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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.
Workers are getting paid to teach AI how to do their jobs
AI companies are recruiting a wide range of temp workers, from writers to wine enthusiasts, for hourly-paid gigs to help train their language models.
Denise Powell projected to win Democratic primary in key Nebraska district
The state's electoral system was a key issue in the 2nd Congressional District primary to replace GOP Rep. Don Bacon.
Why Taiwan is a major flashpoint between the U.S. and China
For decades, U.S. presidents have remained steadfast in their defense of the tiny Asian ally from its neighboring giant.
Body of second U.S. soldier who went missing in Morocco recovered
The Army identified the soldier as Spc. Mariyah Collington.
Sen. Rand Paul's son confronted Rep. Mike Lawler in drunken, antisemitic rant
The senator's son apologized Wednesday, saying he was seeking help for his drinking problem.
MoneyWatch
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Workers are getting paid to teach AI how to do their jobs
AI companies are recruiting a wide range of temp workers, from writers to wine enthusiasts, for hourly-paid gigs to help train their language models.
Musk flew to China near end of OpenAI trial, after judge warned he could be recalled
Elon Musk arrived in Beijing on Wednesday, as his $150 billion lawsuit against OpenAI's Sam Altman played out. But a judge told Musk last month he may be recalled to a California courtroom for further testimony at the request of OpenAI lawyers.
AI is fabricating citations in biomedical studies, researchers find
"Your doctor could be making decisions around treatment based on studies that never existed," one expert said.
How much sway will new Fed Chair Kevin Warsh have over interest rates?
Fed chairs usually have a great deal of influence over the committee that sets interest rates, but their power is not absolute. And experts say Warsh will need to work to form consensus.
Senate confirms Kevin Warsh as Fed chair as Trump presses for lower rates
The Senate voted to confirm Kevin Warsh as chairman of the Federal Reserve, marking a victory for President Trump.
Politics
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Trump demands Medicaid data for deportation. Some states go further.
Several states have required their health agencies to take on another job: verifying immigration status among Medicaid recipients and reporting them to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Xi talks tough on Taiwan during Beijing meeting with Trump
Chinese President Xi Jinping had stern words for President Trump on Taiwan as they met in Beijing, warning of potential "clashes and even conflicts" if the issue isn't "handled properly."
Musk flew to China near end of OpenAI trial, after judge warned he could be recalled
Elon Musk arrived in Beijing on Wednesday, as his $150 billion lawsuit against OpenAI's Sam Altman played out. But a judge told Musk last month he may be recalled to a California courtroom for further testimony at the request of OpenAI lawyers.
Denise Powell projected to win Democratic primary in key Nebraska district
The state's electoral system was a key issue in the 2nd Congressional District primary to replace GOP Rep. Don Bacon.
Why Taiwan is a major flashpoint between the U.S. and China
For decades, U.S. presidents have remained steadfast in their defense of the tiny Asian ally from its neighboring giant.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Trump demands Medicaid data for deportation. Some states go further.
Several states have required their health agencies to take on another job: verifying immigration status among Medicaid recipients and reporting them to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
No Americans showing hantavirus symptoms
Jake Rosmarin is one of the 16 Americans at the University of Nebraska Medical Center being monitored for signs of hantavirus. Ian Lee spoke with him and has more details.
AI is fabricating citations in biomedical studies, researchers find
"Your doctor could be making decisions around treatment based on studies that never existed," one expert said.
New Yorker describes hantavirus quarantine experience after cruise ship outbreak
A New York native is among 16 American passengers who are quarantining in Nebraska after being on the cruise ship that is at the center of the deadly hantavirus outbreak.
Overdose deaths fall for 3rd straight year, CDC data shows
This marks the longest decline in overdose deaths in decades, according to preliminary government data.
World
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Xi talks tough on Taiwan during Beijing meeting with Trump
Chinese President Xi Jinping had stern words for President Trump on Taiwan as they met in Beijing, warning of potential "clashes and even conflicts" if the issue isn't "handled properly."
Why Taiwan is a major flashpoint between the U.S. and China
For decades, U.S. presidents have remained steadfast in their defense of the tiny Asian ally from its neighboring giant.
Body of second U.S. soldier who went missing in Morocco recovered
The Army identified the soldier as Spc. Mariyah Collington.
Lawmakers seek crackdown on China-owned U.S. farmland
President Trump's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping comes as members of Congress are calling for a crackdown on China's ability to acquire U.S. farmland, citing national security concerns.
Exclusive
Netanyahu made secret visit to UAE to meet with country's president, Israel says
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently made a secret visit to the United Arab Emirates, where he met with President Mohammed bin Zayed, sources told CBS News.
Entertainment
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National Recording Registry adds Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Ray Charles, more
The Library of Congress revealed this year's list of 25 recordings to be preserved for future generations on the National Recording Registry.
Troubling trend for touring musicians
Major musicians from Post Malone to Meghan Trainor have recently struggled to sell out stadiums and arenas for their tours. It's a troubling trend being called "blue dot fever" and has led to entertainers canceling some or all of their shows. Ash-har Quraishi reports.
Geena Davis talks new series "The Boroughs"
Actor Geena Davis talks about starring in the new series "The Boroughs," if there are parallels between herself and the character she plays, and why she's drawn to supernatural projects. She also addresses representation in the entertainment industry.
"Top Gun" celebrates 40 years
The action movie "Top Gun," starring Tom Cruise, was released 40 years ago. To celebrate its anniversary, the film and its sequel, "Top Gun: Maverick," are returning to AMC theaters nationwide for one week. Vladimir Duthiers reports.
