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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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Social Security adds 14 conditions to fast-track disability list
The Social Security Administration is expanding its list of diseases and other health conditions that may qualify for accelerated approval of disability benefits.
Is your career "rusting out"? Here's what that means, and how to spot it.
Many employees feel their employers don't value them and that they're not contributing as much as they could, a workplace poll finds.
DOJ office says Trump's outside advisers can be shielded by executive privilege
Trump's outside advisers may now be protected from future congressional and legal investigations, according to a new opinion from the Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel.
Maine lifeguard "started swimming like hell" when shark pulled him underwater
A lifeguard said a shark off the coast of Scarborough Beach in Maine grabbed onto his buoy and pulled him 5 feet underwater before he was able to get free.
U.S. Marine veteran freed from Russian prison after nearly 4 years
A U.S. Marine veteran from Massachusetts who has been held in Russia for more than four years on disputed charges has been released.
MoneyWatch
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Social Security adds 14 conditions to fast-track disability list
The Social Security Administration is expanding its list of diseases and other health conditions that may qualify for accelerated approval of disability benefits.
Is your career "rusting out"? Here's what that means, and how to spot it.
Many employees feel their employers don't value them and that they're not contributing as much as they could, a workplace poll finds.
Are humanoid robots ready to scrub your kitchen? Not quite.
Startup companies are now starting to test their humanoid robots for home use, but experts said wider adoption will take years.
Farm linked to cyclosporaisis outbreak went years without FDA inspection
The FDA has long fallen short of legally required inspection targets, and foreign inspections fell further last year amid agency layoffs.
Powerball jackpot hits $1 billion after no one won $905 million grand prize
No winning tickets were sold for Monday night's $905 million Powerball jackpot, so the estimated grand prize for Wednesday's drawing will be at least $1 billion, Powerball says.
Politics
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DOJ office says Trump's outside advisers can be shielded by executive privilege
Trump's outside advisers may now be protected from future congressional and legal investigations, according to a new opinion from the Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel.
U.S. Marine veteran freed from Russian prison after nearly 4 years
A U.S. Marine veteran from Massachusetts who has been held in Russia for more than four years on disputed charges has been released.
North Carolina GOP chooses replacement candidate for Rep. Chuck Edwards
State Rep. Jennifer Balkcom will face Jamie Ager on the ballot in November.
Wisconsin's Democratic showdown and more primary races to watch today
South Carolina Republicans will be choosing a successor for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham's seat, and Minnesota's Senate primary is another battle between moderate and progressive Democrats.
Live
U.S. and Iran close to "peace arrangement or a deal," Pakistan says
The U.S. and Iran are close to agreeing on "some sort of arrangement," Pakistan's defense minister told Bloomberg on Tuesday.
HealthWatch
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Social Security adds 14 conditions to fast-track disability list
The Social Security Administration is expanding its list of diseases and other health conditions that may qualify for accelerated approval of disability benefits.
Farm linked to cyclosporaisis outbreak went years without FDA inspection
The FDA has long fallen short of legally required inspection targets, and foreign inspections fell further last year amid agency layoffs.
As Medicare pays less for cataract surgery, doctors turn to moneymaking lasers
More cataract patients, wanting not only restored but improved vision, are paying extra for their doctors to use a laser when a scalpel would do.
Congo Ebola death toll tops 2,000 in fastest spreading outbreak on record
At least 2,000 people have died among the confirmed cases in Congo's Ebola outbreak that is the fastest-spreading on record, according to the latest government data.
In texts, Fauci discussed potential risks, benefits of COVID vaccine for pregnant women
Two Senate Republicans released a set of 2021 texts that show Dr. Anthony Fauci discussing how to "weigh the potential risks against the benefits" of pregnant women taking COVID-19 vaccines.
World
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What to know about Wednesday's total solar eclipse
The only total solar eclipse of 2026 will cross the Northern Hemisphere on Wednesday, Aug. 12, with a path of totality across parts of Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain. See when and where it will be visible.
Perseid meteor shower reaches peak viewing on Wednesday night
The Perseid meteor shower is the best viewing all year, according to NASA.
Rescuers race to find Colombia earthquake survivors as death toll rises
Over 1,100 homes were destroyed when Colombia was struck by its strongest earthquake on record.
Zelenskyy says Russia using North Korean missiles in Ukraine
Russia and North Korea have been collaborating in the offensive against Ukraine since 2024.
Congo Ebola death toll tops 2,000 in fastest spreading outbreak on record
At least 2,000 people have died among the confirmed cases in Congo's Ebola outbreak that is the fastest-spreading on record, according to the latest government data.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Graceland celebrates "Elvis Week"
"Elvis Week" kicked off at Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee, on Aug. 8 and runs until Aug. 16, marking Elvis Presley's death. Alicia Dean, the longtime marketing and promotions specialist for Elvis Presley Enterprises, joins with more.
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader takes on Broadway
Reece Weaver, whose exit from the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders on the show "America's Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders" left viewers shocked, exclusively announced on "CBS Mornings" that she is making her Broadway debut. She talks about the transition, why she made the decision and what it was like to start rehearsals.
Jury selection begins in Tupac Shakur trial
Nearly 30 years after the killing of rapper Tupac Shakur, jury selection is underway for the man charged in connection with the murder, Duane "Keffe D" Davis. Celebrity attorney Chris Melcher joins CBS News to discuss.
Riley Green talks upcoming album
Country music star Riley Green joins "CBS Mornings" to talk about his upcoming album, "That's Just Me," which is set for release in mid-September.
