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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.
TSA absences still high at some airports, even as workers begin to get back pay
TSA staffing shortages remain far more severe than the national average, although wait times seemed to be stabilizing Monday.
JetBlue raises checked bag fees as fuel costs climb amid Iran war
JetBlue is hiking bag check fees as airlines face higher jet fuel costs related to the Iran war, making flying more expensive.
Online sports betting linked to rising delinquency rates, report finds
A study from the New York Fed found that delinquency rates increased faster in states where online sports betting is legal.
First on CBS
Michigan synagogue attack was act of terrorism inspired by Hezbollah, officials say
Federal officials on Monday for the first time labeled the March 12 attack at Michigan's Temple Israel as an act of terrorism inspired by Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group.
Apache helicopter flyby at Kid Rock's house was a training flight, Army says
Kid Rock shared videos to social media that show two Army helicopters outside of his Tennessee home. An Army official confirmed to CBS News that it was a training flight.
MoneyWatch
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JetBlue raises checked bag fees as fuel costs climb amid Iran war
JetBlue is hiking bag check fees as airlines face higher jet fuel costs related to the Iran war, making flying more expensive.
Online sports betting linked to rising delinquency rates, report finds
A study from the New York Fed found that delinquency rates increased faster in states where online sports betting is legal.
Fed's Powell tells students not to despair despite tough job market
In a Monday speech, Powell also touched on the impact of the Iran war, saying that longer-term inflation expectations remain in check.
Air Canada CEO to retire after backlash over English-only crash message
Air Canada will seek a new CEO with "the ability to communicate in French" after Rousseau's English-only condolence message about the deadly New York crash.
Brent crude touches $115 a barrel, while stocks resume a losing streak
U.S. stocks swung on Monday as oil prices kept climbing because of uncertainty about when the war with Iran could end.
Politics
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TSA absences still high at some airports, even as workers begin to get back pay
TSA staffing shortages remain far more severe than the national average, although wait times seemed to be stabilizing Monday.
Apache helicopter flyby at Kid Rock's house was a training flight, Army says
Kid Rock shared videos to social media that show two Army helicopters outside of his Tennessee home. An Army official confirmed to CBS News that it was a training flight.
NYT accuses Pentagon of flouting judge's order blocking its press access policy
The New York Times says the Defense Department flouted a court order blocking it from enforcing a policy limiting press access to the Pentagon.
DHS shutdown set to stretch on with Congress on 2-week break
The shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security is set to stretch on after House Republicans rejected a Senate-passed solution to the standoff late last week.
Special Operations Forces, Marines and Army troops now in Middle East, sources say
The forces give Trump military options in Iran, including operations that could target opening the Strait of Hormuz, take oil from Kharg Island or seize Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium, sources said.
HealthWatch
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States pay contractors millions to comply with Trump law to cut Medicaid rolls
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act will add red tape and restrictions for those seeking Medicaid and SNAP benefits. And the costs to update computer systems that determine eligibility for those programs will be steep.
Hockey player diagnosed with Stage IV cancer at 26: "It was surreal"
David Lyon is one of the rising number of young adults to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
What to know about the "wild, wild West" of viral peptide claims
Here's what to know about peptides, what they can and can't do, and what's driving viral claims about possible health benefits online.
CDC's acting chief promises a return to stability in a tumultuous moment
Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, head of the National Institutes of Health and interim leader of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told staff a permanent CDC director could be nominated soon. "I know that it has been such a difficult year," he said.
FDA says billionaire's claims about cancer drug Anktiva are misleading
Federal health officials posted a warning about misleading statements by biotech billionaire Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong about his company's bladder cancer drug Anktiva.
World
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Nearly $100 million worth of cocaine found hidden in bananas
The massive seizure of cocaine marked the latest instance of the illicit drug being found hidden in a shipment of the fruit.
Air Canada CEO to retire after backlash over English-only crash message
Air Canada will seek a new CEO with "the ability to communicate in French" after Rousseau's English-only condolence message about the deadly New York crash.
Snowy owl, cheetah among 40 species granted international protection
According to a recent report, nearly one in four species catalogued by the CMS are threatened with extinction on a worldwide scale.
Special Operations Forces, Marines and Army troops now in Middle East, sources say
The forces give Trump military options in Iran, including operations that could target opening the Strait of Hormuz, take oil from Kharg Island or seize Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium, sources said.
Thieves grab paintings by 3 masters from Italian museum in under 3 minutes
Thieves made off with three paintings by Renoir, Cézanne and Matisse worth millions from an Italian museum in under three minutes, reports say.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Barbie Dream Fest disappoints some attendees
A Barbie Dream Fest event in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, generated backlash from attendees over its allegedly underwhelming experience. Jessica Nova, who drove in from Atlanta for the occasion, joins CBS News to recount her experience.
NYT accuses Pentagon of flouting judge's order blocking its press access policy
The New York Times says the Defense Department flouted a court order blocking it from enforcing a policy limiting press access to the Pentagon.
Extended Interview: Dancers in "Cats: The Jellicle Ball"
Mo Rocca learns some tricks from the dancers in "Cats: The Jellicle Ball."
