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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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First on CBS
Scaled-back Alibaba settlement reflects DOJ's approach to food and drug cases
The scaled-backed Alibaba settlement reflects a broader trend by the DOJ of pulling back on criminal enforcement of corporate cases involving the safety of food, drugs, and medical devices.
Trump's proposed arch needs structural revisions to earn final approval
Washington, D.C., has height restrictions, and the National Planning Commission offered a solution to meet them for the 250-foot proposed arch.
Home prices across the U.S. hit an all-time high
Sky-high housing prices make even starter homes too expensive for most Americans, housing data show.
Millions of Americans have until July 10 to claim refunds from the IRS
A federal court ruling enabled some taxpayers to seek refunds tied to COVID-era filing deadlines. But that window expires July 10 — here's what to know.
First on CBS
Schiff launches inquiry into DOJ's closure of tainted baby formula probe
Sen. Adam Schiff is launching a congressional inquiry into why the Justice Department shuttered a long-running criminal investigation into bacteria-tainted infant formula.
MoneyWatch
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Home prices across the U.S. hit an all-time high
Sky-high housing prices make even starter homes too expensive for most Americans, housing data show.
Millions of Americans have until July 10 to claim refunds from the IRS
A federal court ruling enabled some taxpayers to seek refunds tied to COVID-era filing deadlines. But that window expires July 10 — here's what to know.
Jet fuel prices have dropped. Why are air fares still so high?
Lower jet fuel costs spell relief for airlines. But that doesn't mean they'll pass savings onto customers by lowering airfares, experts said.
Kia recalling almost 463,000 Tellurides that may catch fire in motion or parked
Kia America is recalling almost 463,000 Telluride SUVs from the 2020-2024 model years that could catch fire while being driven or parked, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says.
A Florida airport is now named after Trump, with old airport code still used for now
Palm Beach International Airport officially became Donald J. Trump International Airport on Thursday, but the airport's code won't change for another 40 days.
Politics
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Here's who's vying to replace Graham Platner as Maine Democratic Senate nominee
Graham Platner's move to suspend his Senate campaign after a sexual assault allegation has prompted a mad dash in Maine, as Democrats position themselves as replacements to take on GOP Sen. Susan Collins.
First on CBS
Scaled-back Alibaba settlement reflects DOJ's approach to food and drug cases
The scaled-backed Alibaba settlement reflects a broader trend by the DOJ of pulling back on criminal enforcement of corporate cases involving the safety of food, drugs, and medical devices.
Trump's proposed arch needs structural revisions to earn final approval
Washington, D.C., has height restrictions, and the National Planning Commission offered a solution to meet them for the 250-foot proposed arch.
First on CBS
Schiff launches inquiry into DOJ's closure of tainted baby formula probe
Sen. Adam Schiff is launching a congressional inquiry into why the Justice Department shuttered a long-running criminal investigation into bacteria-tainted infant formula.
Questions arise over new Air Force One after Trump uses old plane
The Secret Service advised that President Trump take the old plane to depart Turkey, according to people briefed on the situation.
HealthWatch
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What to know about "explosive" diarrhea-causing parasite reported in several states
Michigan is experiencing its largest outbreak of a parasitic infection, called cyclosporiasis, that causes severe diarrhea.
What to know about infant botulism
A fourth infant was hospitalized for botulism linked to Nara Organics baby formula, and the FDA is now expanding its investigation. Dr. Céline Gounder has the latest.
Nara Organics infant formula linked to another case of botulism
The FDA is urging parents and caregivers to immediately stop using a Nara Organics-brand formula after several infants contracted botulism.
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."
World
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39 killed in southern China flooding after days of heavy rain
Authorities in southern China say 39 people have died in flooding after days of heavy rainfall from a tropical storm.
U.S. star Christian Pulisic fractured leg in World Cup loss to Belgium
Christian Pulisic was diagnosed with a fractured right leg, the U.S. Soccer Federation announced Thursday.
Irish citizen found guilty of murdering American woman in Hungary
Investigators said Mackenzie Michalski and the suspect met at a nightclub and danced before leaving for the man's rented apartment.
Exclusive
American-made technology guiding Ukraine's strikes into Russia
The American defense firm Shield AI has played an increasingly important role in Ukraine's campaign of strikes in Russia.
