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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.
It's Tax Day. Here's how big the average tax refund is in 2026.
Americans are receiving larger tax refunds this year due to the 2025 "big, beautiful bill," which enacted new tax deductions.
Police kill woman accused of kidnapping, slashing child at Omaha Walmart
Omaha police fatally shot a woman they say kidnapped a young boy and slashed him across the face before killing her.
Fourth U.S. strike on alleged drug boat in days kills 4
U.S. Southern Command posted aerial video on social media Tuesday showing a vessel bobbing in the water before being struck by a projectile and exploding.
House passes aviation safety bill in response to deadly midair collision near D.C.
Earlier this year, the House narrowly defeated a Senate bill on the issue, angering victims' families.
Chevron executive suggests Americans should drive less amid high gas prices
"People should try to drive less. They should try to conserve energies," Andy Walz told CBS News. "We should be doing that all the time. Energy's essential for people's lives, but we should conserve it."
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
It's Tax Day. Here's how big the average tax refund is in 2026.
Americans are receiving larger tax refunds this year due to the 2025 "big, beautiful bill," which enacted new tax deductions.
Chevron executive suggests Americans should drive less amid high gas prices
"People should try to drive less. They should try to conserve energies," Andy Walz told CBS News. "We should be doing that all the time. Energy's essential for people's lives, but we should conserve it."
Chevron says Venezuelan oil imports are helping curb U.S. gas prices
Venezuelan oil shipped to the U.S. is providing relief from higher prices caused by the Iran war, according to a senior Chevron executive.
7-Eleven plans to close 645 stores this year
The chain's North American operator forecast it will open 205 stores in 2026, although those openings will be outpaced by a series of closures.
Android users could get money under $135 million Google settlement
Millions of people using Android mobile devices could receive a payout, according to the settlement website.
Politics
More Politics
New federal Medicaid rules require 1 month of work. Some states demand more.
Starting next year, about 18.5 million adults will be subject to new Medicaid work rules in 42 states and Washington, D.C. Some Republican-controlled states want to triple the required work period.
Prosecutors from Pirro's office tried to access Fed headquarters, but were turned away
The renovations at the Federal Reserve are the subject of a months-long criminal investigation.
Exclusive
Bipartisan duo that pushed Swalwell, Gonzales to resign says other lawmakers may be next
A cross-party effort caused two House members to resign on Tuesday, and the female lawmakers who helped lead that push told CBS News that additional members of Congress could face similar pressure.
Fourth U.S. strike on alleged drug boat in days kills 4
U.S. Southern Command posted aerial video on social media Tuesday showing a vessel bobbing in the water before being struck by a projectile and exploding.
House passes aviation safety bill in response to deadly midair collision near D.C.
Earlier this year, the House narrowly defeated a Senate bill on the issue, angering victims' families.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
New federal Medicaid rules require 1 month of work. Some states demand more.
Starting next year, about 18.5 million adults will be subject to new Medicaid work rules in 42 states and Washington, D.C. Some Republican-controlled states want to triple the required work period.
Florida doctor indicted after allegedly removing patient's liver instead of spleen
Dr. Thomas Shaknovsky, 44, was arrested Monday after a two-year investigation by local, state and medical authorities.
Pennsylvania town faces fallout from Trump's environmental rule rollback
The Trump administration is ratcheting up attacks on environmental protections that Make America Healthy Again followers hold dear.
Fighting for health care claim approvals
Seventy-three percent of Americans say delays and denials of medical treatment by healthcare insurers are a major problem. Now, a company called Sheer Health says they will fight insurance battles on behalf of their clients.
A teen athlete's headache wouldn't stop. It took a year to find a cure.
Jack Alston was used to migraines, but after two concussions in middle school, he was stuck with a headache that wouldn't go away.
World
More World
Fourth U.S. strike on alleged drug boat in days kills 4
U.S. Southern Command posted aerial video on social media Tuesday showing a vessel bobbing in the water before being struck by a projectile and exploding.
