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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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Exclusive
Immigrant pursued by federal agents before Alex Pretti's killing speaks out
"I was there. I saw everything," Jose Huerta Chuma, who remains in hiding, told CBS News.
Virginia woman strangled days after dumping her deceptive boyfriend
The prosecutor said Katlyn Lyon Montgomery's ex-boyfriend dressed as a "ninja" to sneak up on her while asleep in her Virginia apartment.
"Dances With Wolves" actor Nathan Chasing Horse convicted of sexual assault
A Nevada jury convicted "Dances With Wolves" actor Nathan Chasing Horse of multiple charges of sexually assaulting a minor.
Greg Biffle wasn't flying plane before crash that killed him and 6 others, NTSB says
Federal safety officials have concluded that retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle was not flying his jet when it crashed last month in North Carolina, killing him and six others.
3 key questions for investors about Fed Chair nominee Kevin Warsh
Kevin Warsh, a former Fed governor, is in line to replace Fed Chair Jerome Powell in May. Here's what Wall Street wants to know.
MoneyWatch
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Trump nominates government economist to lead Bureau of Labor Statistics
President Trump says he is nominating the government economist Brett Matsumoto to lead the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
3 key questions for investors about Fed Chair nominee Kevin Warsh
Kevin Warsh, a former Fed governor, is in line to replace Fed Chair Jerome Powell in May. Here's what Wall Street wants to know.
Patients are being hit with this surprise fee just for seeing their doc
One patient reports getting stuck with a $2,418 "facility fee" after seeing her doctor. "I didn't even know such a thing existed," she said.
A new $45 fee for travelers without Real IDs goes into effect Feb. 1
Passengers without Real IDs can still fly if they pay a $45 fee, which covers the cost of additional identity verification screening.
Saks to shutter most Saks Off 5th stores as bankrupt retailer cuts costs
Saks, which declared bankruptcy on Jan. 14, is set to hold going-out-of-business sales as it closes dozens of retail outlets.
Politics
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What to know about the partial government shutdown as funding lapses for many agencies
Funding for many federal agencies expired on Saturday after Congress failed to pass half a dozen spending bills before the deadline, prompting a partial government shutdown.
Trump announces IndyCar race will come to D.C. streets for America's 250th
President Trump announced that an IndyCar race, the Freedom 250 Grand Prix, will be held through the streets of Washington, D.C., as part of America's 250th birthday celebrations.
Trump nominates government economist to lead Bureau of Labor Statistics
President Trump says he is nominating the government economist Brett Matsumoto to lead the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Venezuela's Machado: "I will be president when the time comes"
Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado weighs in on her political future in a new interview with "Face the Nation."
Exclusive
Nevada's first-in-the-nation primary bid gets boost from Latino Victory
Nevada, New Hampshire and South Carolina are vying to be the first state to vote in the 2028 Democratic presidential primaries.
HealthWatch
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Book excerpt: "The Let Them Theory" by Mel Robbins
In her latest bestseller, the motivational speaker discusses how personal growth is only possible when you stop pouring energy into things you cannot control – which includes changing other people.
A cop thought he had a muscle cramp. He ended up fighting for his life.
Sgt. Chris Johnson was told that his heart condition had nearly been "instantly fatal." Rapid medical care and rigorous therapy helped him recover.
Patients are being hit with this surprise fee just for seeing their doc
One patient reports getting stuck with a $2,418 "facility fee" after seeing her doctor. "I didn't even know such a thing existed," she said.
Carter Center reaches major milestone in quest to eradicate Guinea worm
Jimmy Carter made eradicating the Guinea worm a top mission of The Carter Center. Now it could soon become the second disease eradicated in history.
Life expectancy in U.S. hit record high of 79 years in 2024, CDC says
U.S. life expectancy rose to 79 years in 2024 - the highest mark in American history. But the U.S. still ranks below dozens of other countries.
World
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Danish veterans protest outside U.S. Embassy over Greenland
Danish veterans are furious at the White House's rhetoric, which disregards Greenland's right to self-determination, a territory of NATO ally Denmark.
Israel strikes in Gaza kill at least 30 Palestinians
Hamas called Saturday's strikes "a renewed flagrant violation" and urged the United States and other mediating countries to push Israel to stop the strikes.
Iranians are anxious, but some hope Trump will "fulfill his promise"
Many people in Tehran and Tel Aviv are worried that Trump will make good on his threats to attack Iran again, but for some, it's fear laced with hope.
Son of Norway crown princess to stand trial for allegedly raping 4 women
Marius Borg Hoiby, the 29-year-old son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, has been charged with a total of 38 counts.
Shark kills 13-year-old boy at popular beach in Brazil
Dozens of beaches along the turquoise coastlines of Pernambuco have been issued with shark warnings, authorities said.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Courtney Marie Andrews performs "Everyone Wants To Feel Like You Do"
Courtney Marie Andrews started writing songs as a teenager and played in punk bands before starting out on her own. Since then, she has been nominated for a Grammy and become known for her vulnerable lyrics and dazzling voice. Now, from her new album "Valentine," here is Courtney Marie Andrews with "Everyone Wants To Feel Like You Do."
Courtney Marie Andrews performs "Cons and Clowns"
Courtney Marie Andrews started writing songs as a teenager and played in punk bands before starting out on her own. Since then, she has been nominated for a Grammy and become known for her vulnerable lyrics and dazzling voice. Now, from her new album "Valentine," here is Courtney Marie Andrews with "Cons and Clowns."
