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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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GOP congressman, missing for months, set to return on June 30
Republican Rep. Tom Kean Jr. of New Jersey will return to Congress on June 30, his spokesperson said, after being away since March in an unexplained absence that has confounded Capitol Hill.
Hegseth announces review of U.S. forces in Europe, blasts "shameful" NATO allies
The Pentagon is launching a six-month review of U.S. forces and bases in Europe, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Thursday at a meeting of NATO defense ministers.
A third of Americans say they're reading fewer books
Many people are spending more time on screens, but also doing more physical activities, a new CBS News poll finds.
Less than half of Americans can afford quality healthcare, Gallup finds
Gallup found that only 49% of Americans were "cost-secure" last year, with concerns about medical bills and prescription costs rising across income groups.
Photos show celebrations at Obama Presidential Center
The Obama Presidential Center, museum and library opens in Chicago with a star-studded grand opening ceremony and public watch party on Midway Plaisance.
MoneyWatch
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Less than half of Americans can afford quality healthcare, Gallup finds
Gallup found that only 49% of Americans were "cost-secure" last year, with concerns about medical bills and prescription costs rising across income groups.
Waymo recalls robotaxis after some vehicles entered construction zone
The recall follows multiple incidents in which Waymo robotaxis drove past ramp-closure signs and into freeway construction zones.
Intel shares leap after Trump announces chip deal with Apple
In a social media post, President Trump touted the U.S. government's 10% stake in Intel, noting that it is now worth $60 billion.
Gas prices fall below $4 a gallon for the first time in nearly 3 months
The national average for a gallon of regular gas in the U.S. drops to $3.99, the lowest since March 30.
Federal Reserve holds interest rates steady but leaves door open to hike
U.S. inflation is expected to remain elevated through the end of the year, Fed officials say in their latest forecast.
Politics
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GOP congressman, missing for months, set to return on June 30
Republican Rep. Tom Kean Jr. of New Jersey will return to Congress on June 30, his spokesperson said, after being away since March in an unexplained absence that has confounded Capitol Hill.
Hegseth announces review of U.S. forces in Europe, blasts "shameful" NATO allies
The Pentagon is launching a six-month review of U.S. forces and bases in Europe, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Thursday at a meeting of NATO defense ministers.
Photos show celebrations at Obama Presidential Center
The Obama Presidential Center, museum and library opens in Chicago with a star-studded grand opening ceremony and public watch party on Midway Plaisance.
Facing bipartisan criticism of Iran deal, Trump lashes out at "fools"
Republican Sens. Bill Cassidy, Thom Tillis and Ted Cruz have been critical of the 14-point memorandum of understanding signed on Wednesday.
U.S. plans expansion of denaturalization push, aiming for 250 cases by fall
The Trump administration expects to try to revoke the U.S. citizenship of more than 250 foreign-born citizens by October, a Justice Department official said.
HealthWatch
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Less than half of Americans can afford quality healthcare, Gallup finds
Gallup found that only 49% of Americans were "cost-secure" last year, with concerns about medical bills and prescription costs rising across income groups.
Busy Philipps on her late ADHD diagnosis
Actress Busy Philipps, 45, spoke up about her late attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder diagnosis online after realizing she shared symptoms as her young daughter was evaluated and diagnosed. Women are more likely than men to be diagnosed with ADHD later in life, research shows.
Drummer rediscovers his rhythm after setback
In the "CBS Mornings" series "Pushing the Limits," Mark Strassmann shows how a Georgia man's passion for music was almost taken away from him forever after a terrible accident. But thanks to his resilience and technology, the man is now a record-breaking drummer.
Arrests of immigrant parents create mental health crisis for children
An estimated hundreds of thousands of children, many of them U.S. citizens, have been separated from a parent in the Trump administration's immigration crackdown.
Ebola outbreak still spreading in Congo: "We are missing cases"
A WHO official tells CBS News Ebola is still spreading in Congo after a month, as experts race to contain the outbreak in Central Africa.
World
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Hegseth announces review of U.S. forces in Europe, blasts "shameful" NATO allies
The Pentagon is launching a six-month review of U.S. forces and bases in Europe, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Thursday at a meeting of NATO defense ministers.
"Lady Gucci," who had her ex-husband killed, could soon inherit $23M fortune
Despite spending 18 years in prison for orchestrating the murder of her ex-husband, fashion heir Maurizio Gucci, Patrizia Reggiani may be about to inherit a fortune.
Facing bipartisan criticism of Iran deal, Trump lashes out at "fools"
Republican Sens. Bill Cassidy, Thom Tillis and Ted Cruz have been critical of the 14-point memorandum of understanding signed on Wednesday.
Ukraine drone strike hits major Russian oil refinery near Moscow
Ukraine's Zelenskyy says after second major strike on Russian oil refinery that unless Putin stops his war, "Moscow will burn."
1,200-year-old Robin Hood oak tree in Sherwood Forest has died, group says
A massive ancient oak tree linked to the legend of Robin Hood may have been loved to death.
Entertainment
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A third of Americans say they're reading fewer books
Many people are spending more time on screens, but also doing more physical activities, a new CBS News poll finds.
Singer Myles Smith talks debut album
Myles Smith's career skyrocketed after his hit song "Stargazing" became the biggest song by a U.K. artist worldwide in 2024. Now, he's releasing his debut album, "My Mess, My Heart, My Life," on June 19. Myles Smith joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss his rapid rise to stardom, his first album and his experience touring with Ed Sheeran.
