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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.
Ross Fire still burning, with over 90,000 acres scorched
The wildfire, which has torn through Palo Pinto and Jack counties, forced evacuations, closed roads and disrupted schools.
Why some key GOP candidates are skipping Trump-backed midterm convention
President Trump and top GOP leaders are gathering in Dallas for a midterm convention, though some Republicans in competitive races are opting to skip it and campaign in their home districts or states.
TSA program will allow some people to go through security without a ticket
The Transportation Security Administration has launched a new program at 13 airports, allowing eligible TSA PreCheck members without plane tickets to pass through security and enter the gates.
Lowell lashes Hawaii, knocking out power to thousands as flood risk continues
Fierce winds downed trees and caused widespread power outages on the island of Kauai, home to 73,000 residents.
Apple event expected to debut foldable iPhone and new CEO John Ternus
Apple's Sept. 9 tech showcase is set to feature new CEO John Ternus unveiling its first foldable iPhone and the iPhone 18.
MoneyWatch
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Apple event expected to debut foldable iPhone and new CEO John Ternus
Apple's Sept. 9 tech showcase is set to feature new CEO John Ternus unveiling its first foldable iPhone and the iPhone 18.
Bombardier caught in the crossfire of escalating U.S.-Canada feud
President Trump threatened to ban Bombardier sales in the U.S. as Canada's retaliatory tariffs take effect. Here's what to know about the aircraft maker.
Goldman Sachs warns oil prices could hit $120 as U.S. fuel costs surge
Higher gas and diesel prices have cost Americans an additional $100 billion since the Iran war began, according to a Brown University tracker.
Canada's retaliatory tariffs on $20 billion in U.S. goods take effect
Canada's steep retaliatory tariffs on $20 billion in U.S. goods took effect just after midnight ET on Tuesday, deepening the trade war between the two countries.
Drought, rising costs and beef import pressures squeeze Wyoming ranchers
"It's been a year that I hope we never do it again," said Lander Nicodemus, owner of Torrington Livestock Markets, which auctions about 450,000 head of cattle each year.
Politics
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Why some key GOP candidates are skipping Trump-backed midterm convention
President Trump and top GOP leaders are gathering in Dallas for a midterm convention, though some Republicans in competitive races are opting to skip it and campaign in their home districts or states.
TSA program will allow some people to go through security without a ticket
The Transportation Security Administration has launched a new program at 13 airports, allowing eligible TSA PreCheck members without plane tickets to pass through security and enter the gates.
Trump administration asks Supreme Court to allow use of citizenship database
The Trump administration asked the Supreme Court to intervene in a lawsuit over the use of a controversial data system to review state voter rolls.
Lonnie Bunch, Smithsonian leader, to retire amid Trump criticism
Historian Lonnie Bunch will leave his position as secretary of the Smithsonian at the end of the year, he announced Tuesday.
N.H. voters choose nominees for open Senate seat, and more races to watch today
Both Democrats and Republicans are targeting the Senate seat that will be vacated by Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, who is not running for reelection.
HealthWatch
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NYC officials release unseen post-9/11 air quality documents
New York City officials released thousands of previously unseen documents questioning the air quality at Ground Zero following the 9/11 attacks.
What is postpartum psychosis?
Experts discuss the symptoms, diagnosis and stigma surrounding postpartum psychosis (not to be confused with postpartum depression), a psychiatric emergency with symptoms that can be extreme and dangerous, as testified in the trial of Lindsay Clancy.
What is postpartum psychosis?
Postpartum psychosis (not to be confused with postpartum depression) is a psychiatric emergency with symptoms that can be extreme and dangerous, as testified in the trial of Lindsay Clancy. Correspondent Faith Salie talks with experts about the symptoms, diagnosis and stigma surrounding postpartum psychosis; and with a mother whose experience of hallucinations and distorted reality soon after giving birth threatened her and her family.
A woman was in pain for decades. A chance meeting helped her learn why.
Dawn Jemison started dealing with pelvic pain as a preteen. It took decades to learn why — and to find a solution.