Courtney Marie Andrews performs "Pendulum Swing"
Courtney Marie Andrews started writing songs as a teenager and played in punk bands before starting out on her own. Since then, she has been nominated for a Grammy and become known for her vulnerable lyrics and dazzling voice. Now, from her new album "Valentine," here is Courtney Marie Andrews with "Pendulum Swing."
A new "Phantom of the Opera" takes the stage
It's been nearly three years since the curtain came down on Broadway's "The Phantom of the Opera." Now, the record-breaking musical is back on stage in a brand-new form.
New exhibit explores Mustangs in the movies
For decades, the Ford Mustang has been one of the most recognizable cars on America's highways. The car is also a familiar sight on the big screen, even earning top billing in one movie. Now, the Mustang's movie ties are being explored in a new immersive experience.
Technology
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Uber looks to cash in on self-driving cars — but not by driving them
The rideshare company is getting into the business of providing real-world driving data to autonomous vehicle developers. Here's why.
New AI features for Gmail users
This month, Google launched a suite of new features for Gmail. Google's AI assistant, Gemini, can now filter through junk, summarize an inbox and even help users write emails. Blake Barnes, Gmail vice president of product, joins CBS News to discuss.
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.
Analysts say Starlink may have guided Russian drones into a Ukrainian train
As Ukraine accuses Russia of terrorism with a deadly strike on a train, some defense analysts believe Elon Musk's Starlink may have guided the killer drones.
TikTok's new privacy policy is sparking a backlash. Here's what to know.
Some TikTok users are raising questions about the app's new terms and conditions after the social media platform's split from its China-based parent.
Science
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Scientists "quite surprised" to find one polar bear population thriving
After decades monitoring polar bears in Norway's far north, researchers say the animals have proven incredibly adaptable, but there are no guarantees for the future.
Mysterious dark matter seen in new map of distant galaxies
Dark matter doesn't absorb or give off light so scientists can't study it directly. But they can observe how its gravity warps and bends the star stuff around it.
Cow develops technique to scratch herself
"CBS Saturday Morning" learns more about Veronika, the clever cow who figured out multiple ways to scratch herself with a broom. It was the first time a cow was seen using a tool.
Almanac: January 18
"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.
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.
Crime
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Crime
Judge rules out death penalty for Mangione
A judge declared that Luigi Mangione will not face the death penalty if convicted on federal charges in the 2024 killing of United HealthCare CEO Brian Thompson. It's a big win for Mangione, though he still faces the possibility of life in prison.
Virginia woman strangled days after dumping her deceptive boyfriend
The prosecutor said Katlyn Lyon Montgomery's ex-boyfriend dressed as a "ninja" to sneak up on her while asleep in her Virginia apartment.
Why judge dropped 2 charges against Mangione
Luigi Mangione, the accused killer of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, will not face the death penalty after a judge on Friday dismissed two counts that could have carried a death sentence. CBS News legal contributor Caroline Polisi joins to take a look at the new ruling and what it means for the high-profile murder case.
DOJ releases new batch of Epstein files
The Justice Department is releasing more than 3 million pages related to its investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein on Friday. CBS News senior White House and political correspondent Ed O'Keefe reports. Then, journalist Barry Levine, who has covered Epstein for years, joins with analysis.
Don Lemon's attorney reacts to his arrest
Independent journalist Don Lemon has been arrested in Los Angeles and faces two federal charges, a source tells CBS News. Anna Schecter has more.
Space
More Space
NASA delays Artemis mission to moon due to cold weather
The first Artemis moonshot with a crew is now targeted for no earlier than Feb. 8, two days later than planned.
Artemis II crew undergoes intense training for rare moon mission
For months, the Artemis II crew and flight controllers have been simulating malfunctions to prepare for their upcoming trip around the Moon.
Inside Artemis II astronauts' training
NASA is preparing for its first crewed mission around the moon in more than 50 years. The Artemis II astronauts include three Americans and one Canadian on a 10-day flight. Mark Strassmann got a look at how they're training.
Mysterious dark matter seen in new map of distant galaxies
Dark matter doesn't absorb or give off light so scientists can't study it directly. But they can observe how its gravity warps and bends the star stuff around it.
More on Virgin Galactic all-female space crew
Virgin Galactic is sending an all-female research team to space. Kellie Gerardi, who is leading the crew, joins "CBS News 24/7 Mornings" to discuss the goals of the mission.
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
Courtney Marie Andrews performs "Everyone Wants To Feel Like You Do"
Courtney Marie Andrews started writing songs as a teenager and played in punk bands before starting out on her own. Since then, she has been nominated for a Grammy and become known for her vulnerable lyrics and dazzling voice. Now, from her new album "Valentine," here is Courtney Marie Andrews with "Everyone Wants To Feel Like You Do."
Courtney Marie Andrews performs "Cons and Clowns"
Courtney Marie Andrews started writing songs as a teenager and played in punk bands before starting out on her own. Since then, she has been nominated for a Grammy and become known for her vulnerable lyrics and dazzling voice. Now, from her new album "Valentine," here is Courtney Marie Andrews with "Cons and Clowns."
Courtney Marie Andrews performs "Pendulum Swing"
Courtney Marie Andrews started writing songs as a teenager and played in punk bands before starting out on her own. Since then, she has been nominated for a Grammy and become known for her vulnerable lyrics and dazzling voice. Now, from her new album "Valentine," here is Courtney Marie Andrews with "Pendulum Swing."
The Dish: Jacob's Pickles
Jacob's Pickles is one of New York City's most popular brunch spots. Take a look inside the comfort food spot where more is more.
A new "Phantom of the Opera" takes the stage
It's been nearly three years since the curtain came down on Broadway's "The Phantom of the Opera." Now, the record-breaking musical is back on stage in a brand-new form.