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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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Tenisha Warner, widow of Malcolm-Jamal Warner, opens up about being a single mom
Tenisha Warner sat down for an exclusive interview with "CBS Mornings" before a lawsuit over her late husband's estate became public, and discussed her grief and raising her daughter alone.
Lung cancer in non-smoking women: "A women's health crisis"
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in American women — and a growing share of new cases are in women who've never smoked.
Wreckage of Pan Am plane found in ocean 74 years after deadly crash
The crash in 1952 killed 52 people and led to requirements for the passenger safety briefings given on every commercial flight.
ICE detentions hit highest monthly total in June since crackdown began
More than 43,000 immigrants were arrested last month as DHS continues to detain people in less-publicized enforcement surges.
Democrats claim Social Security email included "misleading information"
Lawmakers claim Commissioner Frank Bisignano used an agency email to exaggerate tax savings under the Republicans' OBBBA while inserting partisan political messaging.
MoneyWatch
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OpenAI says its technology, on its own, hacked another AI company
ChatGPT maker OpenAI says its artificial intelligence system hacked into another AI company on its own in what the company called an "unprecedented cyber incident."
Democrats claim Social Security email included "misleading information"
Lawmakers claim Commissioner Frank Bisignano used an agency email to exaggerate tax savings under the Republicans' OBBBA while inserting partisan political messaging.
More Americans report shoplifting as inflation climbs, survey finds
Thirty percent of respondents said they shoplifted this year, with most citing affordability concerns and financial hardship.
GLP-1s are linked to a 17% drop in worker sick leave, new study finds
Here's how weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy could reduce worker illness and save companies money.
Here's how much wealth you need to thrive, based on your age
Three in four American households lack the wealth to weather financial setbacks and achieve major life milestones.
Politics
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ICE detentions hit highest monthly total in June since crackdown began
More than 43,000 immigrants were arrested last month as DHS continues to detain people in less-publicized enforcement surges.
Agency set to sweep up medical data says some identifying info will be removed
The Office of Personnel Management said it will "pseudonymize" medical records it collects on more than 8 million people — federal workers and retirees, and their family members.
Mamdani says he won't try to arrest Israel's Netanyahu
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani conceded late Tuesday that the city does not have the authority to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Mark Lamb wins Arizona House GOP primary after misconduct allegations
Former sheriff Mark Lamb was running against construction business owner Daniel Keenan in Arizona's 5th Congressional District Republican primary.
Trump ally Andy Biggs wins GOP nomination for Arizona governor, AP projects
Trump-endorsed Rep. Andy Biggs will take on Democratic Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs in November.
HealthWatch
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Lung cancer in non-smoking women: "A women's health crisis"
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in American women — and a growing share of new cases are in women who've never smoked.
Agency set to sweep up medical data says some identifying info will be removed
The Office of Personnel Management said it will "pseudonymize" medical records it collects on more than 8 million people — federal workers and retirees, and their family members.
RFK Jr. says cyclosporiasis is "under control"
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made his first public comment on the growing cyclosporiasis outbreak on Tuesday, declaring it under control and denying that cutbacks to monitoring activities have hurt U.S. food safety. Carter Evans reports.
GLP-1s are linked to a 17% drop in worker sick leave, new study finds
Here's how weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy could reduce worker illness and save companies money.
Melinda French Gates on perimenopause
Melinda French Gates recalled to Norah O'Donnell on "Healthful" that she started getting perimenopause symptoms in her early 40s. "I kind of couldn't believe it because I just finished having my last child in my late 30s," French Gates said. French Gates added it took three doctors to diagnose her symptoms and to get her the right treatments.
World
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Live
Oil prices soar as U.S. insists Strait of Hormuz open despite ongoing attacks
The Pentagon insists the Strait of Hormuz is open, but the threat to shipping is increasing, along with oil prices.
Australian woman gives birth to rare identical quadruplet daughters
All four daughters share 100 percent of their DNA after a single fertilized egg split into four embryos, making the pregnancy a one-in-15-million occurrence.
Zelenskyy replaces Ukraine's top general after days of protests
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that he will replace the commander-in-chief of the armed forces as a government shakeup continues.
Cocaine worth $285 million found hidden in banana shipment
Some 1,700 pounds of cocaine was concealed in a refrigerated container from Ecuador among dozens of pallets of bananas, police said.
Deadly attack on U.S. forces in Jordan part of evolving Iranian tactics
A retired Jordanian general tells CBS News Iran is "developing techniques and capacities" to target U.S. forces with increasing lethality.
Entertainment
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Tenisha Warner, widow of Malcolm-Jamal Warner, opens up about being a single mom
Tenisha Warner sat down for an exclusive interview with "CBS Mornings" before a lawsuit over her late husband's estate became public, and discussed her grief and raising her daughter alone.
Inside the cameras used for "The Odyssey"
Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey" has made history as the first feature-length film shot entirely on 70mm IMAX cameras. Jay Holben, technical editor for the American Cinematographer, joins CBS News to discuss.
Kaylee Hottle, actress in "Godzilla vs. Kong," dies at 18 in car crash
Kaylee Hottle, an Atlanta-born actress known for her role in the "Godzilla" film franchise, has died following a crash in Maryland.
Josh Duhamel talks "Ransom Canyon"
Josh Duhamel talks with "CBS Mornings" about starring in "Ransom Canyon," how much he knew about ranch life before the show and his growing family.
