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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.
What Trump's generic drug tariffs could mean, according to experts
Health policy experts say higher import duties could increase costs and strain supplies while offering no guarantee manufacturers will shift production to the U.S.
House and Senate take different paths to avoid shutdown before midterms
Another deadline to fund the government is looming this fall in Congress, and lawmakers seem eager to avoid another costly impasse ahead of the midterm elections.
DOJ sues 2 Chinese companies over immersion water heaters that can catch on fire
The Justice Department is trying to force the two Chinese companies to recall immersion water heaters used for bathtubs and pools.
Trump attends dignified transfer of soldiers killed in Iranian attacks
President Trump attended a dignified transfer honoring the four U.S. Army soldiers killed in the Middle East in recent days during the ongoing war with Iran.
Kalshi debuts a midterm election hub to predict race outcomes
The site claims its hub will provide accurate insights into election outcomes based on traders' bets.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
What Trump's generic drug tariffs could mean, according to experts
Health policy experts say higher import duties could increase costs and strain supplies while offering no guarantee manufacturers will shift production to the U.S.
"Nothing is going through" the Strait of Hormuz, shipping insider says
Despite U.S. assertions, the CEO of a maritime risk firm says "there is no guarantee of safe passage" through the Strait of Hormuz.
Kalshi debuts a midterm election hub to predict race outcomes
The site claims its hub will provide accurate insights into election outcomes based on traders' bets.
FDA recalls antihistamine tablets. Here are the affected products.
A generic version of the allergy medication Zyrtec is under recall across the U.S. over cross-contamination concerns.
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."
Politics
More Politics
House and Senate take different paths to avoid shutdown before midterms
Another deadline to fund the government is looming this fall in Congress, and lawmakers seem eager to avoid another costly impasse ahead of the midterm elections.
DOJ sues 2 Chinese companies over immersion water heaters that can catch on fire
The Justice Department is trying to force the two Chinese companies to recall immersion water heaters used for bathtubs and pools.
Trump attends dignified transfer of soldiers killed in Iranian attacks
President Trump attended a dignified transfer honoring the four U.S. Army soldiers killed in the Middle East in recent days during the ongoing war with Iran.
First on CBS
Democrats probe DOJ opinion that eases institutionalization of mentally ill
Democrats in the Senate and House are investigating the origins of a DOJ legal opinion that would make it easier for states to keep people with mental illness in institutions, rather than helping them to live at home.
U.S. reaches deal with Saudis for nuclear energy commercial agreements
The U.S. and Saudi Arabia are expected to sign a deal for U.S. companies to run nuclear power for the Saudis, potentially allowing the Saudis to enrich their own fuel for nuclear reactors.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
What Trump's generic drug tariffs could mean, according to experts
Health policy experts say higher import duties could increase costs and strain supplies while offering no guarantee manufacturers will shift production to the U.S.
FDA recalls antihistamine tablets. Here are the affected products.
A generic version of the allergy medication Zyrtec is under recall across the U.S. over cross-contamination concerns.
Lung cancer in nonsmokers: "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.
World
More World
5,700 more deaths than usual recorded in France during heat wave
France experienced at least 5,700 more deaths than usual during a historic heat wave last month, according to the public health agency.
"Nothing is going through" the Strait of Hormuz, shipping insider says
Despite U.S. assertions, the CEO of a maritime risk firm says "there is no guarantee of safe passage" through the Strait of Hormuz.
U.S. reaches deal with Saudis for nuclear energy commercial agreements
The U.S. and Saudi Arabia are expected to sign a deal for U.S. companies to run nuclear power for the Saudis, potentially allowing the Saudis to enrich their own fuel for nuclear reactors.
France becomes first EU country to ban social media for kids under 15
As lawmakers approve a social media ban on kids and phones in high schools, Macron says France is "leading the way in Europe when it comes to protecting our children."
3,000-year-old human remains found underneath volcanic ash
The ancient remains were found face down and will undergo radiocarbon dating to determine their age. DNA analysis will also be carried out to determine the person's sex.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Luke Bracey on "Little House on the Prairie"
Luke Bracey tells "CBS Mornings" the new "Little House on the Prairie" series was adapted from the books rather than a reboot of the TV show. He explains why he thinks it resonates with people today and how a playlist helped him and a co-star bond over their characters.
Anson Mount previews new "Star Trek" season
Anson Mount previews the fourth season of "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds." He talks about his introduction to "Star Trek" and why he thinks it's the best season yet.
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.
Technology
More Technology
France becomes first EU country to ban social media for kids under 15
As lawmakers approve a social media ban on kids and phones in high schools, Macron says France is "leading the way in Europe when it comes to protecting our children."
U.S. tech execs warn of Chinese AI models: WSJ
U.S. tech giants are concerned about cheap Chinese AI models, according to a new report from The Wall Street Journal. Amrith Ramkumar, a tech policy reporter at The Wall Street Journal who contributed to the story, 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.
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
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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
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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
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Latest on key Trump nominations
President Trump's pick for director of national intelligence, Jay Clayton, has advanced to the next stage in the Senate's nomination process. Meanwhile, another Senate committee will vote Thursday on Mr. Trump's pick for attorney general, Todd Blanche. Jeffrey Epstein victims urge senators to reject Blanche. CBS News' Nikole Killion reports.
Trump-backed candidates win big in Arizona
Arizona candidates backed by President Trump swept the state's primary elections on Tuesday. CBS News' Zak Hudak has more.
Dignified transfer for slain troops
President Trump, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and family members attended a dignified transfer on Wednesday honoring the four U.S. Army soldiers killed in the Middle East in recent days during the war with Iran. Mugo Odigwe anchored CBS News' coverage.
Sneak peek: The Boy Across the Street
ENCORE: A college student is killed by her boyfriend who lived right across the street. Her family's long battle to keep him in prison. "48 Hours" correspondent Erin Moriarty reports Saturday, July 25 at 10/9c on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.
Sen. Bennet, Greer clash over trade policies
Sen. Michael Bennet, a Democrat from Washington, challenged some of U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer's assertions about the successes of President Trump's trade policies and their impact on farmers.