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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.
Couples are spending thousands more on weddings. Here's why.
Tariffs, inflation and changing consumer habits are reshaping how much Americans spend to tie the knot.
What is the "buy, borrow, die" tax strategy Gavin Newsom wants to ban?
As a proposed billionaire tax in California moves forward, Gov. Newsom says other approaches are needed, including closing a tax loophole used by the ultra-rich.
Former CIA Director John Brennan sues DOJ, Trump officials over criminal probes
Brennan is seeking a court order to force the preservation of records in the investigations targeting him. His attorneys say he's being "vindictively singled out for investigation."
U.S. says it won't extend key trade deal with Canada and Mexico
The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement will remain in effect until it expires in 2036, unless the countries strike another deal to extend it.
U.S. helicopter goes down in Arabian Sea, crew member missing, Navy says
The helicopter, which was assigned to the USS George H.W. Bush, is not believed to have been taken down by hostile action, the Navy said.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Couples are spending thousands more on weddings. Here's why.
Tariffs, inflation and changing consumer habits are reshaping how much Americans spend to tie the knot.
What is the "buy, borrow, die" tax strategy Gavin Newsom wants to ban?
As a proposed billionaire tax in California moves forward, Gov. Newsom says other approaches are needed, including closing a tax loophole used by the ultra-rich.
U.S. says it won't extend key trade deal with Canada and Mexico
The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement will remain in effect until it expires in 2036, unless the countries strike another deal to extend it.
Sony to stop making physical discs for PlayStation starting in 2028
After January 2028, new games will be available exclusively in digital format from the PlayStation Store and at retailers, Sony said.
Anthropic says Trump admin. lifted restrictions on powerful Claude AI models
Artificial intelligence giant Anthropic says the federal government lifted a set of restrictions on its powerful Claude Fable 5 and Mythos 5 models, resolving a weekslong dispute.
Politics
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About 2,000 U.S. troops supporting relief efforts after Venezuela earthquakes
Almost 60,000 buildings may have been damaged or destroyed in Venezuela after two powerful earthquakes last week, according to a NASA satellite assessment.
One NYC neighborhood has dozens of adult daycares. Now the feds have questions.
Investigations are underway into possible fraudulent activity at some of these kinds of facilities across New York, CBS News has learned.
Former CIA Director John Brennan sues DOJ, Trump officials over criminal probes
Brennan is seeking a court order to force the preservation of records in the investigations targeting him. His attorneys say he's being "vindictively singled out for investigation."
More than 1,000 cases under review after Broadview Six misconduct revelations
More than 1,000 grand jury presentations are under review after charges were dismissed in the "Broadview Six" case due to grand jury abuses and prosecutorial misconduct, Chicago's top federal prosecutor said.
U.S. says it won't extend key trade deal with Canada and Mexico
The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement will remain in effect until it expires in 2036, unless the countries strike another deal to extend it.
HealthWatch
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Actor Danny Glover reveals Alzheimer's diagnosis
Actor Danny Glover spoke about his Alzheimer's diagnosis in an interview with NBC's "Today" show, revealing that he has been living with the disease for several years.
Medicare to help pay for some GLP-1 drugs
Starting Wednesday, Medicare will help pay for some GLP-1 medications for weight loss. CBS News medical correspondent Dr. Celine Gounder explains what this means for patients.
New disease threats follow Trump administration's health program cuts
From screwworm to flesh-eating bacteria, mounting public health risks are emerging in the wake of deep cuts to federal health agencies and programs.
What is the viral trend looksmaxxing?
Looksmaxxing is a viral and controversial trend that encourages young men to maximize their appearance. Adam Yamaguchi shows why it's resonating with some people.
He dreamed of becoming a physician assistant. New loan rules may thwart him.
Starting July 1, the government will cap what graduate students may borrow in federal loans, forcing many toward private lenders with higher interest rates.
World
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About 2,000 U.S. troops supporting relief efforts after Venezuela earthquakes
Almost 60,000 buildings may have been damaged or destroyed in Venezuela after two powerful earthquakes last week, according to a NASA satellite assessment.
U.S. helicopter goes down in Arabian Sea, crew member missing, Navy says
The helicopter, which was assigned to the USS George H.W. Bush, is not believed to have been taken down by hostile action, the Navy said.
Dog pulled from rubble 5 days after Venezuela quakes, video shows
Dramatic video showed the moment a rescue team pulled a small dog from the rubble nearly a week after twin earthquakes devastated Venezuela.
How Iran could try to control the Strait of Hormuz — and profit from it
Some experts say the Strait of Hormuz will not return to its pre-war state, so what could the future of this vital shipping lane look like?
Live
Trump lauds "very good meetings" as indirect U.S.-Iran talks resume
Vance says the U.S. has accomplished its "core mission" in Iran, as Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner meet mediators in Qatar, but not Iranians.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
CBS News journalists on Swift-Kelce wedding
Rumors are swirling about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce tying the knot at Madison Square Garden. CBS News' Olivia Rinaldi and Gabrielle Ake, self-described Swifties, join "The Takeout" with the latest.
What we know about rumored Swift-Kelce wedding
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding festivities are expected to begin Thursday, sources said. Crews have been spotted at Madison Square Garden in New York City unloading equipment ahead of the July Fourth weekend. Here's what we know so far.
Swift-Kelce wedding events taking shape
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding events are set to begin in New York City, sources say. CBS News' Jo Ling Kent has the latest.
