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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.
FedEx to offer same-day delivery as it battles with Amazon, other retailers
FedEx said it will give customers the option of two-hour or end-of-day delivery, including for large and oversized packages.
OpenAI pulls the plug on its Sora AI video app
OpenAI said Tuesday that it will discontinue the company's Sora app, which let users create AI-generated videos.
U.S. expected to deploy troops from 82nd Airborne to Middle East for Iran war
A command element and some ground forces are expected to be part of the Middle East deployment, according to a source familiar with the planning.
Oil trades surged before Trump's Iran post. Some experts are suspicious.
Trading in crude oil futures spiked only minutes before President Trump postponed an ultimatum on Iran, causing oil prices to drop and stocks to surge.
Delta suspends special services for lawmakers amid government shutdown
Delta is temporarily halting specialty services for members of Congress, citing strain on its resources during the partial government shutdown.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
FedEx to offer same-day delivery as it battles with Amazon, other retailers
FedEx said it will give customers the option of two-hour or end-of-day delivery, including for large and oversized packages.
OpenAI pulls the plug on its Sora AI video app
OpenAI said Tuesday that it will discontinue the company's Sora app, which let users create AI-generated videos.
Oil trades surged before Trump's Iran post. Some experts are suspicious.
Trading in crude oil futures spiked only minutes before President Trump postponed an ultimatum on Iran, causing oil prices to drop and stocks to surge.
Delta suspends special services for lawmakers amid government shutdown
Delta is temporarily halting specialty services for members of Congress, citing strain on its resources during the partial government shutdown.
Epic Games lays off 1,000 workers as CEO says the cuts aren't tied to AI
The video game maker is cutting 1,000 workers as it struggles to keep players engaged with Fortnite.
Politics
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U.S. expected to deploy troops from 82nd Airborne to Middle East for Iran war
A command element and some ground forces are expected to be part of the Middle East deployment, according to a source familiar with the planning.
Delta suspends special services for lawmakers amid government shutdown
Delta is temporarily halting specialty services for members of Congress, citing strain on its resources during the partial government shutdown.
NASA to spend $20 billion on ambitious moon base
In an on-going overhaul of NASA's Artemis program, agency officials say it will take seven years to build a sophisticated base on the moon.
Exclusive
Venezuelan man deported to CECOT prison sues U.S. for $1.3 million
A Venezuelan man who was deported from the U.S. and detained at CECOT prison in El Salvador has become the first known ex-prisoner to sue the U.S. for damages.
Minnesota officials sue federal government over Good, Pretti probes
Minnesota officials allege they're being blocked from probing the shootings of Renee Good, Alex Pretti and Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis by federal agents.
HealthWatch
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More parents are refusing routine newborn preventative care, study finds
Doctors fear that skepticism, fueled by anti-science sentiment and mistrust, is extending beyond vaccines to other proven, routine care.
Complex procedure saves officer with chest pain, heart condition
Transit Officer Paul DeGeorge thought his son was lying on him. Then he realized something much scarier was happening.
Judge blocks parts of RFK Jr.'s vaccine agenda, including revised schedule
A judge blocked a set of changes to the childhood vaccine schedule recommended by allies of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, dealing a setback to the Trump administration's efforts to overhaul federal vaccine policy.
Changes in organ donor status can fall through cracks in the system
Patchwork state policies and limited federal oversight have led to a fragmented system for tracking organ donor status.
A dad's colon cancer spread to lungs. He says what happened next was a miracle.
Spencer Laird was diagnosed with colon cancer at 26. At 30, he was told it had returned and spread to his lungs, with one tumor the size of a golf ball.
World
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U.S. expected to deploy troops from 82nd Airborne to Middle East for Iran war
A command element and some ground forces are expected to be part of the Middle East deployment, according to a source familiar with the planning.
600-year-old pinot noir grape seed found in medieval hospital
The seed reveals that people in France have been cultivating the popular variety of grape since at least the 1400s, scientists say.
Trump to host King Charles, Dutch royals in separate visits
In separate visits, President Trump is planning to host monarchs from the United Kingdom and the Netherlands next month.
Pit viper among new species discovered in cave in Cambodia
Researchers in Cambodia surveyed dozens of previously unexplored caves and found several species never seen before, including a pit viper that is still being studied.
Exclusive
Group claiming antisemitic attacks threatens U.S., Israeli interests worldwide
A shadowy group claiming antisemitic attacks in Europe amid the Iran war tells CBS News it will target "U.S. and Israeli interests worldwide."
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Makers of "The AI Doc" on tech's peril, promise
A new documentary examines the artificial intelligence boom and its potential risks to humanity, featuring interviews with top AI company CEOs and other experts. Co-director Charlie Tyrell and producer Ted Tremper join CBS News to discuss the making of the film, "The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist."
Patrick Ball on medical drama "The Pitt"
"The Pitt" star Patrick Ball tells "CBS Mornings" he had been auditioning since 2013 and didn't think his acting dreams were "ever going to happen" when he was cast in the medical drama. He also opens up about how the series is personal for him.
Lisa Kudrow on making "The Comeback"
In 2005, the "Friends" star played Valerine Cherish, a washed-up sitcom actress, in the HBO comedy "The Comeback." The show was cancelled, but it earned a cult following, and returned in 2014. Now, "The Comeback" is itself making a comeback.
Extended interview: Lisa Kudrow
In this web exclusive, Emmy-winning actress Lisa Kudrow talks with Tracy Smith about "Friends," and her HBO show "The Comeback."
