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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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Chocolate supplement recalled over erectile dysfunction drug
USALESS.COM is recalling its Rhino Choco VIP 10X product due to the undeclared presence of Tadalafil, which is the active ingredient in Cialis.
CBS News poll on Americans' views on Iran prior to conflict
Americans weighed in on how long a conflict with Iran might last and what Congress should do.
Exclusive
Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei calls White House's actions "retaliatory and punitive"
Hours before Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei's interview, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth deemed the AI company a "supply chain risk to national security," which restricts military contractors from doing business with Anthropic.
A Hawaii man tackled his sports gambling addiction by offering free surf lessons
For Buddy Wiggins of Honolulu, Hawaii, the end result of a yearslong sports gambling addiction has come to this: soliciting strangers on the beach.
Renee Good's family spent "hours in limbo" after she was fatally shot
Renee Good's family said they spent agonizing "hours in limbo," unsure of the details surrounding her fatal shooting by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer in Minneapolis last month.
MoneyWatch
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Exclusive
Anthropic CEO says he's sticking to AI "red lines" despite clash with Pentagon
After the Trump administration cut it off, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei told CBS News in an exclusive interview Friday night he wants to work with the military — but only if it addresses the firm's concerns.
Hegseth declares Anthropic a "supply chain risk to national security"
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth deemed artificial intelligence firm Anthropic a supply chain risk on Friday, following days of increasingly heated public conflict with the AI company.
Robots, already in hospitals, are ready to roll in other industries
In the years to come, robots will help offset worker shortages in health care, manufacturing and other industries, experts say.
Book excerpt: "Streetwise" by Lloyd Blankfein
In his new memoir, the former CEO of Goldman Sachs writes about a life that stretched from the projects of New York City to the pinnacle of Wall Street.
Small business owner is already giving her customers a tariff refund
"If somebody charges you something and it's unlawful, they should give you your money back," Dame CEO Alexandra Fine said.
Politics
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Cotton says U.S., allies looking at "weeks, not days" in Iran
"We're probably looking at weeks, not days, of joint efforts by the United States, Israel and our Arab partners, who have also been attacked this morning," Sen. Tom Cotton told CBS News on Saturday.
Iran's Khamenei presumed dead after U.S.-Israel strikes, sources say
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is presumed dead after a massive U.S. and Israeli military operation Saturday, multiple Israeli official sources and a senior U.S. intelligence official told CBS News.
CBS News poll on Americans' views on Iran prior to conflict
Americans weighed in on how long a conflict with Iran might last and what Congress should do.
U.S. politicians react after Trump launches military operation against Iran
Trump ally Sen. Lindsey Graham said the operation would be "violent, extensive and I believe, at the end of the day, successful."
Exclusive
Read the full transcript of our interview with Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei
Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei sat down with CBS News for an exclusive interview Friday, hours after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared the company a supply chain risk to national security.
HealthWatch
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Chocolate supplement recalled over erectile dysfunction drug
USALESS.COM is recalling its Rhino Choco VIP 10X product due to the undeclared presence of Tadalafil, which is the active ingredient in Cialis.
College student's mystery illness diagnosed as Stage IV cancer
Emma Operacz was diagnosed with a rare cancer at 21. An unusual treatment and bone marrow donation from her sister saved her life.
Medicaid is paying for more dental care. GOP cuts threaten to reverse the trend.
More than three dozen states cover dental services for people on Medicaid, but with about $900 billion in cuts expected to hit states over the next decade, many programs could roll back dental coverage.
Health premiums threaten their nest egg. A terminal diagnosis may spare it.
Chaz and Jean Franklin were facing a sevenfold increase in their health premium payments with the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies for Affordable Care Act plans. Then Jean received a crushing diagnosis.
Could "kidulting" be the way to take the work out of your workout?
A British gym chain is offering classes in "kidulting," luring adults into fitness with classes built around playground and PE class classics.