Extended Interview: Stars of "Cats: The Jellicle Ball"
Mo Rocca sits down with Tony Award-winner André De Shields, Ken Ard, Junior LaBeija and Leiomy, who star in "Cats: The Jellicle Ball."
Extended Interview: Directors of "Cats: The Jellicle Ball"
Mo Rocca sits down with Zhailon Levingston and Bill Rauch, the directors of "Cats: The Jellicle Ball."
Technology
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Technology
Company tries to make flying car of the future
Many have dreamed of a future with flying cars, eliminating traffic on the morning commute. One company is trying to make that dream a reality. Itay Hod reports.
Judge blocks Pentagon's Anthropic risk label
A judge has temporarily blocked the Pentagon's attempt to designate Anthropic as a supply chain risk. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson joins with analysis.
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.
Kentucky family rejects millions for land
A mother and daughter in Kentucky have turned down a $26 million offer for their land. The offer came from an unnamed tech company wanting to build a data center. CBS News' Jared Ochacher spoke with the family.
CBS News poll analysis on what jobs AI should be doing
As AI use rises, many see it decreasing the number of jobs available.
Science
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Snowy owl, cheetah among 40 species granted international protection
According to a recent report, nearly one in four species catalogued by the CMS are threatened with extinction on a worldwide scale.
Everything to know about NASA's moon mission launching this week
NASA is poised to launch four astronauts April 1 on a historic nine-day trip around the moon and back. Here's everything to know about the Artemis II mission.
Arctic sea ice hits lowest winter level as heat records are shattered worldwide
Arctic sea ice levels are crucial to Earth's climate because, without the ice reflecting sunlight, more heat energy goes into the oceans.
Sharks in Bahamas test positive for caffeine, painkillers, cocaine
Marine biologists found detectable levels of caffeine, cocaine and the over-the-counter painkillers in the blood of 28 sharks.
What to know about the "wild, wild West" of viral peptide claims
Here's what to know about peptides, what they can and can't do, and what's driving viral claims about possible health benefits online.
Crime
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Crime
New details on Michigan attacker's activity
The FBI has labeled the March 12 attack on a Michigan synagogue as an act of terrorism inspired by Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group. CBS News' Anna Schecter has the details.
FBI: Synagogue attack was Hezbollah-inspired
The March 12 attack on a synagogue in West Bloomfield, Michigan, was an act of terrorism inspired by the militia group Hezbollah, federal officials said at a news conference Monday. Watch the full remarks.
Nearly $100 million worth of cocaine found hidden in bananas
The massive seizure of cocaine marked the latest instance of the illicit drug being found hidden in a shipment of the fruit.
Thieves grab paintings by 3 masters from Italian museum in under 3 minutes
Thieves made off with three paintings by Renoir, Cézanne and Matisse worth millions from an Italian museum in under three minutes, reports say.
Fugitive accused of killing 2 cops is shot dead after 7-month manhunt
Desmond Freeman fled into dense bushland in August last year after shooting and killing two police officers who came to search his rural home.
Space
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Space
Artemis II to launch this week
NASA is hoping to lift off Wednesday on its Artemis II mission that will send a four-member crew on a nine-day trip around the moon and back before splashing down off the coast of San Diego. Mark Strassmann has more.
Meet the astronauts about to make history on flight around the moon
NASA's Artemis II astronauts — three space station veterans and a Canadian rookie — stand out even in an astronaut corps full of super achievers.
Everything to know about NASA's moon mission launching this week
NASA is poised to launch four astronauts April 1 on a historic nine-day trip around the moon and back. Here's everything to know about the Artemis II mission.
Astronauts prepare for Wednesday moon launch
The Artemis II crew is in quarantine ahead of a launch scheduled for Wednesday. If all goes well, the crew will fly around the far side of the moon, going farther from Earth than any human in history. Mark Strassmann reports.
Artemis II astronauts say they're "ready to go" for moon launch
The countdown to launch of the Artemis II crew's flight around the moon begins Monday at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
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
Iran's exiled crown prince: "Stay the course"
Iran's exiled crown prince, Reza Pahlavi, spoke to Republicans at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Texas over the weekend, urging the U.S. not to throw the Iranian regime a "lifeline." His chief of staff, Cameron Khansarinia, joins "The Takeout" to discuss Iran's future as the war rages on there.
Comer slams Senate funding deal
The House and Senate remain far apart on ending the partial government shutdown, with both chambers on recess for two weeks. Republican Rep. James Comer of Kentucky joins "The Takeout" to discuss.
Congress takes 2-week break amid DHS shutdown
Congress is out of town as the partial government shutdown continues. CBS News congressional correspondent Caitlin Huey-Burns reports.
TSA workers receiving paychecks after Trump order
TSA employees have begun receiving some back pay amid the partial government shutdown after President Trump signed an executive order. CBS News homeland security correspondent Nicole Sganga has the latest.
Leavitt: "There's two tracks" in Iran negotiations
President Trump said over the weekend that regime change in Iran has basically been accomplished, and that the new leaders are making concessions. Meanwhile, more U.S. troops have arrived in the region. CBS News senior White House and political correspondent Ed O'Keefe reports.