple ways to scratch herself with a broom. It was the first time a cow was seen using a tool.
Almanac: January 18
"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.
Fossils found at Dinosaur National Monument, first excavation in 100 years
The Dinosaur National Monument, which is located on the border between Colorado and Utah, was last excavated in 1924.
Dogs can learn by eavesdropping: study
Have you ever wondered if your dog is eavesdropping on you? A new study published in the Journal of Science found that some dogs are not only listening, but are also learning words. Lead scientist Dr. Shany Dror joins CBS News to discuss.
Fossils found in cave shed light on where our species emerged
Fossilized bones and teeth dating to 773,000 years ago are providing a deeper understanding of the emergence of Homo sapiens.
Crime
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Walz: Trump agrees to consider reducing federal surge in Minnesota
Gov. Tim Walz says that he and President Trump shared a phone call Monday morning, during which he says the president agreed to consider a reduction of federal immigration enforcement forces in Minnesota following the second fatal shooting of a resident by federal agents.
"Narco sub" sinks with more drugs aboard after record cocaine haul seized
Police were assisted by the navy and air force, as well as the U.K. and U..S authorities, in difficult weather conditions.
Latest news on Alex Pretti shooting
Homeland Secretary Kristi Noem claimed Alex Pretti attacked Border Patrol officers before he was fatally shot in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This comes as more Trump administration officials react to the incident. CBS News' Lana Zak and Natalie Brand report.
Political strategists on Pretti shooting
Political strategists Kristian Ramos and Rina Shah join CBS News with their reactions to Border Patrol killing Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Differing accounts of Alex Pretti shooting
The federal government's accounts of the most recent shooting in Minneapolis, Minnesota, involving immigration officials, appear to clash with evidence emerging. CBS News' Lana Zak has more.
Space
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Space
More on Virgin Galactic all-female space crew
Virgin Galactic is sending an all-female research team to space. Kellie Gerardi, who is leading the crew, joins "CBS News 24/7 Mornings" to discuss the goals of the mission.
NASA's Artemis II mission clears big hurdle
Inch by inch, NASA's Artemis II moon rocket lumbered along its four-mile commute from the Vehicle Assembly Building to launch pad 39-B. Mark Strassmann is at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida with more.
NASA hauls Artemis II moon rocket to launch pad for February flight
Four Artemis II astronauts plan to fly around the moon and back next month, traveling farther from Earth than any humans before them.
NASA begins Artemis II rollout to launchpad
NASA is beginning its rollout of its Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft as preparations for the Artemis II mission enter their final stage.
NASA moon rocket ready for trip to launch pad
Depending on the timing, NASA could launch a fresh crew to the space station while four other astronauts are flying around the moon.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2025
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
Ex-CPB commissioner on Minneapolis shooting
Gil Kerlikowske, a former U.S. Customs and Border Patrol commissioner, said it's unprecedented for the federal government to exclude state and local officials from the investigation into Saturday's deadly shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis. "It's wise to be very skeptical of what's going on," Kerlikowske said.
7 people killed in Maine jet crash, FAA says
Seven people died, and one person was seriously injured, in a private jet crash on Sunday night in Bangor, Maine, the Federal Aviation Administration said. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul has more details.
Schumer says Democrats will block DHS funding
Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Senate Democrats will block the Homeland Security appropriations bill that's part of a government funding package after Border Patrol shot and killed 37-year-old Alex Pretti on Saturday. CBS News congressional correspondent Nikole Killion has more.
Thousands of flights canceled after storms
Thousands of flights have been canceled after a massive winter storm swept across the U.S. over the weekend. CBS News' Olivia Rinaldi has the latest.
Trump sends border czar Homan to Minnesota
President Trump said border czar Tom Homan will head to Minnesota to oversee ICE operations after federal agents shot and killed a 37-year-old ICU nurse on Saturday. CBS News immigration reporter Camilo Montoya-Galvez has more.