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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.
DOJ moves to drop defense of Trump's executive orders targeting law firms
Four different district court judges found President Trump's executive orders targeting the law firms were unconstitutional.
SCOTUS blocks Calif. law against schools outing transgender students to their parents
The Supreme Court order blocks for now a California law that bans automatic parental notification requirements if students change their pronouns or gender expression at school.
Prolonged Strait of Hormuz closure would cause oil prices to surge, experts warn
The Iran war is renewing concerns about the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. A prolonged closure could sharply drive up oil prices, experts said.
Wagers draw scrutiny after Iran strikes: "Insider trading," senator says
Lawmakers are raising concerns that prediction market users are engaging in insider trading to wager on U.S. military actions.
Exclusive
DNC announces top cities, date for 2028 convention, won't hold midterm convention
The DNC is announcing Monday that the 2028 national convention will be held from Aug. 7 to Aug. 10, CBS News has learned.
MoneyWatch
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Prolonged Strait of Hormuz closure would cause oil prices to surge, experts warn
The Iran war is renewing concerns about the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. A prolonged closure could sharply drive up oil prices, experts said.
Wagers draw scrutiny after Iran strikes: "Insider trading," senator says
Lawmakers are raising concerns that prediction market users are engaging in insider trading to wager on U.S. military actions.
Federal appeals court rejects DOJ's push to delay start of tariff refund process
The Supreme Court ruled last month at President Trump did not have the authority to issue his sweeping tariffs under a federal emergency powers law.
More U.S. employees are hugging tight to their jobs. Here's why.
More employees are clinging to their positions in a trend known as "job-hugging." That's making it harder for job-seekers to find work.
Gas prices are set to rise. Here's what you could pay at the pump.
U.S. motorists could soon see higher prices at the pump as oil prices surge following the attacks in Iran.
Politics
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Military officials question fortifications at site where U.S. troops were killed
The first American service members to die in the U.S.-Iran conflict were killed in an apparent Iranian drone attack on a makeshift office space in Kuwait, sources told CBS News.
DOJ moves to drop defense of Trump's executive orders targeting law firms
Four different district court judges found President Trump's executive orders targeting the law firms were unconstitutional.
CBS News poll finds views of deportation operations continue to divide country
A new CBS News poll finds most Americans say nationwide ICE operations should be decreased.
SCOTUS blocks Calif. law against schools outing transgender students to their parents
The Supreme Court order blocks for now a California law that bans automatic parental notification requirements if students change their pronouns or gender expression at school.
Poll: What partisans want from their parties ahead of 2026 primary season
President Trump is a central figure for both Democrats and Republicans, going into the primary season, ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
HealthWatch
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Chocolate supplement recalled over erectile dysfunction drug
USALESS.COM is recalling its Rhino Choco VIP 10X product due to the undeclared presence of Tadalafil, which is the active ingredient in Cialis.
College student's mystery illness diagnosed as Stage IV cancer
Emma Operacz was diagnosed with a rare cancer at 21. An unusual treatment and bone marrow donation from her sister saved her life.
Medicaid is paying for more dental care. GOP cuts threaten to reverse the trend.
More than three dozen states cover dental services for people on Medicaid, but with about $900 billion in cuts expected to hit states over the next decade, many programs could roll back dental coverage.
Health premiums threaten their nest egg. A terminal diagnosis may spare it.
Chaz and Jean Franklin were facing a sevenfold increase in their health premium payments with the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies for Affordable Care Act plans. Then Jean received a crushing diagnosis.
Could "kidulting" be the way to take the work out of your workout?
A British gym chain is offering classes in "kidulting," luring adults into fitness with classes built around playground and PE class classics.
World
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Satellite images show Iranian sites before and after airstrikes
The satellite images show damage to sites including the Choqa Balk-e drone facility and former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's compound.
Prolonged Strait of Hormuz closure would cause oil prices to surge, experts warn
The Iran war is renewing concerns about the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. A prolonged closure could sharply drive up oil prices, experts said.
Insurgents raid village in South Sudan, killing at least 169 people
Women and children were among the dead, in addition to dozens of combatants, officials said.
Travel chaos intensifies with airports closed, flights canceled amid Iran war
Air travel chaos intensified as the war with Iran stretched into a third day — keeping airspace and airports in the Middle East closed and leaving travelers stranded.
Trump says strikes were "last best chance" to take out Iran threat
President Trump said he expects the bombing campaign to last four to five weeks, but "we have [the] capability to go far longer than that."
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Christa Miller on "Shrinking"
Actor Christa Miller speaks about starring in "Shrinking," how her life experiences helped to inspire the series and what it's like to work with her husband, who is a co-creator of the show.
Brad Falchuk discusses "Famous Last Words"
Brad Falchuck, the host and executive producer of "Famous Last Words," speaks about the series and his meaningful conversation with actor Eric Dane, who died last month from ALS. In the show, Falchuck sits down with public figures for an in-depth conversation, but the interviews only air after the subject dies.
USA hockey stars joke about "Heated Rivalry" and Trump invite on "SNL"
Hillary Knight, Megan Keller and Jack and Quinn Hughes made a surprise appearance during "Heated Rivalry" star Connor Storrie's opening monologue on "SNL."
Extended interview: Marc Shaiman
In this web exclusive, composer Marc Shaiman, a Tony Award-winner for "Hairspray," and a seven-time Oscar nominee, talks with Tracy Smith about his career; his new memoir, "Never Mind the Happy: Showbiz Stories From a Sore Winner"; and his collaboration and friendship with Rob Reiner.
Broadway, Hollywood composer Marc Shaiman on being a "sore winner"
A Tony Award-winner for "Hairspray," and a seven-time Oscar nominee, Marc Shaiman has written about his nearly 50 years in show business in a new memoir, "Never Mind the Happy: Showbiz Stories From a Sore Winner."
