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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.
Minnesota safety officials ask protesters in the state to stay peaceful
Minnesota safety officials are asking that protesters participating in scheduled demonstrations this weekend stay orderly and peaceful.
Trump admin. calls on tech companies to pay energy bill for new AI power plants
The White House held an event with a bipartisan group of governors to push for reforms in the largest electric grid in the country.
Therapy dogs provide comfort to survivors of Nashville school shooting
Sgt. Bo, a therapy dog who has provided constant comfort to survivors of a 2023 Nashville school shooting, was the American Humane Society's 2025 Hero Dog Award winner.
Pittsburgh researchers developing lifesaving robot "dogs"
At Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, researchers are hard at work developing robot "dogs" designed to assist in situations too dangerous for humans to help.
New study: Tylenol in pregnancy is not linked to autism or ADHD
"It's as definitive as we're going to get," CBS News medical contributor Dr. Céline Gounder said of the new research, which found no connection between Tylenol and autism or ADHD.
MoneyWatch
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Here are the hurdles Trump faces in his push for low interest rates and a friendly Fed
As the president prepares to replace Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, he's made no secret of his goal for lower interest rates — but there are a few political roadblocks in the way.
Education Department delays wage garnishment plan for defaulted student loans
The Trump administration is delaying its plans to withhold pay from student loan borrowers who default on their payments, backing off a measure that threatened to deliver a financial blow to millions of Americans.
Venezuelan oil is coming to the U.S. What will it mean for gas prices?
The Trump administration says it has completed the first sale of Venezuelan oil to the U.S. Will it mean lower prices at the pump?
OpenAI to start testing ads on ChatGPT in the coming weeks
The ads will appear at the bottom of the chat window on the free and low-subscription versions of ChatGPT, OpenAI said Friday in a blog post.
Weight loss drugs could save airlines money on fuel as Americans shed pounds
As obesity rates among Americans drop and weight loss drugs lead to a slimmer society, airlines could save on fuel costs, according to a recent analysis.
Politics
More Politics
Lawmakers says Greenland should be viewed as U.S. ally, "not as an asset"
A bipartisan U.S. Congressional delegation's comments in Denmark contrasted with those emanating from the White House.
Iran's Khamenei says Trump is "guilty for the casualties" in protests
The country's leader criticized President Trump on Saturday, blaming him for "casualties, damages and accusations" against Iran.
Here are the hurdles Trump faces in his push for low interest rates and a friendly Fed
As the president prepares to replace Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, he's made no secret of his goal for lower interest rates — but there are a few political roadblocks in the way.
Education Department delays wage garnishment plan for defaulted student loans
The Trump administration is delaying its plans to withhold pay from student loan borrowers who default on their payments, backing off a measure that threatened to deliver a financial blow to millions of Americans.
Tony Blair, Rubio, Kushner, Witkoff to help oversee Gaza reconstruction
The White House released the names of some of the leaders who will play a role in overseeing the next steps in Gaza after the Palestinian committee set to govern the territory under U.S. supervision met for the first time.
HealthWatch
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Woman gets her life back after rare transplant: "Prepared for the worst"
Lacy Cornelius Boyd needed IV nutrition and an ileostomy bag after a devastating car crash. A rare transplant was her only option.
Study finds no link between Tylenol and autism
A new analysis of dozens of peer-reviewed medical studies found no link between the use of Tylenol during pregnancy and diagnoses of autism, ADHD or intellectual disabilities in children.
New study: Tylenol in pregnancy is not linked to autism or ADHD
"It's as definitive as we're going to get," CBS News medical contributor Dr. Céline Gounder said of the new research, which found no connection between Tylenol and autism or ADHD.
ACA enrollment ends today in most states, as tax credit fix stalls
Some Americans are dropping their Affordable Care Act health plans after tax subsidies lapsed and their premiums spiked.
Trump admin. reverses sudden cuts in mental health, addiction programs
The Trump administration reversed cuts to grants for mental health and addiction treatment programs that a CBS News source said were valued at around $1.9 billion.
World
More World
Passenger aircraft with 11 people goes missing in Indonesia
The aircraft lost contact with ground control while approaching a mountainous region.
Lawmakers says Greenland should be viewed as U.S. ally, "not as an asset"
A bipartisan U.S. Congressional delegation's comments in Denmark contrasted with those emanating from the White House.
Iran's Khamenei says Trump is "guilty for the casualties" in protests
The country's leader criticized President Trump on Saturday, blaming him for "casualties, damages and accusations" against Iran.
Roger Federer celebrates career at Australian Open kick-off
Federer played exhibition doubles matches with past champions Andre Agassi and Ash Barty.
Syrian government forces enter northern towns; Kurdish fighters withdraw
Military vehicles were seen rolling into Dier Hafar and Maskana Saturday. Thousands have fled the northern Syrian towns in recent days.
Entertainment
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Roger Federer celebrates career at Australian Open kick-off
Federer played exhibition doubles matches with past champions Andre Agassi and Ash Barty.
Alicia Keys on "Hell's Kitchen" success
In an exclusive interview with "CBS Mornings," Alicia Keys reflects on "Hell's Kitchen's" Broadway run ending after nearly two years of sold-out performances. The musical is inspired by Keys' own experiences and will continue its national tour. She speaks about the decision for it to leave Broadway and how she has found a healthy relationship with success.
Behind Ron King's mission to protect donkeys
Oscar's Place, a donkey sanctuary in California, now has 210 donkeys and it has successfully resettled 189 others. Ron King, the co-founder and CEO of the sanctuary, helped to create the new docuseries "Donkey King," which follows the work he and volunteers do to rescue, rehabilitate and resettle the animals to protect them. He speaks to "CBS Mornings" about his mission and why he says donkeys are misunderstood.