Employer and worker health plan costs expected to jump in 2027
Employer health benefit costs are projected to see the steepest increase next year since 2003. That could mean higher deductions and out-of-pocket costs for workers.
World
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London police use tech to tackle masked phone snatchers
Police say fewer people in London are getting their phones stolen by criminals speeding by on bikes and mopeds thanks to a dedicated task force with an "eye in the sky."
U.S. envoy warns U.K. against new plan to sanction Israeli settlements
Britain and 11 other U.S. allies say they'll sanction trade with Israeli settlements in the West Bank, citing an "unprecedented level of settler violence."
Ukrainian woman designing a ballistic missile to put Moscow in reach
Before Russia invaded, Iryna Terekh designed patios. Now she runs a Ukrainian defense company testing a missile she says will soon put Moscow in range.
Lithuania training civilians to defend against a Russian invasion
Lithuania is teaching civilians young and old to help defend their tiny nation from a hypothetical Russian invasion, and telling Putin, "We don't fear you."
France investigates removal of female Eiffel Tower staff for Hindu group's visit
The mayor of Paris announced an investigation into why female staff at the Eiffel Tower were taken off duty for a visit from a Hindu religious group.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Details on new Elizabeth Holmes doc
Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim's new documentary about Elizabeth Holmes is "probably the wildest documentary I've ever seen," according to Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair's senior Hollywood correspondent, who was there for the documentary's secret premiere. Ford joined CBS News with more details.
John Legend announces new album
John Legend announced a new album, "Muse," set to be released in late October. Legend sat down with Nate Burleson to discuss the album's new sound and his collaboration with Pharrell.
Secret Elizabeth Holmes documentary makes debut
Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes, already serving an 11-year sentence for defrauding investors, is now also the star of a new documentary co-created by an absurdist comedian. CBS News' Lilia Luciano has the story.
King Charles: Harry, Meghan won't work as royals
Prince Harry and Megan Markle have returned to the U.K., but not to any official royal duties. But just in case there is any hint of confusion, King Charles released a letter of clarification on Monday. CBS News' Holly Williams has details.
Fall television season set to begin
Labor Day weekend not only marks the traditional end of summer, but the start of the fall television season. The Hollywood Reporter senior editor Alex Weprin joins CBS News to discuss.
Technology
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Apple event expected to debut foldable iPhone and new CEO John Ternus
Apple's Sept. 9 tech showcase is set to feature new CEO John Ternus unveiling its first foldable iPhone and the iPhone 18.
Data center development turns some landowners into millionaires
Most Americans say they're opposed to data centers. But a lucky few have gotten rich selling their land to data center developers.
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 hypes GPT-6 Astra
OpenAI announced GPT-6 Astra as its most powerful model yet, with some saying that the era of artificial general intelligence is here. Meanwhile, concerns about cybersecurity and tech regulation are rising. Axios tech policy reporter Maria Curi joins CBS News with more.
The positive side of data centers
While data centers bother many, some lucky landowners have become millionaires by selling property to developers. Kelly O'Grady reports.
Science
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Ig Nobel prizes go to scientists studying cockroach milk, nose-blowing, more
Ten research teams were honored at a satirical science awards ceremony that was hosted outside the U.S. for the first time due to travel concerns. A study of cockroach milk was among the winners.
Vote on the fattest marmot now
Marmots, not bears, are the largest "true" hibernating mammal, UCLA marmot researchers Katie Adler and Emily Renkey say. The two share more fun facts about these cute creatures and explain how to vote for the fattest marmot.
NASA plans to launch new space telescope
NASA's new telescope could change the way we see space. With a wide-field camera that will reveal an area up to 200 times larger than the Hubble Space Telescope, and an orbit a million miles from Earth, the Nancy Grace Roman telescope is expected to find tens of thousands of unknown exoplanets.
Invasive Joro spiders are "slowly spreading." Here's what to do if you see one.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park told visitors Tuesday that invasive Joro spiders "may be hanging in a web near you."
A summer of extremes: Weathering a hotter world
July was the hottest month ever in the Lower 48 States – another escalation of our world into a hotter, more dangerous planet, where extreme weather events – such as heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes – will become more common and more extreme.
