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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.
Here's what to expect at the Fed's first interest rate meeting of 2026
Jerome Powell will announce the central bank's next interest rate decision on Jan. 28 amid political and legal turmoil involving the Fed.
Families of 2 men killed in Caribbean boat strike sue U.S. government
The families of two Trinidadian men who were killed in a boat strike sued the U.S. government, arguing the "premeditated and intentional killings lack any plausible legal justification."
Amazon is closing its Amazon Fresh grocery and Go convenience stores
Amazon acknowledged it hasn't yet "created a truly distinctive customer experience" in announcing move to scale back its brick-and-mortar grocery business.
Judge tosses Justice Department lawsuit seeking Oregon voter rolls
The Justice Department filed a lawsuit against Oregon in September seeking its voter registration list, which contains the sensitive information of nearly 3.8 million registered voters.
UPS to slash workforce by up to 30,000 jobs this year
UPS executive said the delivery company is moving to cut costs and plans to offer a voluntary separation program for full-time drivers.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Here's what to expect at the Fed's first interest rate meeting of 2026
Jerome Powell will announce the central bank's next interest rate decision on Jan. 28 amid political and legal turmoil involving the Fed.
Amazon is closing its Amazon Fresh grocery and Go convenience stores
Amazon acknowledged it hasn't yet "created a truly distinctive customer experience" in announcing move to scale back its brick-and-mortar grocery business.
UPS to slash workforce by up to 30,000 jobs this year
UPS executive said the delivery company is moving to cut costs and plans to offer a voluntary separation program for full-time drivers.
Social media giants face trial over allegations their tech is addictive
In a potentially bellwether case, a plaintiff alleges that social media companies deliberately design their platforms to target children.
Newsom probing TikTok over alleged suppression of anti-Trump content
California Gov. Gavin Newsom says he's launching a probe into allegations that TikTok censored content critical of President Trump.
Politics
More Politics
Families of 2 men killed in Caribbean boat strike sue U.S. government
The families of two Trinidadian men who were killed in a boat strike sued the U.S. government, arguing the "premeditated and intentional killings lack any plausible legal justification."
Judge tosses Justice Department lawsuit seeking Oregon voter rolls
The Justice Department filed a lawsuit against Oregon in September seeking its voter registration list, which contains the sensitive information of nearly 3.8 million registered voters.
Judge in Minnesota orders ICE chief to appear in court
The judge ordered the acting head of ICE to appear in his courtroom on Friday and explain why he should not be held in contempt of court.
Shapiro says Minneapolis mission "must be terminated," says Noem should be fired
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said Tuesday that the Trump administration's immigration crackdown in Minnesota "must be terminated" following the deadly shooting of a Minneapolis man by federal agents.
Alex Vindman, Army vet who testified against Trump, enters Florida Senate race
Alex Vindman, a key figure in President Trump's first impeachment, is running for the U.S. Senate in Florida as a Democrat.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Trump policies at odds with emerging understanding of COVID's long-term harm
Studies offer insights into the health risks and burdens faced by people who have had COVID infections. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has narrowed COVID vaccine recommendations and cut research.
Pediatrics group releases vaccine recommendations, breaks with CDC
The AAP is recommending immunization against 18 diseases. Earlier this month, the CDC reduced its recommendations for childhood vaccines to 11 diseases.
Academy of Pediatrics vaccine reccomendations
The American Academy of Pediatrics released its own recommendations for childhood vaccinations Monday. The list differs significantly from the reduced vaccine schedule released earlier this month by the CDC. Dr. Amanda Kravitz, pediatrician at Weill Cornell in New York City, joins CBS News to discuss.
Winter storm brings warnings about heart attack risk of shoveling snow
Cardiologists say shoveling snow can increase a person's risk of experiencing a heart attack.
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.
World
More World
Families of 2 men killed in Caribbean boat strike sue U.S. government
The families of two Trinidadian men who were killed in a boat strike sued the U.S. government, arguing the "premeditated and intentional killings lack any plausible legal justification."
Experts warn "AI slop" distorting history as world remembers the Holocaust
Holocaust memorial officials and historians say a proliferation of "entirely fabricated" digital content is distorting the Nazi's wartime horrors.
With all Israeli hostages recovered, U.N. pushes for next steps in Gaza
With all Israeli hostages now recovered from Gaza, there's a push for the Israel-Hamas peace plan to move to phase-two, but that brings its own challenges.
Milan mayor says ICE agents not welcome for Winter Olympics
As reports say ICE will join the U.S. security detail at the Winter Olympics in Milan, the Italian city's mayor calls it "a militia that kills."
Australia sizzles in blistering heat wave with temperatures as high as 120
Parts of Australia were sweltered in record temperatures of close to 122 degrees as the country sweated through a prolonged heat wave even as bitter cold covered much of the U.S.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Natalia Lafourcade reflects on music career
Natalia Lafourcade is the most awarded woman in Latin Grammy history with 20 awards. This year, she's up for best Latin pop album at the Grammys, which would be her fifth Grammy if she wins. Lafourcade spoke to Anthony Mason about her music journey and rise to fame.
Ye, formerly Kanye West, reveals brain injury, apologizes for antisemitic remarks
In a full-page ad in the Wall Street Journal, Ye, the artist formerly known as Kanye West, revealed that the right frontal lobe of his brain was injured in a car accident 25 years ago.
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."
Technology
More Technology
Amazon is closing its Amazon Fresh grocery and Go convenience stores
Amazon acknowledged it hasn't yet "created a truly distinctive customer experience" in announcing move to scale back its brick-and-mortar grocery business.
Social media giants face trial over allegations their tech is addictive
In a potentially bellwether case, a plaintiff alleges that social media companies deliberately design their platforms to target children.
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.
Newsom launches probe into TikTok content
California Gov. Gavin Newsom has launched an investigation into TikTok's content, accusing the social media platform of suppressing content that is critical of President Trump. The probe comes just days after a deal was finalized to reduce its Chinese ownership and keep it running in the U.S. Kelly O'Grady explains.
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.
Science
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Mysterious dark matter seen in new map of distant galaxies
Dark matter doesn't absorb or give off light so scientists can't study it directly. But they can observe how its gravity warps and bends the star stuff around it.
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.
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 "productive" phone call Monday morning, during which he says the president agreed to consider a reduction of federal immigration enforcement forces in Minnesota.
"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
More Space
Mysterious dark matter seen in new map of distant galaxies
Dark matter doesn't absorb or give off light so scientists can't study it directly. But they can observe how its gravity warps and bends the star stuff around it.
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.
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
Amy DuBois Barnett on new book
Author and former media executive Amy DuBois Barnett joined CBS News with more on her experience at Ebony and Teen People, and her new novel "If I Ruled The World."
Former envoy on combating antisemitism
Noa Tishby, Israel's former special envoy for combating antisemitism and delegitimization, joined CBS News with her take on the rise of antisemitism and conflict in the Middle East as the world marks Holocaust Remembrance Day.
U.S. carrier strike group nears Iran
More military might is approaching the Middle East and nearing Iran, the U.S. military's Central Command confirmed. CBS News' Holly Williams reports.
Beatrice Dixon on building her company
Beatrice Dixon talks about the challenges that she's overcome in life and shares her journey to building her business, The Honey Pot Company, which launched in 2014. The feminine care brand includes plant-derived washes, wipes and more.
Millions of Americans in frigid temperatures
Deaths linked to the winter storm that swept across the U.S. are climbing. CBS News' Nicole Valdes reports from Nashville, Tennessee, and Rob Marciano has the latest weather forecast.