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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.
Ex-judges push to look into "anti-weaponization fund" deal
A group of 35 former federal judges asked a court to reopen a legal dispute between President Trump and the government, calling the deal to create a $1.776 billion "anti-weaponization fund" potentially fraudulent.
New York City man sentenced to 10 years in plot to kill Iranian American writer
A federal judge has given a onetime truck and bus driver charged in an assassination plot against an Iranian American writer a 10-year prison sentence.
Exclusive
Top FEMA official Bob Fenton says "we're ready for hurricane season"
FEMA says it's ready for hurricane season, though it's still racing to recover from months of shutdown disruptions, delayed grants and a depleted Disaster Relief Fund.
Exclusive
Trump visited soldiers at Walter Reed — but not the 14 injured in the Iran war
More than a dozen soldiers injured in Operation Epic Fury are still recovering at the military hospital.
YouTube taking steps to make clear when realistic videos are made by AI
YouTube said it will automatically label photorealistic content created by AI, the video platform said.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
YouTube taking steps to make clear when realistic videos are made by AI
YouTube said it will automatically label photorealistic content created by AI, the video platform said.
Stocks are rallying despite the Iran war and stubborn inflation. Here's why.
The S&P 500 hit a new record on Wednesday, even as soaring gas prices fuel inflation and consumer confidence sinks.
Conservative tech critic seen as leading candidate to be DOJ antitrust chief
The former assistant attorney general for the Justice Department Antitrust Division, Gail Slater, was abruptly terminated in February after clashes with Pam Bondi and Todd Blanche.
How much money you need to earn to afford a home in 49 U.S. cities
A household earning the average income would need to spend 40% of its income to afford the typical U.S. home, according to Redfin.
The safest vehicles for teen drivers and how much they cost
The Insurance Institute and Consumer Reports ranked 96 of the safest cars for teens. Here's what to know.
Politics
More Politics
Ex-judges push to look into "anti-weaponization fund" deal
A group of 35 former federal judges asked a court to reopen a legal dispute between President Trump and the government, calling the deal to create a $1.776 billion "anti-weaponization fund" potentially fraudulent.
U.S. carries out new strikes against Iranian military site, official says
The U.S. military carried out another round of strikes on Iran, a U.S. official confirmed to CBS News on Wednesday, another challenge to a shaky ceasefire between the two countries.
Exclusive
Top FEMA official Bob Fenton says "we're ready for hurricane season"
FEMA says it's ready for hurricane season, though it's still racing to recover from months of shutdown disruptions, delayed grants and a depleted Disaster Relief Fund.
Exclusive
Trump visited soldiers at Walter Reed — but not the 14 injured in the Iran war
More than a dozen soldiers injured in Operation Epic Fury are still recovering at the military hospital.
Takeaways from Texas' primaries: Trump's power, Latino vote, redistricting and more
The November ballot in Texas is now set, after a four-term Republican senator lost to a Trump-endorsed challenger in Tuesday's primary runoffs. Meanwhile, Texas Democrats are angling to win their first Senate race since 1988.
HealthWatch
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HealthWatch
Americans speak on health insurance costs
In the 1800s, Hartford, Connecticut, picked up the nickname, "The Insurance Capital of the World." Tony Dokoupil visits the city to ask people about rising insurance and healthcare costs.
Uganda closes its border with Congo over Ebola outbreak
Uganda on Wednesday ordered the closure of its border with Congo, where suspected cases of a rare type of Ebola are surging.
Sponsored
TV host Ty Pennington on bronchiectasis
HGTV host and designer Ty Pennington opens up about his mother's yearslong battle with bronchiectasis, a chronic lung condition that often goes undiagnosed, and shares tips for caregivers on creating a calm environment. (Sponsored by Insmed)
Trump has third medical exam of the past year
President Trump said his health "checked out perfectly" after a medical checkup on Tuesday. Nancy Cordes reports.
Second Ebola treatment center set on fire in epicenter of disease's outbreak
Angry residents of a town at the epicenter of the Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo attacked and burned a tent that was part of a health center where people are being treated for the virus.
World
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U.S. carries out new strikes against Iranian military site, official says
The U.S. military carried out another round of strikes on Iran, a U.S. official confirmed to CBS News on Wednesday, another challenge to a shaky ceasefire between the two countries.
Uganda closes its border with Congo over Ebola outbreak
Uganda on Wednesday ordered the closure of its border with Congo, where suspected cases of a rare type of Ebola are surging.
Exclusive
Trump visited soldiers at Walter Reed — but not the 14 injured in the Iran war
More than a dozen soldiers injured in Operation Epic Fury are still recovering at the military hospital.
Official complains of persecution over CIA agents' deaths in Mexico
Two CIA agents died in a car crash while accompanying soldiers and state prosecutors in a raid of a drug lab in Chihuahua.
U.S. setting up Ebola quarantine facility in Kenya, officials say
The U.S. is in the process of setting up a quarantine facility in Kenya for Americans who were exposed to Ebola or infected with the deadly illness.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Estelle on her latest album "Stay Alta"
Grammy Award-winning artist Estelle released her sixth studio album, titled "Stay Alta," and joins CBS News 24/7 Mornings to reflect on her career and discuss what this record means for her.
Josh Johnson on new special, career in comedy
Comedian Josh Johnson talks with "CBS Mornings" about finding humor in everyday life, how storytelling is at the center of his jokes and his first HBO special, "Symphony."