Crime
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Crime
U.S. Marshals find 79 missing children
The U.S. Marshals Service announced that it found 79 missing and endangered children across Ohio in August. The Marshals Service worked with federal, state and local partners to find the children during Operation Meridian. CBS News' Anna Schecter has more.
Judge orders bond increase of $10M for Barry Morphew after arrest
A Colorado judge ordered an increase in bond for murder suspect Barry Morphew on Tuesday from $3 million to $10 million cash only.
Remains found 49 years ago in North Carolina identified as teen runaway
Skeletal remains found in North Carolina in 1977 have been identified as those of Cindy Marcell Blizzard, a 15-year-old girl who ran away from her home in Monkton, Maryland, investigators said.
Details on new Elizabeth Holmes doc
Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim's new documentary about Elizabeth Holmes is "probably the wildest documentary I've ever seen," according to Rebecca Ford, Vanity Fair's senior Hollywood correspondent, who was there for the documentary's secret premiere. Ford joined CBS News with more details.
Woman in court for allegedly killing her son
An Illinois woman is in court on Tuesday after being charged with murdering her 2-year-old son. Prosecutors say she was heavily invested in the Lindsay Clancy murder trial. CBS News Chicago's Darius Johnson has more. (Warning: This video may contain violent and disturbing content. Viewer discretion is advised.)
Space
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NASA launches its Roman Space Telescope to explore the hidden universe
NASA's Roman Space Telescope launched shortly after daybreak from Kennedy Space Center and blazed toward an observation point 1 million miles away.
Roman Space Telescope promises 300-megapixel views of the cosmos
The $4.3 billion telescope is expected to discover tens of thousands of exoplanets while probing the nature of mysterious dark matter and energy.
First on CBS
Trump to honor Artemis II crew with nation's top space medal
President Trump plans to award the Congressional Space Medal of Honor to the crew of NASA's Artemis II mission in a ceremony Aug. 28.
NASA's Swift telescope will plunge toward Earth after rescue mission called off
The mission to save NASA's sinking space telescope has been called off, dooming the telescope to a fiery reentry later this year.
NASA images show 60-foot-wide crater on moon after SpaceX rocket booster crash
A NASA spacecraft circling the moon is providing the sharpest views yet of the crater carved by a crashing SpaceX rocket.
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.
Dolly Parton: An extraordinary life in pictures
Dolly Parton, the country music legend who became a feminist icon, has died at the age of 80. Here is a look back at her life in pictures.
Investigating the death of designer Sylvie Cachay
Sylvie Cachay was found dead in an overflowing bathtub at the exclusive Soho House in New York City on Dec. 9, 2010. A water leak at the hotel gave away a timeline that may have revealed her killer.
Summer music highlights of 2026
Summer is the time to enjoy live music, indoors and out. Scroll through our gallery of some of 2026's leading musical acts, featuring images by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
Photos show celebrations at Obama Presidential Center
The Obama Presidential Center, museum and library opens in Chicago with a star-studded grand opening ceremony and public watch party on Midway Plaisance.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
U.S. Marshals find 79 missing children
The U.S. Marshals Service announced that it found 79 missing and endangered children across Ohio in August. The Marshals Service worked with federal, state and local partners to find the children during Operation Meridian. CBS News' Anna Schecter has more.
Trump and Putin held call, Russia says
Russian officials reported on Tuesday that President Trump had a call with Vladimir Putin over a visit to Moscow by U.S. peace envoys. CBS News White House reporter Olivia Rinaldi has more.
OpenAI launches new Astra model with warning
OpenAI has launched it's new artificial intelligence model, Astra. Greg Bensinger, technology reporter with Reuters, joins CBS News to discuss the new model.
Escape from the World Trade Center on 9/11
A bank employee, who was on the 78th floor of the south tower, and a Morgan Stanley executive, who was on the 70th floor, share the miraculous tale of their escape to safety on 9/11.
Inside the push to let teens vote in local races
A growing movement across the U.S. is pushing to lower the voting age to 16 for local elections. CBS News correspondent Natalie Brand visited a couple of the cities that have already taken the step to see how it's working.