Family demands answers after N.J. influencer died on trip with fiance in Zanzibar
Ashly Robinson, an influencer who went by Ashlee Jenae online, died on a trip with her fiancé in Zanzibar. Now, her family is searching for answers.
At least 16 wounded in Turkey high school shooting; gunman dead
An 18-year-old attacker, armed with a shotgun, fired randomly inside a vocational high school, wounding 10 students, four teachers, a canteen employee and a police officer, the local governor said.
Powerful typhoon barrels over remote U.S. islands in Pacific: "Hitting us hard"
Typhoon Sinlaku came ashore on a chain of remote U.S. island territories in the Western Pacific, which includes Guam, on Tuesday. It was a super typhoon at the time.
First on CBS
Husband of woman missing in Bahamas: "I won't be able to stop looking"
Brian Hooker, whose wife disappeared during a nighttime boat ride in the Bahamas, said he wants to believe his wife is still alive and plans to go back out to look for her as soon as possible.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Inside the creation of "Front Porch Freestyles"
What started off as a simple way to promote music with some impromptu freestyling back in 2017 has turned into a critically acclaimed series showcasing artists big and small. Photojournalist Parrish Smith met the Washington, D.C., artist and crew behind the increasingly popular musical showcase "Front Porch Freestyles."
"Margo's Got Money Troubles" stars on series
Michelle Pfeiffer and Elle Fanning talk with "CBS Mornings" about starring in the new series "Margo's Got Money Troubles." The two discuss what drew them to the project and their characters, and what it's like to work together again.
Britney Spears voluntarily checks into rehab after California DUI arrest in March
Pop star Britney Spears has voluntarily checked into rehab following her DUI arrest in Ventura County in March, a representative for the singer told CBS LA.
4/12: Sunday Morning - The Money Issue
Jane Pauley hosts our annual "Money Issue." Featured: Obstacles to home ownership; fighting health insurance denials; Chinese EVs; opposition to AI data centers; American Girl dolls; skin care mogul Scarlett Johansson; roller coasters; the popularity of bingo!; and is your phone eavesdropping on you?
American Girl: Celebrating girl power
Founded in 1986, American Girl has created dolls, books and accessories that tell the stories of young girls in every American era. On the toy's 40th anniversary, correspondent Faith Salie explores how making history come alive is also creating timeless bonds between generations that celebrate girlhood.
Technology
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Technology
New study researches AI and medical questions
A new study found that a substantial amount of medical information provided by five popular artificial intelligence-driven chatbots is inaccurate and incomplete. One of the authors of the study, Nick Tiller joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
Everyday items born from space exploration
The Artemis II journey around the far side of the moon is a monumental moment for human space exploration, but the mission could also bring back benefits for everyday life here on Earth. Better selfies, comfortable sneakers, basic household appliances and more can all trace their roots straight to NASA. Jarred Hill has a closer look at NASA tech in plain sight.
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.
New warning over AI
Former AI company founder and CEO Matt Shumer joins "CBS Mornings" to break down Anthropic's report about one of its AI models, Claude Mythos Preview. In the report, the company warned the program was "too powerful" to be released to the public and it worried about the program, which is designed to find security flaws in software, falling into the "wrong hands."
Sam Altman voices safety concerns
Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, shared a personal blog post and photo of his family saying, "In the hopes that it might dissuade the next person from throwing a Molotov cocktail at our house, no matter what they think of me," following an attack outside his home last week. Altman suggested the incident was connected to the broader debate over AI, saying, "we should deescalate the rhetoric and tactics."
Science
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First major forecast for 2026 Atlantic hurricane season is released
Colorado State University has released its annual Atlantic hurricane forecast, predicting 13 named storms and six hurricanes may develop during the 2026 season.
Creature thought to be world's oldest octopus isn't an octopus after all
Scientists have found evidence that a 300-million-year-old sea creature previously thought to be the world's oldest octopus is actually a nautilus relative.
