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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.
Trump waives Jones Act for 60 days in effort to ease energy prices
President Trump on Wednesday temporarily eased a century-old law that limits shippers from transporting energy products around the U.S.
USPS wants to raise the price of a first-class stamp as high as 95 cents
USPS Postmaster General David Steiner said raising the price of stamps would "largely solve" the agency's financial woes.
Official warns some airports could shut down if TSA sick calls climb
Acting deputy TSA administrator Adam Stahl says the situation will get worse the longer the agency and the Department of Homeland Security don't receive funding.
Former reality TV star wins Iditarod, rewards sled dogs with steaks
Jessie Holmes is the third competitor in the 54-year history of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race to repeat the year after winning for the first time.
Trump's judicial confirmations show signs of slowing compared to first-term boom
President Trump is likely to make less of an impact on the federal bench in his second term because of fewer vacancies, a slower pace of retirements and the potential for Democrats to regain control of the Senate in November.
MoneyWatch
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Trump waives Jones Act for 60 days in effort to ease energy prices
President Trump on Wednesday temporarily eased a century-old law that limits shippers from transporting energy products around the U.S.
USPS wants to raise the price of a first-class stamp as high as 95 cents
USPS Postmaster General David Steiner said raising the price of stamps would "largely solve" the agency's financial woes.
WNBA, players' union reach agreement in principle on new pact
The WNBA and its players' union reached a verbal agreement on a transformational new collective bargaining agreement early Wednesday morning, both sides said.
Arizona alleges Kalshi engaged in illegal gambling, election wagering
The complaint includes 20 separate counts against Kalshi, claiming the company accepted bets from Arizona residents in violation of state law.
Here's how much U.S. families need to make to feel economically secure
Many Americans feel like they live in a "hamster wheel economy," said one expert who studies economic security.
Politics
More Politics
Trump waives Jones Act for 60 days in effort to ease energy prices
President Trump on Wednesday temporarily eased a century-old law that limits shippers from transporting energy products around the U.S.
Federal judge strikes down Arkansas Ten Commandments in public schools law
An Arkansas law requiring that the Ten Commandments be prominently displayed in public school classrooms has been struck down by a federal judge.
Exclusive
Facing potential Latino voter slide, GOP mobilizes in crucial Senate races ahead of 2026 midterms
Amid signs that Republicans may lose some of the Latino support that the party picked up in 2024, grassroots organizations are stepping in to boost GOP Senate candidates in key midterm races.
Trump's judicial confirmations show signs of slowing compared to first-term boom
President Trump is likely to make less of an impact on the federal bench in his second term because of fewer vacancies, a slower pace of retirements and the potential for Democrats to regain control of the Senate in November.
Live
Watch Live: Gabbard, intel officials testify at hearing on threats to U.S.
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and other top officials are testifying before the Senate Intelligence Committee about national security threats facing the U.S.
HealthWatch
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Judge blocks parts of RFK Jr.'s vaccine agenda, including revised schedule
A judge blocked a set of changes to the childhood vaccine schedule recommended by allies of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, dealing a setback to the Trump administration's efforts to overhaul federal vaccine policy.
Changes in organ donor status can fall through cracks in the system
Patchwork state policies and limited federal oversight have led to a fragmented system for tracking organ donor status.
A dad's colon cancer spread to lungs. He says what happened next was a miracle.
Spencer Laird was diagnosed with colon cancer at 26. At 30, he was told it had returned and spread to his lungs, with one tumor the size of a golf ball.
Dr. Oz pledges to tackle hospice fraud: "Do not steal from the American people"
The Trump administration's Medicare boss reacts to CBS News investigation into California's hospice fraud problems.
Millions of Americans skip meals, stretch medication to afford health care
Even people with six-figure incomes are making financial sacrifices to pay for medical care, a new study finds.
World
More World
Belgian soldiers to protect Jewish sites as Iran war fuels antisemitism
Italian soldiers are patrolling Rome's ancient Jewish quarter and Belgian troops will help secure Jewish sites as an official warns the threat of antisemitic violence "is very real."
Woman hospitalized after being startled by humanoid robot
Video widely shared online showed a woman angrily confronting a robot as it waved its metallic arms at her, while a crowd of onlookers gathered around.
Live
Iran lashes out with missiles as Israel says war still intensifying
Iran retaliates for Israel's latest assassinations as Trump and Netanyahu give no indication the war is about to let up, 19 days in.
Live
Watch Live: Gabbard, intel officials testify at hearing on threats to U.S.
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and other top officials are testifying before the Senate Intelligence Committee about national security threats facing the U.S.
Venezuela defeats U.S. 3-2 for its first World Baseball Classic title
With the game tied going into the 9th, Eugenio Suárez smacked a double into left-center field to score pinch runner Javier Sonoja for what would prove to be the winning run.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Behind the rise of The Last Dinner Party
The band The Last Dinner Party is coming to the U.S. next week to tour its second album, "From the Pyre." The members of the band spoke to Anthony Mason about how they met, their rapid rise to fame and the support they've had along the way.
Inside the Vanity Fair Oscar party
For more than 30 years, Vanity Fair has thrown an exclusive Oscar's after party. This year, the magazine's new global editorial director Mark Guiducci decided to trim the guest list, didn't allow press inside and even required guests to put a sticker over their phone camera for privacy. He speaks to "CBS Mornings" and gives an up-close look at the party.