Meet Paw Patrol look-alike contest winners
The winners of a Paw Patrol look-alike contest join "CBS Mornings" ahead of the "Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie" which premieres Aug. 14.
Technology
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Technology
Wall Street targets $500B for AI
Nvidia scored an astounding $500 billion in financing for artificial intelligence, backed by Wall Street's top power brokers and firms. Puck founding partner and industry journalist William D. Cohan weighs in on the AI boom and data center construction.
Are humanoid robots ready to scrub your kitchen? Not quite.
Startup companies are now starting to test their humanoid robots for home use, but experts said wider adoption will take years.
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.
Zuckerberg wants open source AI
Facebook co-founder and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg argues that artificial intelligence should be open source to improve accessibility. CNET reporter Katelyn Chedraoui has more on what the philosophy of open source technology means in the AI era.
Behind Mark Zuckerberg's AI essay
Despite concerns about AI, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has an optimistic vision for its future, which he shared in a new essay. He also described what he thinks is the "most dangerous" AI scenario. Nick Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic, breaks down Zuckerberg's essay.
Science
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What to know about Wednesday's total solar eclipse
The only total solar eclipse of 2026 will cross the Northern Hemisphere on Wednesday, Aug. 12, with a path of totality across parts of Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain. See when and where it will be visible.
Protecting 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. (Originally broadcast April 26, 2026.)
Genetically altered beagles offer hope for dog lovers with allergies
Matt Walker, a geneticist and the CEO of Kindred Companion Sciences, joins "CBS Mornings" with his gene-altered beagle, Bailey, to discuss creating future options for people with severe pet allergies.
Most detailed images taken of sun's surface revealed
Researchers were able to peek at the sun's scorching surface with the help of the National Science Foundation's Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope, located on the island of Maui in Hawaii.
Bezos, DiCaprio set up massive wildlife fund
Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos have announced a $200 million fund set to protect species on the brink of extinction. Carter Evans has the story.
Crime
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Crime
More healthcare testimony in Clancy trial
Healthcare workers who treated Lindsay Clancy's postpartum mental health concerns are back on the stand Tuesday in her murder trial. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson has the latest.
Lindsay Clancy's psychiatrist back on stand
Lindsay Clancy's psychiatrist, Dr. Jennifer Tufts, is back on the stand Monday as the Massachusetts murder trial enters its third week. CBS News' Katrina Kaufman has more.
Man who allegedly arranged Tupac Shakur's 1996 killing is on trial in Las Vegas
The man who prosecutors say orchestrated the 1996 killing of rap icon Tupac Shakur, Duane "Keffe D" Davis, is on trial almost 30 years after the drive-by shooting in Las Vegas.
2 killed in New York Harbor boat capsize
The captain of a boat that overturned in New York Harbor was charged with reckless endangerment. Twelve people were saved, but a mother and her 5-month-old daughter died. Michael George reports.
Family of murdered photographer wonders if his killer acted alone
Joe Shymanski, a, well-known Washington D.C. photographer, was murdered and dismembered in 2023. His ex-wife's former boyfriend, Brandon Holbrook, was convicted in the case. Shymanski's family still wonders if anyone else was involved.
Space
More Space
What to know about Wednesday's total solar eclipse
The only total solar eclipse of 2026 will cross the Northern Hemisphere on Wednesday, Aug. 12, with a path of totality across parts of Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain. See when and where it will be visible.
Perseid meteor shower reaches peak viewing on Wednesday night
The Perseid meteor shower is the best viewing all year, according to NASA.
Most detailed images taken of sun's surface revealed
Researchers were able to peek at the sun's scorching surface with the help of the National Science Foundation's Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope, located on the island of Maui in Hawaii.
SpaceX rocket booster slams into moon, creating crater that could be 16 feet deep
The impact wasn't visible to the naked eye, but photos are expected to come from a lunar satellite at a later time.
Russian Soyuz brings three home after 8 months at space station
The Soyuz MS-28 landing in Kazakhstan brought a 241-day stay in space to a successful conclusion.
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.
Summer music highlights of 2026
Summer is the time to enjoy live music, indoors and out. Scroll through our gallery of some of 2026's leading musical acts, featuring images by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
Investigating the death of designer Sylvie Cachay
Sylvie Cachay was found dead in an overflowing bathtub at the exclusive Soho House in New York City on Dec. 9, 2010. A water leak at the hotel gave away a timeline that may have revealed her killer.
Photos show celebrations at Obama Presidential Center
The Obama Presidential Center, museum and library opens in Chicago with a star-studded grand opening ceremony and public watch party on Midway Plaisance.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Further bus making return to San Francisco
A legendary symbol of 1960s counter-culture is coming back to San Francisco as part of an art exhibition. Heather Knight, San Francisco bureau chief for the New York Times, joins, CBS News to discuss.
Flames erupt from plane's engine
Flames erupted from one of the engines of American Airlines Flight 1760 after a bird collided with the plane, forcing an emergency landing. CBS News' Kris Van Cleave reports.
Secret Service's decoy plane plan
President Trump was secretly moved to another plane after security learned of an Iranian threat to fire a missile at Air Force One after he left the NATO conference in Turkey. CBS News' Olivia Rinaldi has more.
Americans traveling to catch total eclipse
More than 20 states will get a glimpse of a partial eclipse on Wednesday, but many Americans looking to catch the full show are traveling overseas to experience the total solar eclipse.
Latest in Wisconsin governor primary
Democratic voters will pick their nominee for governor in Wisconsin today. Democratic socialist Francesca Hong is facing off against moderate David Crowley in the primary. CBS News' Taurean Small reports.