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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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U.S. bars entry of FIFA World Cup referee from Somalia
Federal immigration authorities barred a Somali soccer referee who was slated to officiate the FIFA World Cup from entering the U.S. over the weekend, citing "vetting concerns."
Former NY Knick, NJ Sen. Bill Bradley says Trump "second fiddle" at Game 3
"The people are there to see these two teams play," Bill Bradley said of President Trump's plan to attend Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Monday night.
OpenAI says it filed confidential IPO as it positions itself for AI arms race
Going public will allow OpenAI, valued at $852 billion, to inject more cash into its business as the AI race quickens.
How to buy SpaceX shares as its blockbuster IPO readies for liftoff
SpaceX is setting aside a large chunk of shares for ordinary investors as it seeks to raise a record $75 billion. Here's what to know.
Can an AI agent cover for you while you're at the beach?
"AI can make everything that was on my plate visible to colleagues while I'm gone," one expert said.
MoneyWatch
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OpenAI says it filed confidential IPO as it positions itself for AI arms race
Going public will allow OpenAI, valued at $852 billion, to inject more cash into its business as the AI race quickens.
How to buy SpaceX shares as its blockbuster IPO readies for liftoff
SpaceX is setting aside a large chunk of shares for ordinary investors as it seeks to raise a record $75 billion. Here's what to know.
Can an AI agent cover for you while you're at the beach?
"AI can make everything that was on my plate visible to colleagues while I'm gone," one expert said.
Nearly half of Americans say they're worse off financially than a year ago
New York Fed survey shows growing concern about household finances and the job market, even as the job market remains solid.
Working remotely can hurt people's mental health, research finds
Although working remotely offers flexibility, it also takes a toll on people's mental health, experts said.
Politics
More Politics
U.S. bars entry of FIFA World Cup referee from Somalia
Federal immigration authorities barred a Somali soccer referee who was slated to officiate the FIFA World Cup from entering the U.S. over the weekend, citing "vetting concerns."
Former NY Knick, NJ Sen. Bill Bradley says Trump "second fiddle" at Game 3
"The people are there to see these two teams play," Bill Bradley said of President Trump's plan to attend Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Monday night.
Trump formally nominates Todd Blanche as attorney general
Currently acting attorney general, Todd Blanche may face an uphill confirmation battle from some wary Republican senators.
Judge voids Trump's $100,000 fee for new H-1B visas
U.S. District Judge Leo Sorokin ruled in favor of a group of 20 states that challenged President Trump's new $100,000 visa fee.
Pentagon updates religious codes after criticism from Mormons
On Friday, the Pentagon cut the number of religious affiliation codes from over 200 to 31 to help military chaplains streamline religious support services.
HealthWatch
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How an experimental weight-loss drug is being openly promoted by physicians
Doctors are jumping the gun to prescribe a medication lacking FDA approval that has gone viral on social media. "Why are we waiting?" one physician asked.
The promises and pitfalls of GLP-1 drugs
Approved 20 years ago as a diabetes treatment, GLP-1 drugs have been found to help patients reduce weight, changing the lives of more than 30 million people in the U.S. But there also have been troubling side effects reported.
The promises and pitfalls of GLP-1 drugs
Approved 20 years ago as a treatment for diabetes, GLP-1 drugs have been found also to help patients significantly reduce weight. More than 30 million people in the U.S. have had their lives changed by GLP-1 medications. But there have also been troubling side effects reported. Correspondent Tracy Smith talks with experts who say the drugs might prove useful in treating other diseases associated with obesity (including cancer); and with patients who have taken GLP-1 drugs and experienced widely varying reactions.
A breakthrough for Type 1 diabetes treatment
A medical breakthrough is showing promise for millions of Americans with Type 1 diabetes. It's an alternative to taking insulin without the injections. Mark Strassmann has more details.
U.S. doctor with Ebola recovers from deadly virus, German hospital says
Dr. Peter Stafford was working with a missionary group in the Congo when he came down with the virus last month.
World
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Great white shark captured on video in Mediterranean in rare sighting
Great white sharks are classified as "critically endangered" in the Mediterranean Sea, and underwater sightings are incredibly rare.
Russia bans Bill Browder's teen son after he exposes alleged crypto scheme
Russia sanctioned Alexander Browder, son of financier-turned-activist Bill Browder, after he unveiled an alleged cryptocurrency money laundering network.
Pope Leo denounces what he calls "scourge" of sexual abuse by Catholic clergy
Pope Leo XIV denounced the "scourge" of sexual violence by Catholic clergy and called for a "culture of care" in the Church ahead of an expected private meeting with victims in Spain.
Live
Iran and Israel say attacks halted after Trump tells both to "stop 'shooting'"
Iran and Israel declare a halt to fighting as President Trump says both are seeking an "immediate ceasefire" after a major escalation in the 101-day war.
Latvia says drone shot down as "result of Russian electronic warfare"
A series of drone incursions into countries neighboring Ukraine and Russia is fueling concern that their four-and-a-half year war could spread.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Expert on UAPs, Spielberg's "Disclosure Day"
Garry Nolan, a professor of pathology at Stanford University School of Medicine and the executive director of the board for The Sol Foundation, joins CBS News 24/7 to discuss Steven Spielberg's new movie, "Disclosure Day," and its exploration of the existence of aliens on Earth.
Biggest winners from the 79th Tony Awards
CBS News New York's Dave Carlin breaks down the biggest wins and performances from the 79th Tony Awards.
Steven Spielberg talks "Disclosure Day"
Oscar-winning director Steven Spielberg talks to CBS News about his 34th feature film, "Disclosure Day," which explores what would happen if all of the evidence about UFOs and alien life was released to the entire world and proved we are not alone. He also discusses his opinion on aliens, saying they "have been here and they are here."