Oprah expanding her podcast
Oprah Winfrey announced she's expanding her podcast, "The Oprah Podcast." Starting on Tuesday, two new episodes will drop weekly. She spoke to "CBS Mornings" co-host Gayle King about her decision and revealed more about the guests she's had appear on the podcast.
Technology
More Technology
OpenAI says its technology, on its own, hacked another AI company
ChatGPT maker OpenAI says its artificial intelligence system hacked into another AI company on its own in what the company called an "unprecedented cyber incident."
Exclusive discounts from 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.
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.
Can you spot an AI image? Quiz shows how difficult it has become.
An AI expert said the telltale signs people once relied on, such as distorted fingers, unnatural eyes, or other obvious visual flaws, have largely disappeared as technology has improved.
Erin Brockovich on data center regulation
New York is now the first state to temporarily ban data center construction, paving the way for others to follow suit. Environmental advocate Erin Brockovich joins "The Takeout" to discuss.
Science
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Science
Wildfire smoke continues to shroud U.S.
Millions of people are enduring dangerous air quality as Canadian wildfire smoke shrouds the skies. Jonathan Overpeck, dean of the School for Environment and Sustainability at the University of Michigan, explains how climate change is worsening wildfires.
How AI data centers impact the environment
New York has become the first state to impose a temporary moratorium on data center development while state lawmakers lay the groundwork to assess environmental and social impacts. Dr. Mike Weinstein, the director of sustainability at Southern New Hampshire University, explains what we know about the wider environmental impact data centers.
Russian Soyuz rocket launches fresh crew to space station
The new crew will replace three other Soyuz fliers wrapping up a 240-day stay aboard the International Space Station.
Astronomer's name deciphered from ancient Mayan ruins for first time
The name "White-chested Fox" was found in drawings dating from 400 BC to 900 AD at the San Bartolo-Xultun archaeological site.
Disclosure Foundation head on new UFO files
The Pentagon on Friday released a new batch of UFO files, spanning 19 videos and more. Jordan Flowers, executive director of the Disclosure Foundation, joins CBS News to discuss.
Crime
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Crime
Hearing begins for singer D4vd
A multi-day hearing began Tuesday in Los Angeles where the singer known as D4vd is facing murder and other felony charges in the death of a teenage girl. CBS News' Gwen Baumgardner and Jessica Levinson have the latest.
Timeline of NYC federal building explosion
A veteran was arrested for allegedly setting off fireworks and starting a fire in front of a Manhattan building that houses several federal offices, including ICE, the FBI says. CBS News' Anna Schecter shares more details.
Cocaine worth $285 million found hidden in banana shipment
Some 1,700 pounds of cocaine was concealed in a refrigerated container from Ecuador among dozens of pallets of bananas, police said.
Tourists stabbed near Acropolis in Athens
Two Greek American tourists were stabbed near the Acropolis in Athens, Greece, police said. CBS News' Anna Coren has more.
Details emerge on suspect in NYC fire
More details are emerging about the Army veteran accused of starting a fire outside a federal building in lower Manhattan on Monday. CBS News' Tom Hanson has more.
Space
More Space
Meteorite that hit home contains "alien world chemistry," experts say
When scientists examined the preserved fragments of a meteorite that crashed in 2024, they found brine-like fluids and key molecules.
Russian Soyuz rocket launches fresh crew to space station
The new crew will replace three other Soyuz fliers wrapping up a 240-day stay aboard the International Space Station.
Astronomers discover sugar in space that's also found in raspberries
The sugar, called erythrulose, lurks in what's called the interstellar medium: thin clouds of gas and dust littered between stars.
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.
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.
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?
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
Eye Opener: Powerful storms across U.S.
Powerful storms wreak havoc across the country as the Gulf states brace for Tropical Storm Bertha. Plus, details on a potential new nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia. All that and all that matters in today's Eye Opener.
Melinda French Gates on Women's Health
Melinda French Gates is focusing her money and attention on improving women's healthcare in America. In Healthful's first episode, French Gates tells Norah O'Donnell why it took three doctors to catch her perimenopause and shares the three simple things that keep her healthier than ever. We'd love to hear what topics you want covered on Healthful. Text Norah at 202-217-1107
Lung Cancer in Women and Never-Smokers
Lung cancer has surpassed breast cancer as the leading cause of cancer deaths in American women—and a growing share of new cases are in women who have never touched a cigarette. Anne Wojcicki's sister, former YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki, was one of them. In this episode of HEALTHFUL, Norah O'Donnell sits down with Anne, Dr. Kim Sandler, Director of the Vanderbilt Lung Screening Program, and Shira Kupperman Boehler—a lifelong nonsmoker and daily runner diagnosed with lung cancer at 44—to discuss why lung cancer is becoming one of the most urgent, and least understood, threats to women's health. We'd love to hear what topics you want covered on Healthful. Text Norah at 202-217-1107
Behind the scenes of Apollo 11 (2009)
While the three astronauts of Apollo 11 received the bulk of the attention for landing on the moon in 1969, 400,000 people worked behind the scenes to make it happen. Randall Pinkston reported on one of those important people back in 2009.
Ex-FDA medical officer on cyclospora outbreak
The FDA is still hunting for the source of the cyclosporiasis outbreak after earlier test results proved to be a false positive. Dr. David Acheson, who has more than 40 years of medical and food safety experience, joins CBS News to discuss the issue.