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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.
House GOP agenda stalls over holdouts' insistence on SAVE America Act
The holdouts blocked Speaker Mike Johnson's plan to merge the SAVE America Act with the annual defense policy bill before sending it over to the Senate.
How the Supreme Court ruled on Trump's agenda this term
The court's decisions cemented Mr. Trump's authority over vast swathes of the government, while delivering significant setbacks to his agenda in other areas.
Consumers need protection from AI agents, lawmaker says
Sen. Mark Warner wants to create a federal registry of trusted AI agents and ensure autonomous bots operate like fiduciaries.
Details emerge of Taylor Swift-Travis Kelce wedding events at MSG
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding plans include a rehearsal dinner and a late-night celebration at Madison Square Garden in New York City, according to sources familiar with the security planning.
Egg producers reach federal and state settlement after price-fixing probe
Three U.S. egg producers will be required to provide 53 million eggs to food banks and to pay a $3.3 million financial penalty.
MoneyWatch
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Consumers need protection from AI agents, lawmaker says
Sen. Mark Warner wants to create a federal registry of trusted AI agents and ensure autonomous bots operate like fiduciaries.
Egg producers reach federal and state settlement after price-fixing probe
Three U.S. egg producers will be required to provide 53 million eggs to food banks and to pay a $3.3 million financial penalty.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce wedding rumors fuel big bets on prediction markets
The impending wedding of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce has already generated more than $4.5 million in wagers, according to Kalshi.
Less than 40% of U.S. households can afford a starter home, study finds
The typical non-homeowner household earns about $7,000 less than what's needed to buy an entry-level home, according to LendingTree.
AI could make people dull, one scientist fears. Here's why.
AI tends to "play it safe within a user's preferences," nudging people toward more conventional choices, according to computational social scientist Sandra Matz.
Politics
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Trump announces first-ever Republican midterm convention in Dallas
President Donald Trump has announced that Republicans will hold their first-ever national convention ahead of the midterm elections in Dallas.
DOJ investigating Sen. Ruben Gallego's use of campaign funds, sources say
The probe focuses on Gallego's use of campaign funds for family trips, a source told CBS News. He has denied wrongdoing.
House GOP agenda stalls over holdouts' insistence on SAVE America Act
The holdouts blocked Speaker Mike Johnson's plan to merge the SAVE America Act with the annual defense policy bill before sending it over to the Senate.
How the Supreme Court ruled on Trump's agenda this term
The court's decisions cemented Mr. Trump's authority over vast swathes of the government, while delivering significant setbacks to his agenda in other areas.
House sinks Rep. Rashida Tlaib's second war powers resolution on Lebanon
The House voted Tuesday on an updated version of the measure after Democratic leaders opposed the original language.
HealthWatch
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HealthWatch
What is the viral trend looksmaxxing?
Looksmaxxing is a viral and controversial trend that encourages young men to maximize their appearance. Adam Yamaguchi shows why it's resonating with some people.
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.
World
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U.S. announces new bank alert targeting powerful drug cartel
Two men and nine companies are accused of being tied to a cartel-linked fuel theft ring intended to evade taxes while generating tens of millions of dollars annually.
House sinks Rep. Rashida Tlaib's second war powers resolution on Lebanon
The House voted Tuesday on an updated version of the measure after Democratic leaders opposed the original language.
Arrests made after bomb attack targets reporter threatened by mafia
Sigfrido Ranucci had just returned home at the time of the explosion, and his daughter had walked by a half-hour before, his employer said.
Rescuers cling to hope for survivors 6 days after Venezuela earthquakes
The earthquakes that hit Venezuela 6 days ago may have damaged or destroyed 58,000 buildings, NASA says, as rescuers race the clock to find survivors.
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.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
New details on Swift-Kelce wedding events
After all the speculation, law enforcement sources are revealing new information about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding events this holiday weekend. CBS News' Anna Schecter reports.
Taylor Swift's history with MSG, from talent competition to wedding bash
Taylor Swift has had a decadeslong history with Madison Square Garden, performing there as early as 2003 and even celebrating her 30th birthday at the venue.
Clues at MSG fuel Swift-Kelce wedding rumors
Crews were seen unloading covered equipment from trucks into Madison Square Garden on Tuesday, fueling rumors that Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce could be holding their wedding there this weekend.
Details emerge of Taylor Swift-Travis Kelce wedding events at MSG
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding plans include a rehearsal dinner and a late-night celebration at Madison Square Garden in New York City, according to sources familiar with the security planning.
Tidal to label AI-generated music
Music streaming service Tidal has launched a new policy that will flag any music detected as being fully-generated by AI. Tony Gervino, executive vice president and editor-in-chief of Tidal, joins CBS News to discuss.
Technology
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Consumers need protection from AI agents, lawmaker says
Sen. Mark Warner wants to create a federal registry of trusted AI agents and ensure autonomous bots operate like fiduciaries.
AI could make people dull, one scientist fears. Here's why.
AI tends to "play it safe within a user's preferences," nudging people toward more conventional choices, according to computational social scientist Sandra Matz.
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.
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.
Science
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Science
NASA strives to save doomed telescope
NASA is in a race against time as the Swift Observatory telescope in orbit sinks closer to Earth. CBS News consultant William Harwood explains the $30 million salvage operation.
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.
Crime
More Crime
U.S. announces new bank alert targeting powerful drug cartel
Two men and nine companies are accused of being tied to a cartel-linked fuel theft ring intended to evade taxes while generating tens of millions of dollars annually.
Suspect in D.C. Israeli murders back in court
The man accused of killing two Israeli embassy staffers in Washington, D.C., is back in court today. CBS News crime and public safety unit's senior coordinating producer Anna Schecter has more on the case.
Arrests made after bomb attack targets reporter threatened by mafia
Sigfrido Ranucci had just returned home at the time of the explosion, and his daughter had walked by a half-hour before, his employer said.
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.
Space
More Space
NASA astronauts operate on space station's broken robot arm
The orbital surgery on the International Space Station returned the Canadian-built robot arm to full health after its "wrist" joint failed last month.
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.
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
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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.
Rep. Kean reveals depression diagnosis
New Jersey Republican Rep. Tom Kean was back on Capitol Hill Tuesday, where he announced his four-month, previously unexplained absence from Congress was due to depression. CBS News congressional correspondent Nikole Killion reports.
Democratic Socialists co-chair on path forward
Democratic socialists are facing a test of power out west in the primary race for Colorado's First Congressional District. Ashik Siddique, Democratic Socialists of America co-chair, joins "The Takeout" to discuss.
Breaking down birthright citizenship decision
The Supreme Court on Tuesday affirmed a more than 100-year-old principle that if you're born in the U.S., you're an American citizen. CBS News' Natalie Brand and Jessica Levinson have more.
Trump praises SCOTUS ruling on trans athletes
President Trump on Tuesday praised the Supreme Court's decision allowing states to ban transgender athletes from competing in girls' and women's sports. CBS News senior White House correspondent Weijia Jiang reports.