World
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Body of notorious cartel boss "El Mencho" returned to family
Mexico's attorney general's office said it performed genetic tests to match the cartel leader's remains to the family.
Cotton says U.S., allies looking at "weeks, not days" in Iran
"We're probably looking at weeks, not days, of joint efforts by the United States, Israel and our Arab partners, who have also been attacked this morning," Sen. Tom Cotton told CBS News on Saturday.
Iran's Khamenei presumed dead after U.S.-Israel strikes, sources say
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is presumed dead after a massive U.S. and Israeli military operation Saturday, multiple Israeli official sources and a senior U.S. intelligence official told CBS News.
Map shows military strike locations across Iran
A map created by the CBS News data team shows the strike locations across Iran, including the capital and the site of a major nuclear facility.
CBS News poll on Americans' views on Iran prior to conflict
Americans weighed in on how long a conflict with Iran might last and what Congress should do.
Entertainment
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Actor Shia LaBeouf arrested again on battery charge in New Orleans
Shia LaBeouf, who was charged with battery after police say he punched several people outside a New Orleans bar earlier this month, was arrested again on Saturday.
Renate Reinsve's remarkable rise
Oscar-nominated actress Renate Reinsve sits down with "CBS Saturday Morning" to discuss her journey to the mainstage and her nomination for her role in "Sentimental Value."
Breaking down the economics of Taylor Swift
Misty Heggness, an economist and professor, joins "CBS Saturday Morning" to discuss her new book "Swiftynomics: How Women Mastermind and Redefine Our Economy."
Iron & Wine performs "In Your Ocean"
Iron & Wine is the long-running and widely acclaimed project of American singer-songwriter Sam Beam. The five-time Grammy nominee's eighth full-length album "Hen's Teeth" is out now and features collaborations with the folk trio "I'm With Her" and backing vocals from his daughter Arden. Here's Iron & Wine performing "Singing Saw."
Iron & Wine performs "Roses"
Iron & Wine is the long-running and widely acclaimed project of American singer-songwriter Sam Beam. The five-time Grammy nominee's eighth full-length album "Hen's Teeth" is out now and features collaborations with the folk trio "I'm With Her" and backing vocals from his daughter Arden. Here's Iron & Wine performing "Roses."
Technology
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Exclusive
Anthropic CEO says he's sticking to AI "red lines" despite clash with Pentagon
After the Trump administration cut it off, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei told CBS News in an exclusive interview Friday night he wants to work with the military — but only if it addresses the firm's concerns.
Anthropic CEO on "punitive" Pentagon action
In an exclusive interview with CBS News, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei said that the Pentagon's decision to designate the AI company a supply chain risk is "retaliatory and punitive." The Pentagon made the designation, which restricts military contractors from doing business with Anthropic, after the company refused to give the military unfettered access to its AI model.
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.
Exclusive
Full interview: Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei
Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei sat down with CBS News for an exclusive interview, hours after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared the company a supply chain risk to national security, which restricts military contractors from doing business with the AI giant. Amodei called the move "retaliatory and punitive," and he said Anthropic sought to draw "red lines" in the government's use of its technology because "we believe that crossing those lines is contrary to American values, and we wanted to stand up for American values."
Anthropic CEO on "red lines" for AI military use
Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei said in an exclusive interview with CBS News that the AI company sought to draw "red lines" in the government's use of its technology because "we believe that crossing those lines is contrary to American values, and we wanted to stand up for American values." He added: "Disagreeing with the government is the most American thing in the world."
Science
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NASA announces major overhaul of Artemis moon program "to take down risk"
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced significant changes to the agency's Artemis program, which aims to land on the moon in 2028.
What scientists will be looking for when government UFO files are released
Documents might help scientists shed light on unexplained phenomena and government secrets, experts said.
In a first, shark seen on camera in Antarctica waters, surprising researchers
A large shark was caught on camera for the first time in Antarctica's waters, surprising researchers. "There's a general rule of thumb that you don't get sharks in Antarctica," one said.