Actor Timothy Busfield held without bond in New Mexico child sex abuse case
Another allegation against Busfield was reported to law enforcement the same day he turned himself in, according to a court filing.
Stars of "Sinners" talk about movie
"Sinners" stars Michael B. Jordan, Miles Caton and Wunmi Mosaku talk to "CBS Mornings" about the movie's recent success at the Golden Globes, the atmosphere on set and what they learned through the process.
Technology
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Technology
Palantir develops app to help ICE: 404 Media
A new investigative report by 404 Media says ICE agents have a new high-tech way to zero in on neighborhoods to raid. The report says it's an app called Elite, powered by Palantir. Joseph Cox, an investigative journalist at 404 Media, discusses his reporting on CBS News.
OpenAI to start testing ads on ChatGPT in the coming weeks
The ads will appear at the bottom of the chat window on the free and low-subscription versions of ChatGPT, OpenAI said Friday in a blog post.
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.
Mother of Musk child sues over deepfake images
Elon Musk is facing a lawsuit from Ashley St. Clair, with whom he shares a child, over deepfakes of her undressed made by his AI chatbot Grok. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson joins with analysis.
Verizon offers customers $20 credit for widespread outage
Verizon says it's giving a $20 credit to customers affected an outage that disrupted service across the U.S.
Science
More Science
Fossils found at Dinosaur National Monument, first excavation in 100 years
The Dinosaur National Monument, which is located on the border between Colorado and Utah, was last excavated in 1924.
Fossils found in cave shed light on where our species emerged
Fossilized bones and teeth dating to 773,000 years ago are providing a deeper understanding of the emergence of Homo sapiens.
The history and mystery of kissing
If you rang in the new year with a kiss, you took part in a tradition millions of years in the making. Scientists now say the origins of kissing go back much farther than most think. CBS News' Tina Kraus has more.
2025 was so hot it pushed Earth past critical climate change mark
2025 was the third hottest year on record and pushed Earth past a critical climate change mark, scientists say.
Major climate research center on Trump administration chopping block
The Trump administration intends to dismantle one of the world's leading climate research institutions, in Boulder, Colorado, over what it said were concerns about "climate alarmism."
Crime
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Crime
Couple probed for child abuse had more surrogate babies
This past July, police in California raided the home of Guojun Xuan and Silvia Zhang over allegations of possible child abuse. The couple's 21 children, mostly surrogate-born, were taken into state custody as an investigation began. In the months since their arrest and release, the couple has had at least five more surrogate-born babies. The couple is now fighting for custody of all of their children and is suing some of their surrogates in the process. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman has more.
Robinson attorneys trying to disqualify prosecutor
Lawyers for the man accused of killing Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk are trying to disqualify one of the prosecutors on the case. CBS News reporter Andres Gutierrez has more.
ICE holding about 73,000 people, data shows
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is holding about 73,000 people facing deportation, a new record high, according to data. CBS News' Camilo Montoya-Galvez reports.
What we know about Renee Good shooting report
A Minneapolis Fire Department report obtained by CBS News details Renee Good's apparent injuries and other details about the shooting. CBS News' Ian Lee reports.
Massive college basketball rigging accusation
A federal indictment alleges some college basketball players were bribed to play poorly in a point-shaving scheme. Citadel professor Sean Patrick Griffin joins CBS News with more details.
Space
More Space
NASA moon rocket ready for trip to launch pad
Depending on the timing, NASA could launch a fresh crew to the space station while four other astronauts are flying around the moon.
Countdown to new lunar mission
NASA says it could be just weeks away from launching astronauts on a flight around the moon for the first time in more than half a century. Final preparations are underway at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, where the Artemis II moon rocket is expected to roll out to the launch pad on Saturday.
Astronauts return after mission cut short
A NASA crew splashed down off the coast of California on Thursday weeks earlier than scheduled due to an astronaut aboard the International Space Station dealing with a medical issue. Mark Strassmann reports on the unprecedented mission home.
Astronauts back on Earth after medical issue cut mission short
Four space station Crew 11 fliers splashed down off the Southern California coast at 3:41 a.m. ET, closing out a 167-day stay in space cut short by a medical issue.
Former NASA astronaut on ISS undocking
The members of SpaceX Crew-11 undocked from the International Space Station on Wednesday, beginning their journey back to Earth. The crew is leaving a month early after NASA announced that an unnamed team member experienced an undisclosed "medical concern." Clayton Anderson, a former NASA astronaut who spent time on the ISS, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2025
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
Maria Corina Machado visits White House
Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado visited the White House and met with President Trump on Thursday, where she presented him with her Nobel Peace Prize medal. Mr. Trump praised Machado but stopped short of endorsing her as the country's next leader.
Eye Opener: Trump threatens more tariffs
President Trump threatened to levy tariffs against countries who don't support his desire to annex Greenland. Meanwhile, the man accused of killing Charlie Kirk was back in court Friday. All that and all that matters in today's Eye Opener.
Gaslighting of Hannah Pettey | Post Mortem
48 Hours correspondents Natalie Morales and Anne-Marie Green discuss Hannah Pettey's survivor story after the young mother was poisoned with lead.
The Uplift: A surprise from Shaq
Shaquille O'Neal steps in to a young 7-foot-3 police recruit from Texas. Plus, a behind-the-scenes look at the reality competition show "The Traitors," and more heartwarming news.
Pennsylvania Sens. Fetterman and McCormick
Pennsylvania Sens. John Fetterman and Dave McCormick join Tony Dokoupil on the "CBS Evening News" to discuss President Trump's plan for Greenland, the debate over health care and more.