Stars of "Dutton Ranch" on reprising roles
Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser, the stars and executive producers of "Dutton Ranch," sit down with "CBS Mornings" to talk about reprising their "Yellowstone" roles for the series spinoff. The series premieres May 15 on Paramount+.
Technology
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Workers are getting paid to teach AI how to do their jobs
AI companies are recruiting a wide range of temp workers, from writers to wine enthusiasts, for hourly-paid gigs to help train their language models.
China's most critical issue: Taiwan
Chinese President Xi Jinping has called Taiwan "the most important issue" between his country and the U.S. About 10% of the population in Taiwan wants to reunify with mainland China, and there are real fears that it will fall under communist control. Tony Dokoupil and Anna Coren break down its importance to China and the U.S.
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.
Companies hiring humans to train AI platforms
AI training is an emerging job market where those with specialized skills are paid to train bots to be more accurate and human-like in their responses. The CBS News MoneyWatch team spoke with multiple hiring platforms that pair human experts with AI training jobs. Megan Cerullo has more.
How AI is changing travel
Almost every industry worldwide is integrating artificial intelligence into its operations, and the airline industry is no different. Booking.com CEO Glenn Fogel joins "The Takeout" to discuss AI's impact on travel.
Science
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Emperor penguins in focus as Antarctica talks start in Japan
Greater protections for endangered emperor penguins and how to manage growing tourism are topping the agenda at talks on Antarctica in Japan.
What's in the released UFO files?
The Pentagon released UFO documents on Friday, with President Trump telling the public to "have fun" deciding for itself what is going on. Carter Evans reports.
Trump: UFO files released for transparency
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said it's time for the American people see it for themselves, as the Pentagon started releasing previously classified documents related to UFOs and UAPs. CBS News Pentagon reporter Eleanor Watson has more.
"The Age of Disclosure" director on UFO files
The Pentagon on Friday released and declassified numerous files on UFOs, including eyewitness testimony, photos and reports. Government knowledge of non-human intelligent life was the subject of the documentary "The Age of Disclosure," released in February. Its director and producer, Dan Farah, joins CBS News to discuss.
Pentagon begins releasing UFO files: "It's time the American people see"
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a statement that the documents "have long fueled justified speculation — and it's time the American people see it for themselves."
Crime
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Crime
Videos show shots fired in Philippine Senate
Warning: Distressing video. Authorities in the Philippines tried to arrest a senator on Wednesday, resulting in a burst of gunfire in the Philippine Senate, according to an Associated Press journalist and other witnesses.
Alex Murdaugh to be tried again
Alex Murdaugh's double murder trial drew national attention, but three years later, South Carolina's Supreme Court tossed aside his conviction. Mark Strassmann reports on the new developments.
Why Alex Murdaugh is getting a new trial
Three years after Alex Murdaugh was convicted of killing his wife and son, the South Carolina Supreme Court on Wednesday overturned the verdict and granted Murdaugh a new trial. CBS News' Katrina Kaufman reports.
Kouri Richins speaks at sentencing hearing
Kouri Richins, the Utah mom convicted of murdering her husband, spoke for nearly 40 minutes at her sentencing hearing on Wednesday. Richins apologized to her sons and told them to "take care of one another." She was later sentenced to life without parole.
Kouri Richins sentenced to life without parole
A judge on Wednesday sentenced Kouri Richins, a Utah mom who wrote a book about grief, to life without parole for the murder of her husband. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul has the latest.
Space
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UFO files reveal astronauts saw mysterious objects and lights in 1972
NASA's Apollo 17 crew reported seeing three mysterious dots and sparks that resembled fireworks, according to new files released by the Pentagon.
Pentagon begins releasing UFO files: "It's time the American people see"
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a statement that the documents "have long fueled justified speculation — and it's time the American people see it for themselves."
Mysterious world beyond Pluto may have atmosphere, study says
If confirmed, the rock would become just the second world past Neptune in our solar system to host an atmosphere.
Artemis crew surprises 5-year-old aspiring astronaut with special gift
The Artemis II team gained a new member, and the crew made sure their youngest teammate had the right stuff for space.
Artemis II crew reveals what snack they ate right after splashdown
The Artemis II astronauts said they actually really enjoyed the space food, but it was a familiar candy they enjoyed after splashing down in the Pacific Ocean.
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
Watch: Trump, Xi arrive for summit
President Trump and Xi Jinping arrived for their high-stakes summit Thursday morning in Beijing. They are expected to discuss trade, Taiwan and the war with Iran. Jessi Mitchell anchors CBS News' special report.
Study: Cash can help prevent homelessness
New research from Johns Hopkins School of Public Health shows that one-time direct cash payments of, on average, $3,700 can help prevent young people from falling into homelessness. Larry Cohen, co-founder and executive director of Point Source Youth, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
Videos show shots fired in Philippine Senate
Warning: Distressing video. Authorities in the Philippines tried to arrest a senator on Wednesday, resulting in a burst of gunfire in the Philippine Senate, according to an Associated Press journalist and other witnesses.
5/13: The Takeout with Major Garrett
President Trump's trip to China gets underway; DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin details what ICE agents will be doing at World Cup games.
What led to so-called "learning recession"?
The annual Education Scorecard is highlighting a long-term decline in learning among American students. CBS News national correspondent Meg Oliver breaks down the results.