Israeli strike kills aid worker who brought World Cup screenings to Gaza
An Israeli strike has killed an aid worker who organized World Cup game screenings for Palestinians in the war-torn Gaza Strip, a hospital director says.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Jon Batiste performs "Georgia On My Mind"
Jon Batiste performs the Ray Charles classic, "Georgia On My Mind," as America rings in its 250th birthday.
Julie Chen Moonves on "Big Brother" season 28
Julie Chen Moonves, who hosts "Big Brother," gives "CBS Mornings" a sneak peek inside the house ahead of the season 28 premiere.
Eva Marcille on "All the Queen's Men"
Eva Marcille, who stars in "All the Queen's Men," joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss the show's fifth and final season.
Emmy nomination snubs and surprises
"The PItt" and "Hacks" stole the show at the 2026 Emmy Award nominations, with 25 and 24 nominations, respectively. Here are some of the biggest takeaways with Entertainment Tonight reporter Emily Curl.
The War and Treaty performs "Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay"
The War and Treaty performs their cover of "Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay" at the historic Woolworth Theatre in Nashville.
Technology
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Technology
Deepfake vulnerabilities in Meta's new AI tool
Meta has launched a new AI-imaging tool called Muse that could make public Instagram users vulnerable to deepfakes. Muse allows other Instagram users to use photos from public accounts to make AI images without explicit approval or knowledge. CNET AI reporter Katelyn Chedraoui has more.
China warns of "security backdoor" in Anthropic AI coding tool
A Chinese industry regulator warned users of a "security backdoor" embedded in versions of U.S. artificial intelligence company Anthropic's coding tool, Claude Code.
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.
Satellites search for wildfires from space
FireSat satellites, equipped with specialized cameras and imaging software, are helping detect wildfires from space. Muon Space CEO Jonny Dyer explains how the satellites could help firefighting efforts.
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."
Science
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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
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Crime
2 killed by feds in separate Memphis shootings
A member of the federal crime task force in Memphis shot and killed a man while DEA agents were serving a drug warrant on Wednesday. On Sunday, two National Guard officers shot and killed Tyrin Johnson. CBS News' Anna Schecter reports.
Court hears from Kirk suspect's ex-roommate
The suspect in Charlie Kirk's murder allegedly told his roommate he "wishes he hadn't done it," an interview played in court on Thursday revealed. CBS News' Anna Schecter has the latest.
Olympian's plea in Reflecting Pool case
U.S. Olympian David Hearn on Thursday pleaded not guilty to damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Shanelle Kaul reports.
Details on hearing in Charlie Kirk murder case
A critical hearing is continuing this week for Tyler Robinson, the man accused of killing Charlie Kirk. CBS News' Anna Schecter reports.
Charlie Kirk murder suspect said "he wishes he hadn't done it," roommate says
Lance Twiggs said in a recorded interview with a Utah prosecutor that he saw Robinson the day after Charlie Kirk was shot and killed.
Space
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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
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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
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Latest CBS News Videos
2 killed by feds in separate Memphis shootings
A member of the federal crime task force in Memphis shot and killed a man while DEA agents were serving a drug warrant on Wednesday. On Sunday, two National Guard officers shot and killed Tyrin Johnson. CBS News' Anna Schecter reports.
Nirav Shah announces bid to replace Platner
A slew of Democratic candidates are throwing their hats into the ring to replace Graham Platner in Maine's U.S. Senate race, including the state's CDC Director, Dr. Nirav Shah. CBS News political director Fin Gómez joins with the latest.
Deepfake vulnerabilities in Meta's new AI tool
Meta has launched a new AI-imaging tool called Muse that could make public Instagram users vulnerable to deepfakes. Muse allows other Instagram users to use photos from public accounts to make AI images without explicit approval or knowledge. CNET AI reporter Katelyn Chedraoui has more.
Questions arise over Qatari-gifted Air Force One
The Secret Service advised President Trump not to use the Qatari-donated Air Force One as he left the NATO summit. CBS News homeland security correspondent Nicole Sganga has the latest.
Court hears from Kirk suspect's ex-roommate
The suspect in Charlie Kirk's murder allegedly told his roommate he "wishes he hadn't done it," an interview played in court on Thursday revealed. CBS News' Anna Schecter has the latest.