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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.
Evidence found behind Cracker Barrel helps solve 1985 cold case murder
Ohio police say they've solved a man's 1985 murder using old evidence, including items found soon after the killing behind a Cracker Barrel in Georgia.
Walmart cuts prices on thousands of items, including beef and soda
President Trump praised Walmart and said the lower prices are the result of "my Administration's request to celebrate our great Country's 250th birthday."
First on CBS
Senate Democrats push Trump-affiliated companies for answers about IRS settlement
Democratic Sens. Elizabeth Warren, Chuck Schumer and Ron Wyden are probing whether companies affiliated with the Trump family are included in a DOJ deal to resolve a lawsuit brought by President Trump.
NATO summit in Turkey begins as Trump pushes for more defense spending
Amid simmering tensions between the U.S. and some NATO allies over Iran and Greenland, President Trump will continue to press other countries to boost defense spending.
Belgium knocks out U.S. men 4-1, ending the Americans' World Cup run in Seattle
Belgium defeated the U.S. Men's National Team 4-1 on Monday night in the World Cup round of 16 knockout match in Seattle, ending the Americans' hopes of reaching the quarterfinals for the first time in 24 years.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Walmart cuts prices on thousands of items, including beef and soda
President Trump praised Walmart and said the lower prices are the result of "my Administration's request to celebrate our great Country's 250th birthday."
Toyota, in $3.6 billion move, shifting Tacoma production to Texas from Mexico
Toyota is shifting most production of its midsize Tacoma pickup truck from Mexico to the U.S. as part of a $3.6 billion investment in its Texas plant.
AI actor Tilly Norwood set to star in first feature film
AI-generated actor Tilly Norwood is set to star in her first feature film, with her creator saying that "art will be imitating life."
Microsoft to cut more than 3,000 jobs from ailing Xbox unit
Microsoft moves to slash costs as the video game industry faces what the tech giant calls the "most severe hardware crisis in its history."
EasyJet agrees to $6.7 billion takeover by U.S. private equity firm
U.K. budget airline has struck a deal to be acquired after rejecting four previous offers by the American investment firm.
Politics
More Politics
Cuba slowly getting power back after third nationwide blackout in 6 months
Cubans were gradually getting power restored after the third nationwide power outage this year, causing mounting despair in the face of an energy collapse precipitated by a U.S. fuel blockade.
Democrats Stevens and El-Sayed face off in primary debate for Michigan Senate
The debate comes days after a third candidate, Mallory McMorrow, suspended her campaign.
First on CBS
Senate Democrats push Trump-affiliated companies for answers about IRS settlement
Democratic Sens. Elizabeth Warren, Chuck Schumer and Ron Wyden are probing whether companies affiliated with the Trump family are included in a DOJ deal to resolve a lawsuit brought by President Trump.
NATO summit in Turkey begins as Trump pushes for more defense spending
Amid simmering tensions between the U.S. and some NATO allies over Iran and Greenland, President Trump will continue to press other countries to boost defense spending.
Judge says alleged D.C. pipe bomber isn't covered by Trump's Jan. 6 pardons
A judge ruled that that President Trump's pardons of the rioters were "expressly limited" to those who were convicted of their actions on Jan. 6, 2021, and did not apply to Brian Cole Jr.
HealthWatch
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Switching to a cheaper health plan delayed a man's access to vital medicine
A Florida man thought he had carefully planned for a seamless switch between health plans. It was anything but.
"Very unhealthy" pollution levels recorded in D.C. after July 4th fireworks
A "purple" air quality alert was issued for Washington, D.C., and surrounding areas, on Sunday, meaning pollution reached levels considered "very unhealthy."
1 symptom leads to dad's cancer diagnosis: "I was like, 'Wait, what?'"
Eric Dillon thought the pain in his shoulder was a minor injury. It took two years to get the real answer.
Why tick season is expected to be worse than normal
The CDC is reporting the highest rate of emergency room visits from tick bites since 2017 in many parts of the U.S.
Investigation
What a Brooklyn bodega reveals about the craze for an experimental weight-loss drug
It isn't approved by the FDA, but we found an experimental weight-loss drug called retatrutide for sale at a local convenience store.
World
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French right-wing leader Marine Le Pen cleared to run in 2027 election
Le Pen is now eligible to run in the forthcoming election, but would have to do so wearing an electronic tag, something she has previously ruled out.
2,000-year-old gold rings and human bones found by archaeologists
Archaeologists have discovered eight human skeletons, bronze and gold jewelry and other artifacts indicating a ceremonial burial of wealthy people.
Cuba slowly getting power back after third nationwide blackout in 6 months
Cubans were gradually getting power restored after the third nationwide power outage this year, causing mounting despair in the face of an energy collapse precipitated by a U.S. fuel blockade.