Nancy Guthrie investigation "becomes much harder" as time goes on, expert says
Law enforcement sources told CBS News that additional images were obtained from surveillance cameras installed at Guthrie's Tucson home, but they showed nothing suspicious.
Melissa Etheridge opens up about new music
Melissa Etheridge speaks with "CBS Mornings" about releasing her 17th studio album "Rise" later this month, writing about the loss of her son and grief.
Woman on viral Coldplay "kiss cam" speaks out
Kristin Cabot, the woman from the viral Coldplay "kiss cam" video, spoke in an exclusive interview with Oprah Winfrey about the backlash she received from that moment and how it differed from comments made about her boss Andy Byron, the CEO of their company.
Technology
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Technology
Landmark social media trial continues
A verdict could come as soon as Tuesday in the landmark trial against Meta and Google for allegedly fueling social media addictions. CBS News contributor Jessica Levinson has more.
U.S. hospitals, insurers turn to AI for claims
A constant battle in the U.S. health care system is the fight between insurers and providers over the cost of medical procedures and who foots the bill. Both sides are turning to artificial intelligence to make their case. CBS News medical contributor Dr. Céline Gounder explains.
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.
Solar farm development faces pushback
A community in Alabama is pushing back against a solar farm that would power an artificial intelligence data center in the state. CBS News reporter Kati Weis has more.
Jury deliberates in social media trial
Jury deliberations are underway in a landmark social media trial about addiction claims. CBS News correspondent Carter Evans has the details.
Science
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Discovery of 1949 whale recording could unlock mysteries of ocean
The song is that of a humpback whale and was recorded by scientists in March 1949 in Bermuda, researchers said.
Sea levels higher than thought due to "methodological blind spot," study says
A new study in the journal Nature says most sea level rise research may have underestimated coastal water heights by an average of 1 foot.
NASA announces major overhaul of Artemis moon program "to take down risk"
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced significant changes to the agency's Artemis program, which aims to land on the moon in 2028.
What scientists will be looking for when government UFO files are released
Documents might help scientists shed light on unexplained phenomena and government secrets, experts said.
In a first, shark seen on camera in Antarctica waters, surprising researchers
A large shark was caught on camera for the first time in Antarctica's waters, surprising researchers. "There's a general rule of thumb that you don't get sharks in Antarctica," one said.
Crime
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Nancy Guthrie investigation "becomes much harder" as time goes on, expert says
Law enforcement sources told CBS News that additional images were obtained from surveillance cameras installed at Guthrie's Tucson home, but they showed nothing suspicious.
Kouri Richins found guilty on all charges
Kouri Richins, the Utah mom accused of killing her husband and later writing a children's book about grief, was found guilty on all charges Monday, including aggravated murder. Her sentencing is now set for May and she faces the possibility of life in prison.
Accused Latin American drug lord arrives in U.S. after years on the run
Sebastian Marset, who eluded police for years, was captured in Bolivia last week and transferred to U.S. custody.
Alleged pipe bomber argues charges should be tossed under Jan. 6 pardons
A man who was accused of planting pipe bombs outside the RNC and DNC on the eve of the Jan. 6 attack is arguing he is covered by President Trump's sweeping pardons of alleged Jan. 6 rioters.
Kouri Richins convicted of murdering husband
A jury on Monday found Kouri Richins, a Utah mom who wrote about grief, guilty of murder in the fatal poisoning of her husband. CBS News reporter Andres Gutierrez has more.
Space
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Space
Video shows meteor streaking across the sky
A meteoroid was spotted streaking across the sky in 10 states. In some areas, there was also a loud boom, similar to an explosion. NASA says the meteor, which was traveling 45,000 mph in the sky, fragmented - causing the bright fireball and loud boom.
7-ton meteor identified as likely cause of boom heard across Ohio
Some residents immediately feared the sound was an explosion, according to CBS affiliate WOIO, but weather service officials say it appears to have been a meteor.
Bill Nye on going from Boeing to science guy
Bill Nye the Science Guy sits down with CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett to talk about his life and career.
NASA targets April 1 for moon mission launch
NASA's huge Space Launch System rocket has been repaired and is ready for rollout back to the launch pad next week.
1,300-pound NASA satellite to crash on Earth
Nearly 14 years after it was launched in 2012, NASA says a 1,300-pound satellite is expected to come crashing back to Earth on Wednesday. Most of it will burn up as it reenters the atmosphere, but NASA warns some debris could survive reentry.
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.
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?
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
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
TSA officer shortages cause travel chaos
TSA officer shortages due to the partial government shutdown are causing chaos and long lines at airports across the U.S. CBS News' Kris Van Cleave has more.
Rand Paul slams Markwayne Mullin at hearing
Republican Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul, the Senate Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs Committee chairman, opened Sen. Markwayne Mullin's confirmation hearing to head the Department of Homeland Security with a personal rebuke of the Oklahoma senator's past comments about violence.
Behind the rise of The Last Dinner Party
The band The Last Dinner Party is coming to the U.S. next week to tour its second album, "From the Pyre." The members of the band spoke to Anthony Mason about how they met, their rapid rise to fame and the support they've had along the way.
Iran slams Israel with cluster bombs
Iran launched retaliatory strikes against Israel and Persian Gulf states after Israel said it killed two top Iranian officials. CBS News' Charlie D'Agata has more.
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