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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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Consumer confidence slides amid concerns over the Iran war
Stock market volatility is hitting higher-income Americans, driving a sharper drop in consumer sentiment.
FBI Director Kash Patel's personal email breached by hackers linked to Iran
Iran-linked cyber criminals accessed FBI Director Kash Patel's personal email account, sources said.
Iran war fallout raises odds of a U.S. recession, economists say
Economists say the conflict in Iran is making a recession more likely, with higher energy prices hitting consumers and businesses.
Suspect in "Lovers' Lane" cold case murders arrested 36 years later
On Aug. 23, 1990, Cheryl Henry, 22, and her boyfriend Andy Atkinson, 21, were found dead in what has been called the "Lover's Lane Murders."
Epstein survivors sue government, Google over release of personal info
The Justice Department has made public millions of pages from its investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
MoneyWatch
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Consumer confidence slides amid concerns over the Iran war
Stock market volatility is hitting higher-income Americans, driving a sharper drop in consumer sentiment.
Iran war fallout raises odds of a U.S. recession, economists say
Economists say the conflict in Iran is making a recession more likely, with higher energy prices hitting consumers and businesses.
Netflix raises its subscription prices for the second time in 2 years
The price hike raises the cost of the standard plan with ads by $1 per month and the cost of the standard and premium plans by $2.
Savannah Guthrie is returning to "Today" show on April 6, NBC says
Savannah Guthrie stepped back from her NBC duties almost two months ago when her mother, Nancy Guthrie, disappeared. The investigation is ongoing.
Judge blocks Pentagon from labeling Anthropic AI a "supply chain risk"
A judge has blocked the Trump administration from labeling Anthropic a supply chain risk and cutting off all federal work with the artificial intelligence firm, an early win for Anthropic in its bitter feud with the government.
Politics
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Iran's response to U.S. peace proposal expected Friday, sources say
The Iranian response to the U.S.' 15-point peace proposal is expected on Friday, multiple sources familiar with the matter told CBS News.
FBI Director Kash Patel's personal email breached by hackers linked to Iran
Iran-linked cyber criminals accessed FBI Director Kash Patel's personal email account, sources said.
Ethics panel finds most violations proven against Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick
The full committee will recommend sanctions for Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, a Florida Democrat, after the House's April recess.
Epstein survivors sue government, Google over release of personal info
The Justice Department has made public millions of pages from its investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Live
DHS funding live updates as Senate-approved bill heads to House
The pressure now shifts to the House to end the Department of Homeland Security shutdown that has severely disrupted air travel in some major airports. Follow live updates.
HealthWatch
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What to know about the "wild, wild West" of viral peptide claims
Here's what to know about peptides, what they can and can't do, and what's driving viral claims about possible health benefits online.
CDC's acting chief promises a return to stability in a tumultuous moment
Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, head of the National Institutes of Health and interim leader of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told staff a permanent CDC director could be nominated soon. "I know that it has been such a difficult year," he said.
FDA says billionaire's claims about cancer drug Anktiva are misleading
Federal health officials posted a warning about misleading statements by biotech billionaire Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong about his company's bladder cancer drug Anktiva.
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.
World
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Iran's response to U.S. peace proposal expected Friday, sources say
The Iranian response to the U.S.' 15-point peace proposal is expected on Friday, multiple sources familiar with the matter told CBS News.
FBI Director Kash Patel's personal email breached by hackers linked to Iran
Iran-linked cyber criminals accessed FBI Director Kash Patel's personal email account, sources said.
Man jailed for attacking woman after Barron Trump alerted police
Matvei Rumiantsev was sentenced for the attack which was witnessed on a video call by President Trump's youngest son.
Live
Iran halts 3 ships in Strait of Hormuz, rejects Trump's diplomacy claims
As Trump again postpones his ultimatum to Iran and claims talks are "going very well," Tehran says he's lying and blocks 3 ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
Ex-cop suspected of killing mothers of his children arrested in Portugal
Police said they found two bodies a day after stopping Cedric Prizzon in a car with his two children.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Billy Idol on his career highs and lows
Rockstar Billy Idol spoke to Anthony Mason about how he broke into music, why he says he's lucky to be alive and what it's like to be a grandparent.
How "Love Story" has captivated audiences
The finale of the FX series "Love Story" aired Thursday and has captivated audiences as it follows the romance between John F. Kennedy. Jr. and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy. The limited series focuses on well-documented moments in the couple's lives, but fills in the rest with fiction. It has also received some backlash. Adriana Diaz reports.