Woman suspected in bomb attack on Ukrainian magnate found dead in Kyiv
A woman suspected of planting a bomb that targeted a wealthy Ukrainian businessman in Monaco has been found shot dead in Kyiv.
Live
Tanker struck as Iran threatens to abandon talks over Trump's threats
A tanker was struck by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz as the U.S. and Iran continued exchanging threats with peace talks on hold.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Details emerge of Swift-Kelce wedding
The highly anticipated wedding between pop superstar Taylor Swift and Kansas City Chiefs Pro Bowler Travis Kelce took place at Madison Square Garden on Friday. Page Six senior reporter Carlos Greer joins with the emerging details.
AI actor Tilly Norwood set to star in first feature film
AI-generated actor Tilly Norwood is set to star in her first feature film, with her creator saying that "art will be imitating life."
Beyoncé releases first new song in two years
Beyoncé released her first new song in two years, "MORNING DEW (DONK)," on the Fourth of July. Caché McClay, a music reporter for USA Today Network, has more.
Details of Swift, Kelce wedding
After weeks of speculation, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce officially tied the knot at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Lilia Luciano has more on the venue's transformation, guest list and the couple's vows.
Details on Taylor Swift-Travis Kelce wedding
More details are emerging about the huge Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce wedding that brought together 1,000 people in New York City. CBS News' Lilia Luciano reports.
Technology
More Technology
Microsoft to cut more than 3,000 jobs from ailing Xbox unit
Microsoft moves to slash costs as the video game industry faces what the tech giant calls the "most severe hardware crisis in its history."
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.
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.
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.
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.
Science
More Science
2,000-year-old gold rings and human bones found by archaeologists
Archaeologists have discovered eight human skeletons, bronze and gold jewelry and other artifacts indicating a ceremonial burial of wealthy people.
Telescope spots most distant quasars ever discovered
Quasars — the brightest objects in the universe — are powered by supermassive black holes at the heart of early galaxies.
The American innovation that made millions of others possible
From the lightbulb to the airplane, to medical breakthroughs and the internet age, the past 250 years have been defined by America's intrepid intellect.
New White House UFO panel chair speaks out
The White House appointed former Harvard University astronomer Avi Loeb to lead its new panel on Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena, also known as UAPs and UFOs. Loeb shares his enthusiasm for his new role.
3 futurists predict what America will be like in the centuries ahead
From space to healthcare and artificial intelligence, what could the next 250 years of the United States look like?
Crime
More Crime
Evidence found behind Cracker Barrel helps solve 1985 cold case murder
Ohio police say they've solved a man's 1985 murder using old evidence, including items found soon after the killing behind a Cracker Barrel in Georgia.
Charlie Kirk assassination suspect back in court
The Utah man accused of assassinating right-wing activist Charlie Kirk appeared in court for a preliminary hearing, marking the first time he was in the same room as Kirk's family. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman reports.
Mom who said her toddlers died after vaccinations charged with murder
A grand jury indicted Andrea Shaw, who is accused of suffocating her 18-month-old twins, on two counts of first-degree murder.
Charlie Kirk murder suspect in court
Tyler Robinson, the man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk, was in court Monday for a critical hearing. Carter Evans reports.
Testimony at accused Kirk killer's hearing
A five-day preliminary hearing is underway for the man accused of assassinating conservative activist Charlie Kirk. CBS News' Anna Schecter has the details.
Space
More Space
Telescope spots most distant quasars ever discovered
Quasars — the brightest objects in the universe — are powered by supermassive black holes at the heart of early galaxies.
Mission launched to rescue a falling space telescope
Katalyst Space's LINK spacecraft is designed to capture and boost NASA's Swift observatory back to a safe altitude.
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.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
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
Trump attends NATO summit in Turkey
President Trump arrives in Turkey on Monday for a NATO summit, where the focus will be on high-stakes security issues like the Ukraine war. However, the president's decision to wade into the controversy over U.S. striker Folarin Balogun's World Cup suspension may cast a shadow. Ed O'Keefe reports.
Charlie Kirk assassination suspect back in court
The Utah man accused of assassinating right-wing activist Charlie Kirk appeared in court for a preliminary hearing, marking the first time he was in the same room as Kirk's family. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman reports.
Trump arrives in Turkey for NATO summit
President Trump is expected to continue pressing NATO allies to boost their defense spending as he attends a summit in Turkey. Trump was greeted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan as he deplaned. CBS News' Olivia Gazis reports.
Analysis of U.S.-Belgium World Cup match
Jimmy Conrad, an analyst for CBS Sports Golazo Network and five-time captain of the U.S. men's national team, joins "CBS Mornings" to break down the U.S. loss to Belgium, if the red card controversy played a role in the match, and who could win it all.
U.S. exits World Cup after loss to Belgium
Belgium thrashed the U.S. Men's National Team in a grueling 4-1 defeat, ending their World Cup dreams. CBS Sports Golazo Network's Michael Lahoud reacts to the match.