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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.
Ford recalls more than 741,000 vehicles due to faulty park system
Ford estimates that 1% of the vehicles have the defect, according to the recall notice.
Over half a million dollars stolen from ATMs in "jackpotting" scheme
Four men are accused of stealing more than half a million dollars from ATMs in Connecticut, in a "jackpotting scheme," authorities said.
GOP Rep. Tom Kean set to return to Congress today after mysterious illness
The New Jersey congressman missed more than 140 votes since March 5 as those around him declined to give specifics about his medical issue.
This number helps explain why many Americans are down on the economy
American workers' share of the nation's income is at its lowest point in almost 80 years, as more of the economy's gains flow to corporations and investors.
D.C.'s July 4th fireworks will have "TSA-style" security
This year's Fourth of July celebrations in D.C. — marking the nation's 250th birthday — will include hours of military flyovers and a massive fireworks display that could stretch late into the night.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Ford recalls more than 741,000 vehicles due to faulty park system
Ford estimates that 1% of the vehicles have the defect, according to the recall notice.
He dreamed of becoming a physician assistant. New loan rules may thwart him.
Starting July 1, the government will cap what graduate students may borrow in federal loans, forcing many toward private lenders with higher interest rates.
This number helps explain why many Americans are down on the economy
American workers' share of the nation's income is at its lowest point in almost 80 years, as more of the economy's gains flow to corporations and investors.
Here's what to know about Medicare's new GLP-1 weight-loss drug program
For the first time, Medicare will cover GLP-1 drugs prescribed solely for weight loss for eligible beneficiaries at a $50 monthly copay.
Iran war has cost Americans $1,000 per household, economist estimates
The Iran war has significantly driven up the cost of fuel, airfare and other U.S. goods, according to Moody's Analytics chief economist Mark Zandi.
Politics
More Politics
He dreamed of becoming a physician assistant. New loan rules may thwart him.
Starting July 1, the government will cap what graduate students may borrow in federal loans, forcing many toward private lenders with higher interest rates.
Democratic primaries in Colorado mark latest fight over party's direction
One week after Democratic insurgent victories in New York, the focus is now moving to Colorado, where challenges in a trio of races are threatening candidates backed by the party establishment.
GOP Rep. Tom Kean set to return to Congress today after mysterious illness
The New Jersey congressman missed more than 140 votes since March 5 as those around him declined to give specifics about his medical issue.
Colorado Supreme Court rejects efforts to put redistricting on the ballot
The Colorado Supreme Court on Monday delivered a death blow to ballot measures aimed at handing Democrats seven of Colorado's eight Congressional seats.
D.C.'s July 4th fireworks will have "TSA-style" security
This year's Fourth of July celebrations in D.C. — marking the nation's 250th birthday — will include hours of military flyovers and a massive fireworks display that could stretch late into the night.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
He dreamed of becoming a physician assistant. New loan rules may thwart him.
Starting July 1, the government will cap what graduate students may borrow in federal loans, forcing many toward private lenders with higher interest rates.
Here's what to know about Medicare's new GLP-1 weight-loss drug program
For the first time, Medicare will cover GLP-1 drugs prescribed solely for weight loss for eligible beneficiaries at a $50 monthly copay.
Former NFL star Chris Johnson says he's been diagnosed with ALS
Former NFL running back Chris Johnson announced that he was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, in a "Good Morning America" interview.
Mom gets answers after fighting for diagnosis: "Something's wrong"
Michelle Williams struggled with high blood pressure and swelling for years before she was finally diagnosed with an unusual condition.
Internal emails show how RFK Jr.'s team sought to sway the CDC
A trove of emails offers a new look at how the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention navigated some of the most controversial decisions of President Trump's second term.
World
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Prince Harry "exploring every option" to bring family on U.K. visit
Prince Harry's request for taxpayer-funded police protection during a visit home this summer was reportedly rejected by U.K. authorities.
Fossil found in drawer turns out to be first dinosaur bone from Antarctica
Dinosaur fossils are rare to find in Antarctica because of the unforgiving ice caps. But millions of years ago, the region was populated by lush forests.
Live
U.S.-Iran peace efforts inch along, mired by Israel's fight with Hezbollah
A long-term U.S.-Iran peace deal may depend on a separate agreement between Israel and Lebanon. Analysts say that presents a problem.
Body of suspected bear attack victim found on mountain
Fatal maulings in the last three months have jumped fivefold compared to last year, according to government data.
Ukrainian construction tycoon possibly targeted in Monaco explosion
French and Ukrainian media say an explosive device left in a Monaco apartment building seriously wounded construction magnate Vadym Iermolaiev and his wife.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Taylor Swift wedding mystery deepens
Will Taylor Swift be marrying Travis Kelce this week at Madison Square Garden? Jericka Duncan reports.
Carl Rinsch sentenced to 2.5 years in prison for defrauding Netflix
According to prosecutors and testimony, Carl Rinsch told Netflix he needed $11 million to finish a show, but spent whopping sums on luxury cars, watches and other goods, including $638,000 on two mattresses.
Aide who planned JFK Jr.'s secret wedding weighs in on Swift-Kelce rumors
RoseMarie Terenzio, who was JFK Jr.'s former chief of staff and planned his secret wedding to Carolyn Bessette, said she doesn't think Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are getting married at Madison Square Garden.
