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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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Janet Mills ends Senate campaign in Maine, paving way for Graham Platner
Maine Gov. Janet Mills' exit from the race all but assures Graham Platner will get the Democratic nomination to take on Sen. Susan Collins.
Oil prices hit wartime peak, with Brent crude touching $126 a barrel
Brent crude surged past $126 a barrel early Thursday, while U.S. gasoline prices jumped to $4.30 a gallon.
New Orleans sheriff indicted after investigation into escape of 10 inmates
Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson was indicted on 30 felony counts after a probe into one of the largest jailbreaks in U.S. history, which occurred under her watch.
Divers find wreck of iconic U.S. ship torpedoed in WWI, killing 131
The sinking of the Coast Guard Cutter Tampa killed 131 people, making it the largest loss of life on any U.S. combat ship during the war.
Exclusive
Coast Guard operating in "crisis" as shutdown halts pay, strains missions overseas
The Coast Guard will run out of funding to pay personnel on May 1, with the first missed paychecks expected May 15.
MoneyWatch
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Oil prices hit wartime peak, with Brent crude touching $126 a barrel
Brent crude surged past $126 a barrel early Thursday, while U.S. gasoline prices jumped to $4.30 a gallon.
Elon Musk tells court he was a "fool" for funding OpenAI
Elon Musk alleges that OpenAI reneged on a promise to operate as a nonprofit dedicated to human progress.
Ford to receive $1.3 billion government refund for Trump's IEEPA tariffs
Detroit automaker expects big financial boost from refund of tariffs struck down earlier this year by the Supreme Court.
Talks to bail out Spirit Airlines stall as company teeters toward collapse
Spirit Airlines only has enough available cash to continue operations for a matter of days, not weeks, and talks for a government-backed rescue of the no-frills carrier have stalled, sources say.
Powell to stay on Federal Reserve board as policy makers hold rates steady
Fed chief Jerome Powell said he will remain as a governor on the central bank's board after his term as chair ends on May 15.
Politics
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Janet Mills ends Senate campaign in Maine, paving way for Graham Platner
Maine Gov. Janet Mills' exit from the race all but assures Graham Platner will get the Democratic nomination to take on Sen. Susan Collins.
As Iran war nears key 60-day deadline, Congress and Trump face choices
The War Powers Resolution sets deadlines for the president to end hostilities without congressional approval.
Exclusive
Coast Guard operating in "crisis" as shutdown halts pay, strains missions overseas
The Coast Guard will run out of funding to pay personnel on May 1, with the first missed paychecks expected May 15.
RFK Jr.'s healthy food agenda puts hospitals on notice about patients' meals
The backlash was immediate after the Trump administration served notice that hospitals and nursing homes should limit sugary drinks and dietary supplements in favor of what HHS terms "real food."
House adopts Senate-approved budget resolution to unlock ICE funding
The budget blueprint is the first step in Republicans' two-pronged plan to end the Department of Homeland Security shutdown.
HealthWatch
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RFK Jr.'s healthy food agenda puts hospitals on notice about patients' meals
The backlash was immediate after the Trump administration served notice that hospitals and nursing homes should limit sugary drinks and dietary supplements in favor of what HHS terms "real food."
Beyond crisis lines: How broader suicide prevention helps people in need
A new approach to suicide prevention shifts the focus from stopping harm in moments of crisis to upstream policies that give people reasons to live.
Big companies position themselves for payday from $50B federal rural health fund
A $50 billion federal fund is supposed to modernize rural healthcare. But community clinics and advocates fear that the contractors administering the money for states will bite off a big chunk before it reaches patients.
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.
World
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U.K. pledges $34 million to fight antisemitism emergency after stabbing
The British government's terrorism prevention adviser describes anti-Jewish attacks as the "biggest national security emergency" since 2017.
Live
Iran war pushes oil prices to 4-year high as Hegseth to face lawmakers
Oil prices hit a 4-year high as Axios reports Trump will hear new options to try to break the Strait of Hormuz standoff with Iran with a new wave of attacks.
Divers find wreck of iconic U.S. ship torpedoed in WWI, killing 131
The sinking of the Coast Guard Cutter Tampa killed 131 people, making it the largest loss of life on any U.S. combat ship during the war.
As Iran war nears key 60-day deadline, Congress and Trump face choices
The War Powers Resolution sets deadlines for the president to end hostilities without congressional approval.
Press freedom worldwide is at lowest level in 25 years, watchdog group warns
Press freedom across the globe has fallen to its lowest level in a quarter of a century, Reporters Without Borders warned.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
New details in case against singer D4vd
Musician D4vd was in a Los Angeles court on Wednesday as prosecutors laid out a timeline and highlighted new details in their case against him in the murder of Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The singer has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Warning, the details in this story are disturbing.
