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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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Rex Heuermann, accused Gilgo Beach serial killer suspect, expected to plead guilty
Accused Gilgo Beach serial killer suspect Rex Heuermann is due in a Long Island courtroom Wednesday, where he is expected to plead guilty to murdering seven women.
Watch Live: Hegseth, Caine holding news briefing after ceasefire announcement
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine are giving an update to reporters at the Pentagon.
Bible stories might be made required reading for Texas public school students
A proposal to make Bible stories required reading in Texas public schools is putting the state at the center of another contentious battle over the role of religion in classrooms.
Trump admin. personnel agency is asking for federal workers' medical records
The Office of Personnel Management is asking insurers that cover federal employees and retirees to hand over details about their medical visits, their pharmacy claims, and more.
Republican Clay Fuller to replace Marjorie Taylor Greene in House
Republican Clay Fuller faced Democrat Shawn Harris in a Georgia runoff election after Marjorie Taylor Greene stepped down from her House seat.
MoneyWatch
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AI will affect more than half of all U.S. jobs, analysis finds
Artificial intelligence is more likely to change the nature of work than to supplant masses of workers, according to researchers.
Average cost to raise a child now tops $300,000, study finds
Raising a child through age 18 is most expensive in Hawaii, where a family would spend an estimated $412,661 in 2026, LendingTree found.
Lawmakers call for CFTC crackdown on prediction markets
Prediction market bets on the fate of U.S. service members are "morally corrupt and completely unacceptable," one lawmaker said.
Gas prices could top $5 if Strait of Hormuz stays shut, J.P. Morgan says
Gas prices in the U.S. could near a record high later this month if the Strait of Hormuz remains sealed, energy industry experts warn.
Delta hikes bag check fee by up to $50 as jet fuel prices soar
Delta is the third major U.S. carrier to hike its bag fees, as airlines face surging jet fuel costs and other headwinds from the Iran war.
Politics
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Watch Live: Hegseth, Caine holding news briefing after ceasefire announcement
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine are giving an update to reporters at the Pentagon.
Bible stories might be made required reading for Texas public school students
A proposal to make Bible stories required reading in Texas public schools is putting the state at the center of another contentious battle over the role of religion in classrooms.
Trump admin. personnel agency is asking for federal workers' medical records
The Office of Personnel Management is asking insurers that cover federal employees and retirees to hand over details about their medical visits, their pharmacy claims, and more.
Mullin visits town devastated by Hurricane Helene, promises reforms to FEMA
In his first official visit to a tiny North Carolina town devastated by Hurricane Helene, new Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin reassured locals he intends to reform FEMA — not eliminate it.
Republican Clay Fuller to replace Marjorie Taylor Greene in House
Republican Clay Fuller faced Democrat Shawn Harris in a Georgia runoff election after Marjorie Taylor Greene stepped down from her House seat.
HealthWatch
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Exclusive
2 more drug companies to officially launch on TrumpRx
Two more drug-making giants, Abbvie and Genentech, will start selling popular medications on the White House's discounted pharmaceutical site as soon as Monday.
Social media driving teens toward steroids, extreme body transformations
Behind some of the viral physiques lies a troubling trend: the use of a powerful drug never approved for humans.
Scientist with rare ALS genetic mutation looks to experimental treatment
Every few months for the past three years, Jeff Vierstra has been receiving infusions in his spine that target and disable a mutated gene that made it likely he would develop ALS.
New ALS treatment brings hope to patients
"CBS Saturday Morning" looks at an experimental treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease, that is bringing hope to some patients suffering from the neurodegenerative disease. To inquire about possible participation in Silence ALS, an initiative to develop individualized gene-based therapies for patients with other rare genetic forms of ALS, please write to silenceals@cumc.columbia.edu.
He thought he was in good health — until fainting during a bike ride
John Cantrell was enjoying his retirement until an unexpected condition forced him to choose between two kinds of heart surgery.
World
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Watch Live: Hegseth, Caine holding news briefing after ceasefire announcement
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine are giving an update to reporters at the Pentagon.
Live
Markets embrace Iran ceasefire news despite ongoing strikes
Iran's attacks on Gulf states appear to continue but traffic slowly resumes in the Strait of Hormuz after Trump announces a conditional ceasefire.
California man who co-founded powerful Mexican cartel pleads guilty in U.S.
Erick Valencia Salazar, aka "El 85," formed the Jalisco New Generation Cartel with "El Mencho" who was killed by the Mexican army in February.
Few Republicans condemn Trump's Iran threat, Democrats call for removal
Republicans in Congress largely stayed silent, while dozens of Democrats called for President Trump to be removed from office after he threatened "a whole civilization will die tonight."
Trump announces "double sided ceasefire" with Iran, says Strait of Hormuz must reopen
President Trump said he has agreed to a "double sided CEASEFIRE" with Iran, less than two hours before his deadline for Iran to either cut a deal with the U.S. or face massive strikes on its power plants.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Extended interview: Billy Idol
Billy Idol speaks with Anthony Mason about his music career, his life, his stage persona and more.
Kanye West barred from entering U.K. after criticism over antisemitic remarks
A major music festival featuring the rapper formerly known as Kanye West was canceled after the U.K. government blocked Ye from entering the country.
Extended interview: Mumford & Sons
Marcus Mumford, Ben Lovett and Ted Dwane, members of Mumford & Sons, talk to Anthony Mason about their new album, "Prizefighter," moving forward without Winston Marshall in the band and their upcoming tour.