Top moments from the American Music Awards
There were 12 new categories this year at the American Music Awards, which were held on Memorial Day. For the second time at the awards show, BTS took home the night's biggest prize.
Extended interview: Josh Johnson
Comedian Josh Johnson talks to CBS News' Vladimir Duthiers about his journey from becoming a writer to a correspondent and host on "The Daily Show," his new special, "Josh Johnson: Symphony" on HBO Max, how his family influenced his comedy and more.
Sonny Rollins, trailblazing jazz saxophonist, dies at age 95
Sonny Rollins, the legendary tenor saxophonist known for his bold tone and constant experimentation, has died at 95.
Technology
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Technology
YouTube revamping its AI labeling system
YouTube unveiled a new AI labeling system on Wednesday, aiming to make it easier for viewers to distinguish between real and AI content. CNET editor-at-large Scott Stein joins CBS News to break down the change.
YouTube taking steps to make clear when realistic videos are made by AI
YouTube said it will automatically label photorealistic content created by AI, the video platform said.
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.
Study evaluates AI's accuracy on news
More than 1 billion people worldwide use artificial intelligence chatbots, but just how accurate are the answers? Forum AI released results from its latest study to determine the accuracy of chatbots in news and current events. Robbie Goldfarb, co-founder of Forum AI, joins CBS News to discuss.
How the U.S. military is using AI in warfare
CBS News' Chris Livesay gets an inside look at how the U.S. military is using artificial intelligence on the battlefield.
Science
More Science
New species of blue octopus discovered 5,900 feet underwater
The new species, named Microeledone galapagensis, has a blue hue, which is believed to be the rarest color in nature.
What we know about new UFO file release
The Pentagon has released another batch of never-before-seen files on reported UFO sightings. CBS News senior national security correspondent Charlie D'Agata reports.
Atlantic hurricane season is coming up. Here's what NOAA predicts.
The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season is quickly approaching, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is releasing its forecast for what to expect.
2 humpback whales swam record-breaking distance, photos reveal
The pictures represent the longest-distance ever seen between two pictures of the same humpback whale, researchers said.
Live chicks hatched from artificial eggshell, biotech company says
Independent scientists say the technology, while impressive, lacks some components to be truly considered an artificial egg.
Crime
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Crime
New evidence in Bahamas disappearance
New forensic evidence appears to contradict Brian Hooker's account of where he says he was the night his wife Lynette went missing in the Bahamas. Cristian Benavides has the details.
Matthew Perry's assistant sentenced
"Friends" star Matthew Perry drowned in his hot tub in 2023 under the effects of ketamine. The 54-year-old's longtime personal assistant, who gave him the fatal injection, pleaded guilty to conspiracy and was sentenced to over three years in prison.
Clues in the Lynette Hooker investigation
An infrared camera mounted on the sailboat used by Brian and Lynette Hooker in the Bahamas could contain clues about her disappearance, CBS News has learned. Cristian Benavides has more.
China executes man for poisoning billionaire Netflix producer
Xu Yao was found guilty of killing Lin Qi, the founder of the company that holds the film adaptation rights for the blockbuster sci-fi trilogy "The Three-Body Problem."
Matthew Perry's assistant to be sentenced
Matthew Perry's assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, will be the fifth and final person sentenced for playing a role in the actor's 2023 ketamine death. Carter Evans reports.
Space
More Space
NASA's moon base plans include landers, buggies and drones for 2028 mission
Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin, Astrolab, Lunar Outpost and Firefly Aerospace are awarded with hundreds of millions of dollars in NASA contracts for the first phase of its moon base plans.
China launches spacecraft with astronaut set to remain in space for a year
China has launched the Shenzhou 23 spacecraft with three astronauts heading to its space station.
SpaceX launches more powerful Super Heavy-Starship rocket
Perfecting SpaceX's mammoth rocket will be critical to NASA's plans for returning astronauts to the surface of the moon.
SpaceX launch of more powerful Super Heavy-Starship rocket scrubbed at last minute
The new rocket features a host of upgrades intended to improve safety and performance of the world's most powerful rocket.
SpaceX to explore "the true nature of the universe" as it plans IPO
Elon Musk's SpaceX is moving ahead with plans to go public in what some expect will be the biggest IPO ever.
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
Political strategists on Texas primary
Democratic strategist Joel Payne and Republican strategist T.W. Arrighi join "The Takeout" with their thoughts on Ken Paxton's win in the Texas GOP Senate primary and President Trump's recent comments that he doesn't care about the upcoming midterm elections.
Jill Biden on husband's 2024 debate
Former first lady Jill Biden tells "CBS Sunday Morning" that she was frightened by President Biden's 2024 debate performance, saying she thought he was having a stroke. The full interview airs Sunday. Political strategists Joel Payne and T.W. Arrighi join "The Takeout" to discuss.
Former Obama adviser Ben Rhodes on Iran
Ben Rhodes, former foreign policy adviser and speechwriter for President Obama, discusses the current war in Iran and President Trump's comments about Obama's 2015 deal with the country.
Video: Driver missing hand pulled over for phone use
Kathleen Thomas was issued a citation in February after a Palm Beach County Sheriff's deputy pulled her over for allegedly using a phone with her right hand. But Thomas doesn't have a right hand. The week, the officer requested that the citation be dismissed. Here's the uncut bodycam footage of the traffic stop.
Christian Menefee on win over Al Green
Rep. Christian Menefee speaks with Major Garrett about his win over Rep. Al Green in Tuesday's Democratic primary for Texas' redrawn 18th Congressional District