Wilmer Valderrama on his 200th "NCIS" episode
As "NCIS" nears the highly-anticipated finale of season 23, it will also be star Wilmer Valderama's 200th episode on the show. He reflects on his time on the series and reveals the season finale will have "a lot of danger," adding, "we're setting a crazy tone for next season."
Reshaping the conversation about aging
Constance Zimmer, who co-hosts the podcast "Talk 50 to Me," talks about reframing the conversation among women about aging. The podcast features interviews with women in their 50s, talking about the realities of midlife.
FCC orders review of ABC broadcast licenses
The FCC has ordered an early review of the broadcast licenses for eight local stations owned by ABC. The move comes after President Trump and first lady Melania Trump demanded ABC fire late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. Ed O'Keefe reports.
FCC reviewing ABC licenses amid Kimmel feud
The Federal Communications Commission says it wants the Walt Disney Company to file for early license renewal for its television stations. The announcement comes one day after President Trump and the first lady called on ABC to fire late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. CBS News legal contributor Rebecca Roiphe joins with analysis.
Technology
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Technology
Tech companies post earnings amid bubble concerns
Four of the biggest tech companies reported earnings after the closing bell on Wednesday. Adam Levine, senior tech writer for Barron's, joins CBS News to discuss.
Elon Musk tells court he was a "fool" for funding OpenAI
Elon Musk alleges that OpenAI reneged on a promise to operate as a nonprofit dedicated to human progress.
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.
Comparing popular smartwatches right now
Smartwatches can measure everything from heart rate to step count, but which features are most accurate and are worth using? Vanessa Hand Orellana, CNET's lead wearable tech reporter, joins CBS News to discuss.
Musk testifies for 2nd day in OpenAI trial
Elon Musk testified for a second day on Wednesday in a trial that's pitting two tech titans against each other. Paresh Dave, senior writer at Wired, joins CBS News to discuss.
Science
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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
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New Orleans sheriff indicted after investigation into escape of 10 inmates
Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson was indicted on 30 felony counts after a probe into one of the largest jailbreaks in U.S. history, which occurred under her watch.
New details on D.C. press dinner shooting
The Justice Department released a photo allegedly showing the suspect in the White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting, roughly 30 minutes before he rushed past security at the event. CBS News' Sam Vinograd has more.
Prosecutors allege D4vd killed teen to silence her
Prosecutors on Wednesday alleged singer D4vd killed Celeste Rivas Hernandez to silence her "before she ruined his music career." CBS News Los Angeles reporter Hunter Sowards has the latest.
Nick Reiner appears in court
Nick Reiner appeared in a Los Angeles courtroom on Wednesday, several weeks after pleading not guilty in the grisly death of his famous parents, Rob and Michelle Reiner. Carter Evans has more details.
New evidence released in D.C. shooting
Cole Allen, the man accused of trying to assassinate President Trump at the White House Correspondents' Dinner on Saturday, took a mirror selfie, allegedly gearing up for battle, officials said. Matt Gutman reports.
Space
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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.
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.
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
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
New details in case against singer D4vd
Musician D4vd was in a Los Angeles court on Wednesday as prosecutors laid out a timeline and highlighted new details in their case against him in the murder of Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The singer has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Warning, the details in this story are disturbing.
Where Spirit bailout negotiations stand
Sources tell CBS News that Spirit Airlines only has enough cash available on hand to operate for a matter of days and if it runs out, the budget carrier would have to cease operations. For now, Spirit continues to operate normally amid discussions over a possible government bailout. Kris Van Cleave reports.
Coast Guard "operating in a crisis"
After 75 days of the partial government shutdown, the U.S. has run out of emergency funds to pay the Coast Guard, including active duty military, and to pay its bills. In an exclusive interview with CBS News, Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Kevin Lunday said the Coast Guard is "operating in a crisis" and called it "incredibly frustrating."
Hegseth spars with lawmakers over Iran war
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is set to return to Capitol Hill on Thursday for more testimony on the war with Iran. On Wednesday, Hegseth faced questions about the objectives of the war and the economic impact. During the hearing, a top defense official said the war's price tag has reached an estimated $25 billion so far.
Trump defends Iran war as gas prices climb
During a celebration for the Artemis II crew at the White House, President Trump defended the war with Iran as the U.S. economy grapples with rising gas prices. Global oil prices climbed above $120 per barrel on Wednesday, the highest since 2022, and gas prices are now up around 30 cents in a week. Nancy Cordes reports.