Lisa Kudrow on making "The Comeback"
"Friends" star Lisa Kudrow played a washed-up sitcom actress, Valerie Cherish, in the 2005 HBO comedy "The Comeback." The show was cancelled, but it earned a cult following, and then returned in 2014. Now, "The Comeback" is itself making a comeback for a third season. Kudrow talks with correspondent Tracy Smith about her love for playing Phoebe Buffay; her aptitude for "cringe comedy"; and how she found solace following the death of "Friends" castmate Matthew Perry.
Technology
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Technology
Anthropic's case against Pentagon underway
The artificial intelligence company Anthropic is challenging the Pentagon in court after the Trump administration designated it a national security risk. Tom Dupree, former deputy assistant attorney general under President George W. Bush, joins with analysis.
Cybersecurity expert on concerns amid war
The war with Iran is raising cybersecurity concerns in the U.S. Vik Desai, global cybersecurity strategy lead at Accenture, joins CBS News to discuss.
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.
OpenAI pulls the plug on its Sora AI video app
OpenAI said Tuesday that it will discontinue the company's Sora app, which let users create AI-generated videos.
Makers of "The AI Doc" on tech's peril, promise
A new documentary examines the artificial intelligence boom and its potential risks to humanity, featuring interviews with top AI company CEOs and other experts. Co-director Charlie Tyrell and producer Ted Tremper join CBS News to discuss the making of the film, "The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist."
Science
More Science
600-year-old pinot noir grape seed found in medieval hospital
The seed reveals that people in France have been cultivating the popular variety of grape since at least the 1400s, scientists say.
Pit viper among new species discovered in cave in Cambodia
Researchers in Cambodia surveyed dozens of previously unexplored caves and found several species never seen before, including a pit viper that is still being studied.
How a fun nature app aids science
The iNaturalist cellphone app not only helps users identify plant, animal and insect species; it also provides invaluable data to scientists studying biodiversity, species decline, and habitat loss. It also provides opportunities for fun: David Pogue joins iNaturalist fan Martha Stewart in a "bioblitz" – a timed competition with other users to spot and ID species.
Discovery of 1949 whale recording could unlock mysteries of ocean
The song is that of a humpback whale and was recorded by scientists in March 1949 in Bermuda, researchers said.
Sea levels higher than thought due to "methodological blind spot," study says
A new study in the journal Nature says most sea level rise research may have underestimated coastal water heights by an average of 1 foot.
Crime
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Crime
Amputee cornhole player accused of murder
Dayton Webber, a professional cornhole player and quadruple amputee, has been arrested on murder charges for the shooting death of a Maryland man. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul has more.
Suspect details in murder of Loyola student
Prosecutors say Jose Medina, who is accused of killing a Loyola University student, missed his first court appearance Monday because he has been hospitalized and is undergoing treatment for tuberculosis. Medina is facing several charges in the fatal shooting, including first-degree murder. DHS says the alleged shooter is a Venezuelan man living in the U.S. illegally.
Latest news on antisemitic arson attacks
Several Jewish community ambulances were torched in London in a suspected antisemitic arson attack. CBS News' Inaya Folarin Iman reports.
Top cornhole player accused of murder
Dayton Webber, a quadruple amputee known as one of the top professional cornhole players in the U.S., is facing a series of charges including first-degree murder. Shanelle Kaul reports on the case against Webber.
Notorious apartheid police commander "Prime Evil" testifies on killings
Eugene de Kock testified that one of the police officers implicated in the killings had asked him to help assist with a cover-up.
Space
More Space
NASA to spend $20 billion on ambitious moon base
In an on-going overhaul of NASA's Artemis program, agency officials say it will take seven years to build a sophisticated base on the moon.
Artemis II back on launch pad for moon mission
NASA's Artemis II rocket is back on the launch pad after repairs inside the massive Vehicle Assembly Building at the Kennedy Space Center. Early next month, NASA will try, for a second time, to send a crew of four on a flyby of the moon. Mark Strassmann has more.
Possible meteorite crashes into Houston area home, officials say
A possible meteorite crashed into a Houston area house on Saturday night, tearing through the roof and two stories of the home, officials said.
Eileen Collins on breaking barriers in space
Retired NASA astronaut and Air Force Col. Eileen Collins joins "CBS Saturday Morning" to discuss her groundbreaking journey to become the first woman to pilot the Space Shuttle and the first to command a Space Shuttle mission.
Repaired moon rocket heads back to launch pad for April 1 liftoff
After a trip back out to the launch pad, NASA's Artemis II rocket will be readied for a historic flight 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
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Senate closes in on deal to end DHS shutdown
Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said they are working towards reaching a deal to end the partial government shutdown. CBS News congressional reporter Taurean Small has more details.
Anthropic's case against Pentagon underway
The artificial intelligence company Anthropic is challenging the Pentagon in court after the Trump administration designated it a national security risk. Tom Dupree, former deputy assistant attorney general under President George W. Bush, joins with analysis.
Unusual oil trading ahead of Trump announcement
Market watchers are concerned about potential insider trading due to an unusual surge in oil futures trading on Monday morning, just minutes before President Trump announced he would postpone power plant strikes in Iran. CBS News business analyst Jill Schlesinger joins with more.
Trump says Iran "gave us a present"
President Trump on Tuesday told CBS News senior White House and political correspondent Ed O'Keefe that Iran "gave us a present." O'Keefe joins "The Takeout" with the latest. Then, former CIA Deputy Assistant Director for Counterterrorism Joe Zacks joins with analysis.
GOP Rep. Nick LaLota on DHS funding stalemate
House Speaker Mike Johnson told CBS News that he prefers not to split off ICE from Homeland Security funding as the partial government shutdown continues. Republican Rep. Nick LaLota of New York joins "The Takeout" to discuss.