March smashed heat records in several ways, federal data shows
Last month was the hottest March on record for the Lower 48 states, by the most for any month ever, federal data shows. And a forecast El Niño could heat Earth even more.
Emperor penguins listed as endangered species
The emperor penguin has been declared an endangered species as climate change pushes the icon of Antarctica a step closer to extinction, the global authority on threatened wildlife says.
Stunning photos from Artemis II show Earth, moon, eclipse from space
The astronauts aboard Artemis II are the first humans to see some parts of the far side of the moon with the naked eye.
Crime
More Crime
Police kill woman accused of kidnapping, slashing child at Omaha Walmart
Omaha police fatally shot a woman they say kidnapped a young boy and slashed him across the face before killing her.
Sam Altman attack suspect appears in court
The 20-year-old man accused of throwing a Molotov cocktail at OpenAI CEO Sam Altman's home made his first court appearance on Tuesday. CBS News homeland security correspondent Nicole Sganga reports.
What to know about the Swalwell allegations
Two women spoke to CBS News' Nancy Cordes about their allegations against California Rep. Eric Swalwell as news emerges about his apparent misconduct.
At least 16 wounded in Turkey high school shooting; gunman dead
An 18-year-old attacker, armed with a shotgun, fired randomly inside a vocational high school, wounding 10 students, four teachers, a canteen employee and a police officer, the local governor said.
Brian Hooker speaks about missing wife
Brian Hooker, the husband of the Michigan woman missing in the Bahamas, told CBS News' Cristian Benavides that he "won't be able to stop looking" for his wife Lynette Hooker, and that he wants to believe she is still alive. Hooker was arrested last week in connection with her disappearance and released from police custody on Monday.
Space
More Space
Artemis II astronauts welcomed home to Houston after historic moonshot
The Artemis II astronauts flew back to the Johnson Space Center in Houston Saturday to cheers and applause from family members and hundreds of NASA workers.
9 highlights from Artemis II's epic journey around the moon
The Artemis II crew's nine-day moon mission set a record for the farthest any human has ever traveled from Earth. Here's a look at the key moments.
Artemis II crew splashes down to end historic moon mission
NASA's Artemis II astronauts returned to Earth with a splashdown landing in the Pacific Ocean after making a high-speed reentry through the atmosphere.
How an 8-year-old designed a zero-gravity indicator for Artemis II
The development of the mission mascot and viral sensation Rise began over a year before Artemis II blasted off.
As Artemis II heads back to Earth, crew stakes their lives on the heat shield
Despite problems during the unpiloted Artemis I reentry, the Artemis II crew is confident their heat shield will protect them during a fiery descent to Earth.
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
Middle East expert on day 2 of blockade
The White House said more than 100 empty oil tankers are heading to ports in the U.S. to load up on American crude as the U.S. blockade on the Strait of Hormuz continues for a second day. For more, Jon Alterman, the director of the Center for Strategic and International Studies' Middle East Program, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
Videos show 75-car pileup in Colorado
Over 75 vehicles in Colorado were involved in a major pileup on Tuesday afternoon. At least 19 people were injured, and police have reported no fatalities. Heavy snow and strong winds created winter-like conditions at the time of the crash. Some footage does not have sound.
4/14: The Takeout with Major Garrett
Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzales officially resign from Congress; U.S. blockade of Iranian ports continues for second day.
Ashlee Jenae's death under investigation
The family of Ashly Robinson, better known online as Ashlee Jenae, is demanding answers after their daughter died during an overseas trip to Zanzibar with her fiancé. CBS News' Jericka Duncan reports.
Sam Altman attack suspect appears in court
The 20-year-old man accused of throwing a Molotov cocktail at OpenAI CEO Sam Altman's home made his first court appearance on Tuesday. CBS News homeland security correspondent Nicole Sganga reports.