Olivia Wilde, Edward Norton on "The Invite"
Olivia Wilde and Edward Norton, stars of "The Invite" preview the film, which explores the unraveling and evolution of two very different marriages over the course of an unforgettable evening. The two discuss if they brought any of their own experiences to the movie and Wilde, who also directed the film, shares why she was initially reluctant to star in it.
Preview of "The Angry Birds Movie 3"
"CBS Mornings" exclusively reveals the trailer for "The Angry Birds Movie 3." The film stars Jason Sudeikis and debuts in theaters on Dec. 23.
Technology
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Technology
U.S. eases restrictions on Mythos AI model
The Trump administration is allowing Anthropic to restore access to its Mythos 5 AI model for a select group of U.S. companies and federal agencies. New York Times tech reporter Sheera Frenkel joins CBS News to discuss.
How trains drove American history
The transcontinental railroad changed just about everything in America: transportation, communications, commerce, cities, politics, even our perception of time. Correspondent David Pogue visits Steamtown National Historic Site, in Scranton, Pa., home to Big Boy, the biggest functioning steam train in the world, to learn how trains helped define an expansive America.
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.
California creates AI job trend tracker
California now has the nation's first dashboard to publicly track artificial intelligence-related job trends, ones created and ones lost. As of now, early findings show no evidence of rising statewide unemployment from jobs exposed to AI. Till von Wachter, a faculty director of the California Policy Lab at UCLA, joins "The Takeout" to discuss.
Gadget prices have fallen for decades. Then AI happened.
The race to build AI data centers is leading to a global shortage of memory chips, driving up the cost of personal electronics.
Science
More Science
Fossil found in drawer turns out to be first dinosaur bone from Antarctica
Dinosaur fossils are rare to find in Antarctica because of the unforgiving ice caps. But millions of years ago, the region was populated by lush forests.
NASA prepares to launch rescue to save telescope from falling to Earth
The $30 million salvage operation gets underway as soon as this week with the planned launch of a robotic lifesaver.
Astronomers find 2 gigantic planets lighter than cotton candy
The featherweight pair — orbiting a star 1,110 light-years away — are the biggest exoplanets found to have less density than cotton candy.
Ancient Egyptian burial site reveals centuries of changing traditions
Human and animal remains unearthed in Egypt's Nile Delta reveal changing funerary practices over some 600 years, and the evolution of a key site itself.
Telescope snaps most detailed photo yet of Milky Way's heart
Euclid is on a mission to chart one-third of the sky in the hopes of shedding light on the enduring mysteries of dark matter and dark energy.
Crime
More Crime
Over half a million dollars stolen from ATMs in "jackpotting" scheme
Four men are accused of stealing more than half a million dollars from ATMs in Connecticut, in a "jackpotting scheme," authorities said.
Monaco attack injures at least 3
Officials say a bomb went off at a residential building in Monaco, leaving at least three people injured, including a Ukrainian businessman. Chris Livesay reports.
Carl Rinsch sentenced to 2.5 years in prison for defrauding Netflix
According to prosecutors and testimony, Carl Rinsch told Netflix he needed $11 million to finish a show, but spent whopping sums on luxury cars, watches and other goods, including $638,000 on two mattresses.
6 killed, suspect arrested in shooting at German youth center, police say
German police say a suspect was in custody and six were killed in a rare shooting that took place at a youth center in Stade, near Hamburg.
Alex Murdaugh to return to court
Alex Murdaugh is expected back in court in South Carolina on Monday for the first time since the state Supreme Court overturned his convictions for killing his son and wife. Skyler Henry reports.
Space
More Space
NASA prepares to launch rescue to save telescope from falling to Earth
The $30 million salvage operation gets underway as soon as this week with the planned launch of a robotic lifesaver.
Astronomers find 2 gigantic planets lighter than cotton candy
The featherweight pair — orbiting a star 1,110 light-years away — are the biggest exoplanets found to have less density than cotton candy.
Telescope snaps most detailed photo yet of Milky Way's heart
Euclid is on a mission to chart one-third of the sky in the hopes of shedding light on the enduring mysteries of dark matter and dark energy.
Interstellar comet may be oldest object ever seen in solar system
Exactly where the comet 3I/ATLAS came from within the Milky Way remains a mystery.
Researchers find "Pink Planet" has salty clouds: "We were very surprised"
The "Pink Planet," formally known as GJ504b, was discovered in 2013 and is technically not a planet but rather a "planetary-mass companion."
Latest Galleries
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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.
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.
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.
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
6/27: CBS Weekend News
High winds and heat are fueling Utah's out-of-control wildfires; Iranian drones target Bahrain after U.S. strikes Iran.
Urgent mission to save NASA telescope
There's an urgent mission to save NASA's Swift Observatory, which is falling back into the Earth's atmosphere and at risk of burning up. Mark Strassmann reports on the rescue operation.
Birthright citizenship case to be decided
The Supreme Court on Tuesday is expected to weigh in on the legality of President Trump's efforts to limit birthright citizenship, and several other big cases. Jan Crawford has more.
Alligator attacks raise concerns
There have been three alligator attacks in central Florida in a week, including an incident that killed a 31-year-old woman. Meanwhile in Mexico, a crocodile killed a 28-year-old tourist, authorities say. Cristian Benavides reports.
Monaco attack injures at least 3
Officials say a bomb went off at a residential building in Monaco, leaving at least three people injured, including a Ukrainian businessman. Chris Livesay reports.