Highlights from the Tony Awards
At Broadway's biggest night, "Schmigadoon!" took home the award for best musical. Meanwhile, "Arthur Miller's 'Death of a Salesman'" won six Tony Awards, the most of the night. Jamie Wax has more on the winners and top moments.
Tony Awards honor "Schmigadoon!" and more. See the full winners list.
"Schmigadoon!" — which was tied for the most nominations, with 12 — won Best Musical, and "Liberation" took home the honor of Best Play at the 2026 Tony Awards.
Technology
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How to buy SpaceX shares as its blockbuster IPO readies for liftoff
SpaceX is setting aside a large chunk of shares for ordinary investors as it seeks to raise a record $75 billion. Here's what to know.
Can an AI agent cover for you while you're at the beach?
"AI can make everything that was on my plate visible to colleagues while I'm gone," one expert said.
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.
Tackling job search struggles
LinkedIn's latest workforce report found hiring rates are nearly 5% lower than a year ago. Catherine Fisher, a LinkedIn career expert, explains how job applicants can break through the market, using AI when applying and more.
Prediction markets have become a draw for young men. Here's why
Prediction markets have become a draw for young men in search of quick cash and thrills, experts say. "I had almost $4,600 at one point but squandered that," one man said.
Science
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Great white shark captured on video in Mediterranean in rare sighting
Great white sharks are classified as "critically endangered" in the Mediterranean Sea, and underwater sightings are incredibly rare.
El Niño could bring more widespread coral bleaching, NOAA warns
The expected arrival of El Niño this summer could trigger another mass coral bleaching event, which would be the fifth on record, researchers said.
Scientists find yeast in frozen mummy's guts, use it to make bread
More than 5,300 years ago, Oetzi the Iceman was strolling through the Alps on the border of Austria and Italy when he was killed by an arrow in the back.
Meteor lights up southern Michigan
Days after a meteor exploded over New England, another fireball was spotted, visible in the Midwest to the Northeast. Rob Marciano has more.
Ancient coin, mysterious markings found under Notre Dame cathedral
A team of archaeologists at the iconic cathedral is digging straight down and back in time, to Roman Paris 2,000 years ago.
Crime
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Crime
Chaos after mass shooting at Ohio festival
At least 12 people were injured during a mass shooting at the Old West End Festival in Toledo, Ohio, officials say. CBS News' Jonah Kaplan reports.
12 hurt in "gunfight" at Ohio festival, police say
Twelve people were injured, two of them critically, in what police are calling a "gunfight" that broke out at the Old West End Festival in Toledo, Ohio, on Saturday. Jonah Kaplan reports.
5 people stabbed at Penn Station, Amtrak police say
Six people, including the suspect, were taken to the hospital after a stabbing incident at New York City's Penn Station on Sunday evening.
The Plot to Eliminate Alyssa Burkett
A toxic couple orchestrates an elaborate plan to kill a mother. "48 Hours" correspondent Peter Van Sant reports.
Ex-boyfriend and fiancée behind fatal stabbing, shooting of Texas mom
What appeared to be an open-and-shut case for Texas investigators turned out to be a twisted murder plot involving victim Alyssa Beard's ex-boyfriend Andrew Beard and his fiancée Holly Elkins – who detectives say was the mastermind.
Space
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Space station crew briefly moves to "safe haven" amid concerns over leaks
Out of an abundance of caution, NASA briefly directed five of the seven crew members aboard the International Space Station to wait inside the docked SpaceX Crew Dragon "Freedom" spacecraft.
Sun erupts with 3 solar flares, raising chances of northern lights for U.S.
Three solar flares burst from the sun this week, raising the chances of seeing the northern lights for people across the United States.
NASA reluctantly gives up on lost orbiter: "Best Mars mission ever"
NASA officials said the $582 million MAVEN orbiter could not be recovered after a problem on the far side of Mars late last year, and that its extraordinarily successful mission was at an end.
Blue Origin vows to resume New Glenn launches despite explosion
Damage to Blue Origin's lone launch pad in the wake of last week's spectacular explosion was not as severe as initially feared, the company said.
NASA taps 2 companies to develop buggies for its moon base program
The FLEX Rover will be equipped to carry two astronauts and traverse hundreds of miles of lunar terrain.
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.
Summer music highlights of 2026
Summer is the time to enjoy live music, indoors and out. Scroll through our gallery of some of 2026's leading musical acts, featuring images by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
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?
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
Maine voters voice support for Platner
Democratic voters in Maine are still voicing support for Graham Platner despite the string of scandals that have rocked his campaign for U.S. Senate. CBS News' Caitlin Huey-Burns reports from Maine a day ahead of the primary election there.
Bill Bradley on Trump visit to Knicks game
Former Sen. Bill Bradley won two NBA championships as a player with the New York Knicks in 1970 and 1973. He joined CBS News to discuss President Trump's planned visit to Madison Square Garden for Game 3 of the NBA Finals Monday night.
Where things stand in the Middle East
Iran and Israel said Monday that they had halted military operations after exchanging their first attacks since a ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran came into effect in early April. CBS News' Charlie D'Agata and Joe Zacks have more.
Young fan posts prayers for Knicks
Kobe, a 7-year-old, has been posting prayers online for the New York Knicks for their last 13 games. They haven't lost a game in that stretch and are now up 2-0 on the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals. Kobe and his mom, Tiffany Smith, joined CBS News to discuss the run.
Security restrictions around Trump's NBA Finals visit
President Trump will be attending Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Monday night, which has forced major security restrictions near New York City's Madison Square Garden. CBS News reporter Jared Ochacher has more.