Sophia Bush, Jerry O'Connell on new comedy
Sophia Bush and Jerry O'Connell join CBS News 24/7 Mornings to discuss their new comedy, "Summer's Last Resort," which premieres on Tubi July 3.
Stars talk "Summer's Last Resort" comedy
Sophia Bush and Jerry O'Connell talk to "CBS Mornings" about starring in the coming-of-age comedy "Summer's Last Resort." Bush discusses what drew her to the project and says there was "never a dull day on set," while O'Connell reveals what his daughters thought about the film.
Technology
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Technology
Why U.S. initially restricted Anthropic AI models
The Trump administration has lifted export restrictions on Anthropic's most advanced artificial intelligence models, Fable and Mythos, after weeks of negotiations over national security concerns. CNET Editor-in-Chief David Katzmaier joins to discuss.
White House lifted AI limits, Anthropic says
Tech giant Anthropic says that the federal government has now removed restrictions from its robust Claude Fable 5 and Mythos 5 models. Axios reporter Madison Mills has more on artificial intelligence regulation.
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.
Sony to stop making physical discs for PlayStation starting in 2028
After January 2028, new games will be available exclusively in digital format from the PlayStation Store and at retailers, Sony said.
Consumers need protection from AI agents, lawmaker says
Sen. Mark Warner wants to create a federal registry of trusted AI agents and ensure autonomous bots operate like fiduciaries.
Science
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Science
NASA strives to save doomed telescope
NASA is in a race against time as the Swift Observatory telescope in orbit sinks closer to Earth. CBS News consultant William Harwood explains the $30 million salvage operation.
Fossil found in drawer turns out to be first dinosaur bone from Antarctica
Dinosaur fossils are rare to find in Antarctica because of the unforgiving ice caps. But millions of years ago, the region was populated by lush forests.
NASA prepares to launch rescue to save telescope from falling to Earth
The $30 million salvage operation gets underway as soon as this week with the planned launch of a robotic lifesaver.
Astronomers find 2 gigantic planets lighter than cotton candy
The featherweight pair — orbiting a star 1,110 light-years away — are the biggest exoplanets found to have less density than cotton candy.
Ancient Egyptian burial site reveals centuries of changing traditions
Human and animal remains unearthed in Egypt's Nile Delta reveal changing funerary practices over some 600 years, and the evolution of a key site itself.
Crime
More Crime
More than 1,000 cases under review after Broadview Six misconduct revelations
More than 1,000 grand jury presentations are under review after charges were dismissed in the "Broadview Six" case due to grand jury abuses and prosecutorial misconduct, Chicago's top federal prosecutor said.
Potential charges for Empire State Building climbers
Two people climbed to the top of the Empire State Building Wednesday and unfurled a banner before seemingly getting engaged. CBS News law enforcement contributor Rodney Harrison has more on what repercussions the couple could face.
Couple climbs Empire State Building: Details
Two people climbed to the top of the Empire State Building in New York City on Wednesday, unfurling a banner and appearing to get engaged. CBS News' Tom Hanson and Shanelle Kaul have more.
3 in custody after CBS News Chicago crew attacked near Adler Planetarium
During the incident, a reporter and photographer were approached by three men, one with a dog, before their news truck and gear were destroyed.
U.S. announces new bank alert targeting powerful drug cartel
Two men and nine companies are accused of being tied to a cartel-linked fuel theft ring intended to evade taxes while generating tens of millions of dollars annually.
Space
More Space
NASA astronauts operate on space station's broken robot arm
The orbital surgery on the International Space Station returned the Canadian-built robot arm to full health after its "wrist" joint failed last month.
NASA prepares to launch rescue to save telescope from falling to Earth
The $30 million salvage operation gets underway as soon as this week with the planned launch of a robotic lifesaver.
Astronomers find 2 gigantic planets lighter than cotton candy
The featherweight pair — orbiting a star 1,110 light-years away — are the biggest exoplanets found to have less density than cotton candy.
Telescope snaps most detailed photo yet of Milky Way's heart
Euclid is on a mission to chart one-third of the sky in the hopes of shedding light on the enduring mysteries of dark matter and dark energy.
Interstellar comet may be oldest object ever seen in solar system
Exactly where the comet 3I/ATLAS came from within the Milky Way remains a mystery.
Latest Galleries
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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.
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.
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
6/27: CBS Weekend News
High winds and heat are fueling Utah's out-of-control wildfires; Iranian drones target Bahrain after U.S. strikes Iran.
Kitty Carlisle, Bert Convy mark bicentennial
CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett introduces two 1976 CBS segments marking America's bicentennial, featuring game show regulars Kitty Carlisle and Bert Convy.
Historian Jon Meacham on America 250
Historian Jon Meacham is serving as the National Constitution Center's semiquincentennial scholar for the nation's 250th birthday. Meacham joins "The Takeout" to discuss the festivities and how Americans are feeling about the anniversary.
Axios: Harris reached out to Mamdani, activists
Axios reports that former Vice President Kamala Harris has reached out to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and pro-Palestinian activists. Political strategists Cassie Smedile and Hyma Moore join with analysis.
U.S. prepares to take on Bosnia in World Cup
World Cup fever is in full swing in California, where the U.S. Men's National Team is preparing to take the field on Wednesday in its first knockout stage match of the tournament against Bosnia and Herzegovina. CBS News correspondent Nicole Valdes has more.