Technology
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Exclusive
AI executive Dario Amodei on the red lines Anthropic would not cross
The CEO of Anthropic says his company refused to allow its technology to be used by the Trump Administration without certain guidelines (such as not using its AI to power fully-autonomous weapons without any human involvement).
AI company Anthropic's Dario Amodei: "We are patriots"
Dario Amodei, co-founder and CEO of the artificial intelligence company Anthropic, says his company refused to allow its AI product, Claude, to be used by the Trump Administration without certain guidelines (such as not using its AI to power fully-autonomous weapons without any human involvement). That prompted President Trump to announce Friday that he is banning Anthropic's technology from all federal use, while Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth labeled the company "a supply chain risk to national security." Amodei talks with correspondent Jo Ling Kent about why he calls the administration's actions "retaliatory and punitive."
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.
Exclusive
Anthropic CEO says he's sticking to AI "red lines" despite clash with Pentagon
After the Trump administration cut it off, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei told CBS News in an exclusive interview Friday night he wants to work with the military — but only if it addresses the firm's concerns.
Anthropic CEO on "punitive" Pentagon action
In an exclusive interview with CBS News, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei said that the Pentagon's decision to designate the AI company a supply chain risk is "retaliatory and punitive." The Pentagon made the designation, which restricts military contractors from doing business with Anthropic, after the company refused to give the military unfettered access to its AI model.
Science
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NASA announces major overhaul of Artemis moon program "to take down risk"
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced significant changes to the agency's Artemis program, which aims to land on the moon in 2028.
What scientists will be looking for when government UFO files are released
Documents might help scientists shed light on unexplained phenomena and government secrets, experts said.
In a first, shark seen on camera in Antarctica waters, surprising researchers
A large shark was caught on camera for the first time in Antarctica's waters, surprising researchers. "There's a general rule of thumb that you don't get sharks in Antarctica," one said.
How Washington's crossing of the Delaware presaged a changing world
On the evening of Christmas 1776, Gen. George Washington surprised the King's forces by leading the Continental Army in a surprise crossing of a near-frozen Delaware River - a watershed military maneuver that dramatized a changing America, and a changing climate.
These United States: George Washington and climate change
On the evening of Christmas 1776, Gen. George Washington surprised the King's forces by leading the Continental Army in an unanticipated crossing of a near-frozen Delaware River. Environmental correspondent David Schechter looks at how Washington's watershed military maneuver dramatized both a changing America, and a changing climate.
Crime
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Crime
New details on slain Texas gunman
At least two people are dead, and 14 others are injured after a shooting outside an Austin, Texas, bar on Sunday. The FBI is investigating the shooting as a possible terror attack. CBS News' Jason Allen and Camilo Montoya-Galvez have more.
Chilling photo shows grinning suspect in Scotland stabbing
A man was arrested for a stabbing incident in Edinburgh, Scotland, after a standoff with police in which he was photographed leaning out a window with a menacing grin.
Officials give update on Austin bar shooting
Authorities in Texas gave an update Monday on the shooting that killed two people at a bar in Austin over the weekend. The incident is being investigated for possible terrorism ties to the U.S. airstrikes in Iran.
Latest details on deadly Austin bar shooting
A deadly shooting at a popular bar in Austin, Texas, is being investigated for possible links to terrorism. Two people were killed and 14 others injured, authorities said.
Exclusive
Photo shows slain Texas gunman with Iranian symbol on his T-shirt
The gunman who killed 3 and wounded 13 at a bar in Austin also wore a hoodie that said "Property of Allah."
Space
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Space
Why NASA is overhauling Artemis program
NASA has announced a major overhaul of its Artemis moon program amid ongoing safety concerns. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood has more details.
How NASA plans to get astronauts on the moon
NASA announced an overhaul to its Artemis moon program as safety concerns persist. CBS News space contributor Christian Davenport breaks down the key takeaways.
NASA announces major overhaul of Artemis moon program "to take down risk"
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced significant changes to the agency's Artemis program, which aims to land on the moon in 2028.
Safety concerns over NASA's Artemis program
NASA's Artemis II mission continues to face concerns and delays. Scott E. Parazynski, a former astronaut, joins CBS News with more.
NASA rolls Artemis II back for repairs
NASA is rolling back the Artemis II moon rocket from its launch pad at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. It is expected to take up to 12 hours to move the 322-foot rocket, with the journey spanning four miles back to its hangar for repairs. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood has more.
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
Americans react to U.S. strikes on Iran
Americans across the political spectrum are reacting to the U.S.-Israeli strikes against Iran. CBS News' Lana Zak has more.
Spike in gas prices likely amid Iran war
The war with Iran is impacting the global oil market and will likely lead to a spike in gas prices in the United States. Sahar Razavi, director of the Iranian and Middle Eastern Studies Center at Sacramento State, joined CBS News to discuss.
Trump says U.S. will "easily prevail" in Iran war
For a third day, U.S. and Israeli forces are pounding Iran, striking more than a thousand targets across the country, including key government and military buildings in the capital. For now, the Iranian regime's military is fighting back hard, firing missiles and launching drones in at least 11 countries, including Israel and Kuwait. Tony Dokoupil and Matt Gutman have the latest.
How U.S. and Israel are escalating strikes on Iran
The U.S. and Israeli militaries have carried out more than 1,000 strikes in the last three days, including attacks on army bases, warships and missile launchers. Charlie D'Agata has details
The decadeslong conflict behind war with Iran
If you're looking for an origin point of the current war with Iran, don't look to the earliest hours of this Saturday. Tony Dokoupil explains.