Busy Philipps on her late ADHD diagnosis
Actress Busy Philipps, 45, spoke up about her late attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder diagnosis online after realizing she shared symptoms as her young daughter was evaluated and diagnosed. Women are more likely than men to be diagnosed with ADHD later in life, research shows.
Drummer rediscovers his rhythm after setback
In the "CBS Mornings" series "Pushing the Limits," Mark Strassmann shows how a Georgia man's passion for music was almost taken away from him forever after a terrible accident. But thanks to his resilience and technology, the man is now a record-breaking drummer.
Extended interview: Myles Smith
British singer-songwriter Myles Smith talks to Anthony Mason about his much-anticipated debut album, "My Mess, My Heart, My Life," growing up in London, his rapid rise to stardom and more.
Technology
More Technology
Waymo recalls robotaxis after some vehicles entered construction zone
The recall follows multiple incidents in which Waymo robotaxis drove past ramp-closure signs and into freeway construction zones.
Americans on AI's future impact
A Pew survey shows 40% of Americans think AI's future impact will be negative. MIT Sloan professor Eric So joins CBS News with more details.
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.
Where to get the latest CBS Mornings Deals
On this edition of CBS Mornings Deals, we show you items that will help improve your everyday lifestyle. Visit cbsdeals.com to take advantage of these exclusive deals today. CBS earns commissions on purchases made through cbsdeals.com.
Inside an Irish town raising kids without smartphones
When parents and educators in Greystones, Ireland saw children dealing with increasing anxiety, they acted – and took phones out of the equation.
Science
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Science
Watch: Pentagon releases 6 new UFO videos
The Defense Department released a third batch of UFO files on Friday, three weeks after its second drop. These are all of the videos in the latest tranche, plus analysis from astrophysicist Avi Loeb.
Goblin shark seen alive in natural deep-sea habitat for the first time
The goblin shark had only previously been seen when caught by fishermen and they died shortly afterward.
World's largest whale graveyard found by sub at bottom of ocean
The researchers saw many strange animals — many believed to be new to science — living off the whale carcasses.
NASA names 4 astronauts for next Artemis mission
NASA's Artemis III astronauts plan to carry out rendezvous and docking procedures with commercial moon landers being built by SpaceX and Blue Origin.
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.
Crime
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"Lady Gucci," who had her ex-husband killed, could soon inherit $23M fortune
Despite spending 18 years in prison for orchestrating the murder of her ex-husband, fashion heir Maurizio Gucci, Patrizia Reggiani may be about to inherit a fortune.
Ex-police commissioner on Heuermann sentence
The Long Island architect who lived a secret life as the Gilgo Beach serial killer was sentenced to life in prison without parole on Wednesday. Former Suffolk County Police Commissioner Rodney Harrison, who formed the task force that ultimately led to Rex Heuermann's arrest, joins with analysis.
Gilgo Beach serial killer sentenced
In a Long Island courtroom Wednesday, Rex Heuermann received three life sentences for choking and dismembering eight women, most of them in his basement, over the course of more than 15 years. The 62-year-old addressed the court before he was sent away. Tom Hanson reports.
Inside Gilgo Beach killer's sentencing hearing
A judge on Wednesday sentenced Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann to life in prison without parole. CBS News New York's Jennifer McLogan was in the courtroom and joins with details.
Heuermann addresses court as he's sentenced
Rex Heuermann was sentenced to life in prison without parole Wednesday after pleading guilty to a series of murders known as the Gilgo Beach serial killings. Heuermann spoke at the hearing where the sentence was handed down. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul reports.
Space
More Space
NASA chief defends choice of all-male crew for Artemis III mission
NASA's Jared Isaacman says the crew was selected solely based on their experience, expertise and availability for flight assignment.
NASA names 4 astronauts for next Artemis mission
NASA's Artemis III astronauts plan to carry out rendezvous and docking procedures with commercial moon landers being built by SpaceX and Blue Origin.
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.
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.
Photos show celebrations at Obama Presidential Center
The Obama Presidential Center, museum and library opens in Chicago with a star-studded grand opening ceremony and public watch party on Midway Plaisance.
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.
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
Obama speaks at presidential center dedication
Former President Barack Obama's new presidential center in Chicago held its grand opening on Thursday. Speaking at the dedication ceremony, Obama said he hopes the center will affirm "how precious our democracy really is."
Supreme Court on gun case linked to drug use
The Supreme Court unanimously found that a Texas man's prosecution for having a firearm while he was an occasional, unlawful marijuana user was too broad an interpretation of the law and violated his Second Amendment. CBS News' Jan Crawford reports.
Mamdani praises Knicks' NBA victory at parade
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani spoke to an overflowing crowd of passionate fans gathered to celebrate the Knicks' NBA Championship title. "The Knicks did not just win for New York City, they won like New York City," Mamdani said. "For 53 years we waited. Now, we've won."
Vance reacts to Trump blame comments on Iran
Vice President JD Vance held a press briefing at the White House on Thursday and provided more details on the timing of the Iran deal after President Trump signed the memorandum of understanding with Tehran. CBS News' Aaron Navarro reports.
Lawmakers criticize U.S.-Iran agreement
Republicans and Democrats are voicing their concerns over the Trump administration's agreement with Iran. Samantha Vinograd, a former assistant secretary for counterterrorism at the Department of Homeland Security, shares her analysis.