Savannah Guthrie on mom's disappearance
Savannah Guthrie is speaking out about her mom's disappearance as she prepares to return to the "Today" show. CBS News' Jonathan Vigliotti reports.
Savannah Guthrie is returning to "Today" show on April 6, NBC says
Savannah Guthrie stepped back from her NBC duties almost two months ago when her mother, Nancy Guthrie, disappeared. The investigation is ongoing.
Camila Morrone talks new horror series
Camila Morrone, who stars in the series "Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen," speaks to "CBS Mornings" about the show, what intimidated her about the horror genre, and working with the Duffer brothers.
Technology
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Technology
Kentucky family rejects millions for land
A mother and daughter in Kentucky have turned down a $26 million offer for their land. The offer came from an unnamed tech company wanting to build a data center. CBS News' Jared Ochacher spoke with the family.
CBS News poll analysis on what jobs AI should be doing
As AI use rises, many see it decreasing the number of jobs available.
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.
What jobs are most at risk from AI
New research from the Society of Human Resource Management shows which regions and jobs are most at risk from artificial intelligence. Johnny Taylor, president and CEO of SHRM, joins CBS News to discuss the findings.
Why this week's social media verdicts could hold tech giants to account
Experts say the rulings could expose tech companies to more litigation and pressure them to make changes to their apps.
Science
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Sharks in Bahamas test positive for caffeine, painkillers, cocaine
Marine biologists found detectable levels of caffeine, cocaine and the over-the-counter painkillers in the blood of 28 sharks.
What to know about the "wild, wild West" of viral peptide claims
Here's what to know about peptides, what they can and can't do, and what's driving viral claims about possible health benefits online.
Amputee sea turtle being tracked at sea from space
The staff at a Florida sea turtle hospital is monitoring some animals they've rehabilitated from space -- especially amputees, such as one they named Amelie, who's back at sea.
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.
Crime
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Suspect in "Lovers' Lane" cold case murders arrested 36 years later
On Aug. 23, 1990, Cheryl Henry, 22, and her boyfriend Andy Atkinson, 21, were found dead in what has been called the "Lover's Lane Murders."
Utah child's kidnapping case raises alarm
A Utah woman is facing criminal charges for allegedly kidnapping a boy she claims bullied her child. CBS News' Matt Gutman reports.
Man jailed for attacking woman after Barron Trump alerted police
Matvei Rumiantsev was sentenced for the attack which was witnessed on a video call by President Trump's youngest son.
Takeaways from Nicolás Maduro's court hearing
A federal judge rejected former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's request to dismiss charges against him. CBS News' Katrina Kaufman breaks down the key takeaways from the court hearing on Thursday.
Savannah Guthrie on mom's disappearance
Savannah Guthrie is speaking out about her mom's disappearance as she prepares to return to the "Today" show. CBS News' Jonathan Vigliotti reports.
Space
More Space
In a first, scientists observe a comet reversing its spin
The comet originated in the outer solar system and visits the inner solar system every 5.4 years.
Fireball captured on video as meteor streaks across Pacific Northwest sky
As the number of people with cameras on their dashboards and doorbells has grown, so have reports of such sightings.
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.
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
Girl talks playing Mozart's childhood violin
Freya Chen, who is just 9 years old, talks about becoming the first person in the United States to play Wolfgang Mozart's childhood violin. She's joined by her teacher, Elizabeth Chang. The two give advice to others who want to play an instrument.
Daily multivitamin may slow biological aging
A new study suggests taking a daily multivitamin may slow biological again in adults over the age of 60. Alpa Shah, the senior director for medical and scientific affairs at Haleon explains what the study found and how slowing our biological age could translate to clinical health benefits. (Sponsored by Centrum Silver).
Utah child's kidnapping case raises alarm
A Utah woman is facing criminal charges for allegedly kidnapping a boy she claims bullied her child. CBS News' Matt Gutman reports.
U.S. moves to help South African refugees
The Free Press' Madeleine Rowley reported on the living conditions that South African refugees were facing after being brought to the U.S. by the Trump administration. Now, the government is moving to help them.
Billy Idol on his career highs and lows
Rockstar Billy Idol spoke to Anthony Mason about how he broke into music, why he says he's lucky to be alive and what it's like to be a grandparent.