Referees honor "Hoosiers" decades later
The movie "Hoosiers" was released nearly 40 years ago, but its legacy lives on through a group of Indiana referees and a basketball icon in the state. Omar Villafranca reports.
Controversy surrounding the movie "The Drama"
(Spoilers ahead): The new film "The Drama," which stars Zendaya and Robert Pattinson, is stirring controversy and even some criticism over a shocking admission made by Zendaya's character. Nigel Smith, a senior news editor with People, breaks down the big reveal and if he thinks the backlash is warranted.
Technology
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AI will affect more than half of all U.S. jobs, analysis finds
Artificial intelligence is more likely to change the nature of work than to supplant masses of workers, according to researchers.
H-1B visa program changes impact global talent
Trump administration changes to the U.S. H-1B visa program have impacted the global talent coming to the U.S. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul reports from India.
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.
The $100,000 H-1B visa fee is impacting the U.S.'s ability to attract global talent
According to numbers from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, more than 70% of H-1B visa holders in 2024 were Indian.
New film on risks and rewards of AI
"CBS Mornings" sits down with Tristan Harris, co-founder and president of the Center for Humane Technology, who is featured in the 2026 documentary, "The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist."
Science
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Stunning photos from Artemis II show Earth, moon, eclipse from space
The astronauts aboard Artemis II are the first humans to see some parts of the far side of the moon with the naked eye.
Artemis II astronauts speak during historic lunar mission
On Monday, the astronauts aboard the Artemis II spacecraft will loop around the Moon's far side, part of a mission pushing human beings farther from Earth than anyone has ever been. Correspondent Mark Strassmann talked with commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, and mission specialists Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen as the crew was about 180,000 miles from home, preparing for their historic lunar flyby.
Artemis II crew begins "crazy first day" in space after exhilarating launch
NASA's Artemis II astronauts will spend about 24 hours orbiting the Earth and running checks on their spacecraft and life support systems before heading to the moon.
CBS News studio shakes as Artemis II launches
Four astronauts are traveling around the moon on Artemis II, going further from Earth than anyone before. CBS News' Mark Strassmann and Peter King have more.
What Artemis II astronauts will do in space
Former NASA astronaut Clayton Anderson joins CBS News to discuss what the Artemis II astronauts will do as they orbit the Earth after takeoff.
Crime
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Breaking
Rex Heuermann, accused Gilgo Beach serial killer suspect, expected to plead guilty
Accused Gilgo Beach serial killer suspect Rex Heuermann is due in a Long Island courtroom Wednesday, where he is expected to plead guilty to murdering seven women.
California man who co-founded powerful Mexican cartel pleads guilty in U.S.
Erick Valencia Salazar, aka "El 85," formed the Jalisco New Generation Cartel with "El Mencho" who was killed by the Mexican army in February.
CBS News tracks down doctor connected to fraud
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced a widening federal crackdown on fraud on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Adam Yamaguchi tracked down a doctor whose practice raised multiple red flags.
Update on CA hospice care investigation
CBS News' Adam Yamaguchi is seeking answers from a hospice doctor who submitted claims for more than 20 times the number of patients that the average California doctor cares for in a year.
Shooting near Israeli Consulate in Istanbul
Local officials confirmed a shooting near the Israeli Consulate in Istanbul, Turkey. CBS News' Ramy Inocencio reports.
Space
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Stunning photos from Artemis II show Earth, moon, eclipse from space
The astronauts aboard Artemis II are the first humans to see some parts of the far side of the moon with the naked eye.
Artemis II crew on path back to Earth after historic trip around the moon
The Artemis II crew flew farther from Earth than any humans in history as they passed over the far side of the moon on Monday night.
Artemis II astronauts find hidden Easter eggs as they close in on the moon
The NASA astronauts also sent down Easter messages Sunday while gearing up for a historic pass behind the moon Monday.
Artemis II crew take new photo of far side of the moon
The crew of NASA's Artemis II mission captured a new image of the far side of the moon, which the agency released Sunday.
Despite toilet trouble, Artemis II crew reflects on wonder of deep space experience
Amid ongoing toilet trouble, the Artemis II astronauts reflected on the wonder of sailing through deep space to the moon.
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
Extended interview: Billy Idol
Billy Idol speaks with Anthony Mason about his music career, his life, his stage persona and more.
Ex-astronauts react to Artemis II's lunar flyby
On Monday, the Artemis II crew traveled farther from Earth than any human before. As the Orion capsule made its lunar flyby, the four astronauts aboard became the first humans to see some parts of the moon's far side with the naked eye. Several former NASA astronauts joined CBS News to weigh in on the historic moment.
Details on Iranian proposal at center of ceasefire
President Trump has announced that he will suspend attacks on Iran for two weeks. CBS News' Imtiaz Tyab, Courtney Kealy and Aaron MacLean have the latest.
Antonio Villaraigosa on California governor bid
The crowded field of Democratic candidates running for governor of California is splitting the liberal vote so much that two Republican candidates are regularly polling at the top in the blue state. Democratic candidate and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa joins "The Takeout" to discuss his campaign.
Artemis II astronauts on Day 7
With the Artemis II crew making its way back home to Earth, NASA has released stunning photos the astronauts took during their historic lunar fly-by. CBS News national correspondent Mark Strassmann has more from the Johnson Space Center in Houston.