How Washington's crossing of the Delaware presaged a changing world
On the evening of Christmas 1776, Gen. George Washington surprised the King's forces by leading the Continental Army in a surprise crossing of a near-frozen Delaware River - a watershed military maneuver that dramatized a changing America, and a changing climate.
These United States: George Washington and climate change
On the evening of Christmas 1776, Gen. George Washington surprised the King's forces by leading the Continental Army in an unanticipated crossing of a near-frozen Delaware River. Environmental correspondent David Schechter looks at how Washington's watershed military maneuver dramatized both a changing America, and a changing climate.
Crime
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Body of notorious cartel boss "El Mencho" returned to family
Mexico's attorney general's office said it performed genetic tests to match the cartel leader's remains to the family.
Actor Shia LaBeouf arrested again on battery charge in New Orleans
Shia LaBeouf, who was charged with battery after police say he punched several people outside a New Orleans bar earlier this month, was arrested again on Saturday.
Bill Clinton opening statement for deposition
Former President Bill Clinton is being deposed by members of the House Oversight Committee over his alleged links to Jeffrey Epstein. CBS News' Nikole Killion reports.
Did ICE lie before detaining NYC student?
Columbia University acting president Claire Shipman described the ICE detention of student Elmina "Ellie" Aghayeva, claiming agents gained entry to a residential building by stating they were police seeking a missing child. CBS News' Tom Hanson reports.
Bill Clinton's turn for Epstein deposition
Former President Bill Clinton is up next for a deposition before members of the House Oversight Committee regarding his alleged links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. CBS News' Nikole Killion reports.
Space
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Space
Why NASA is overhauling Artemis program
NASA has announced a major overhaul of its Artemis moon program amid ongoing safety concerns. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood has more details.
How NASA plans to get astronauts on the moon
NASA announced an overhaul to its Artemis moon program as safety concerns persist. CBS News space contributor Christian Davenport breaks down the key takeaways.
NASA announces major overhaul of Artemis moon program "to take down risk"
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced significant changes to the agency's Artemis program, which aims to land on the moon in 2028.
Safety concerns over NASA's Artemis program
NASA's Artemis II mission continues to face concerns and delays. Scott E. Parazynski, a former astronaut, joins CBS News with more.
NASA rolls Artemis II back for repairs
NASA is rolling back the Artemis II moon rocket from its launch pad at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. It is expected to take up to 12 hours to move the 322-foot rocket, with the journey spanning four miles back to its hangar for repairs. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood has more.
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
What's Trump's goal for the Iran regime?
Behnam Ben Taleblu, a senior fellow at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracy, tells The Free Press that the U.S. should work toward a total "regime evolution" in Iran. "It really is go big or go home," Taleblu said.
Mixed reactions after U.S.-Israel attack on Iran
Democratic and Republican lawmakers had mixed reactions to the U.S. and Israel's massive operation against Iran. CBS News' Caitlin Huey-Burns has more on the response from Capitol Hill.
Masih Alinejad on U.S.-Israel attack on Iran
Iranian-American activist and CBS News contributor Masih Alinejad said Iranians are experiencing a range of emotions, including hope and concern, after U.S. and Israel launched a major operation against Iran. She added Iranians are concerned the attack won't lead to regime change, which she says is a "huge risk for people inside Iran." She also reacted to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's statement on the military operation and reports that Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is presumed dead after the strikes.
Iran's supreme leader presumed dead: Report
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is presumed dead after a joint attack Saturday by the U.S. and Israel, Israeli officials tell CBS News. Tony Dokoupil anchors a Special Report.
Ex-Israeli ambassador reacts to Iran strikes
Former Israeli ambassador to the U.S. and The Free Press contributor Michael Oren said there "is not much choice" but to support regime change in Iran, while critics contend that any major military action against Tehran would require prior authorization from Congress. The Free Press is a Paramount publication.