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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.
Actor Timothy Busfield indicted on child sex abuse charges
Actor Timothy Busfield has been indicted on four counts of criminal sexual contact of a child, officials said Friday.
Trump to sign executive order quadrupling beef imports from Argentina
President Trump is expected to sign an executive order Friday that quadruples the amount of beef imported into the U.S. from Argentina.
Elizabeth Smart's father says Nancy Guthrie disappearance is "so surreal"
Ed Smart, the father of Elizabeth Smart, spoke to "CBS Mornings" about the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie and gave advice to the missing mother's family.
How much does a ticket to this year's Super Bowl cost?
Eager to attend this year's Super Bowl? Be prepared to pay four figures for the ticket alone — and those are the cheap seats.
Sonny Jurgensen, Hall of Fame quarterback, dies at age 91
Sonny Jurgensen's strong arm, keen wit and affable personality made him one of the most beloved figures in Washington football history.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Trump to sign executive order quadrupling beef imports from Argentina
President Trump is expected to sign an executive order Friday that quadruples the amount of beef imported into the U.S. from Argentina.
How much does a ticket to this year's Super Bowl cost?
Eager to attend this year's Super Bowl? Be prepared to pay four figures for the ticket alone — and those are the cheap seats.
White House launches TrumpRx discounted drug site
The Trump administration launched its new TrumpRx direct-to-consumer prescription drug listing site late Thursday, part of a push to offer medication at steep discounts.
Trump Accounts to get their own Super Bowl ad. Here's a preview.
Super Bowl LX will feature an ad to promote Trump Accounts, a new investment plan to help eligible families save money for their kids.
Poll: Fewer feel prices rising, but most see a gap between richest, middle class
Poll on the economy and opportunity finds fewer feel prices rising, while most see a gap between the richest and the middle class.
Politics
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Trump to sign executive order quadrupling beef imports from Argentina
President Trump is expected to sign an executive order Friday that quadruples the amount of beef imported into the U.S. from Argentina.
Iran says negotiations with U.S. to continue, but warns of mistrust
After a round of indirect talks with Trump's envoys in Oman, Iran's top diplomat says the country will keep negotiating, but stresses a lack of trust.
White House removes Trump post with racist footage of Obamas hours after defending it
The footage is included in a video that promotes false claims that the 2020 presidential election was rigged against Mr. Trump.
Exclusive
Inside the CIA's efforts to preserve a Cold War icon outside headquarters
A pioneering Cold War-era spy plane sits at the entrance to CIA headquarters, prompting a painstaking effort to preserve an aircraft that once flew 80,000 feet above Soviet missile sites.
Suspect in 2012 Benghazi attack arrested and brought to the U.S.
The FBI has arrested "one of the key participants" behind the attack on U.S. facilities in Benghazi, Libya, in 2012 that killed four Americans.
HealthWatch
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White House launches TrumpRx discounted drug site
The Trump administration launched its new TrumpRx direct-to-consumer prescription drug listing site late Thursday, part of a push to offer medication at steep discounts.
Officials warn against drinking raw milk after baby dies from listeria
The New Mexico Department of Health said officials believe the baby contracted listeria after their mother drank raw milk during pregnancy.
When health insurance costs more than the mortgage
As health care costs skyrocket and federal lawmakers pull back help on ACA insurance premiums, more middle-income families are facing tough choices on health care.
5 ways to find affordable care without health insurance
Many Americans are expected to lose ACA or Medicaid coverage in the coming months and years, but doctors and researchers say there are still ways to find affordable care.
Extended Interview: Mel Robbins
In this web exclusive, author and podcaster Mel Robbins talks with Norah O'Donnell about "The Let Them Theory."
World
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Olympic skater gets last-minute approval for Minions-themed program
Spanish figure skater Tomas-Llorenc Guarino Sabate secured the rights to perform his Minions-themed program at the Milan Cortina Games hours before he was set to skate.
How the Olympics' Parade of Nations country order works
Here's what to know about the Parade of Nations in the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony and how the country order is determined.
See the best Olympic opening ceremony outfits of the 2026 Winter Games
As the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics begin, all eyes are on teams from around the globe proudly donning their countries' uniforms for the opening ceremony, including Team USA in outfits designed by Ralph Lauren.
Ukrainian military drone simulator adapted for video gamers in world first
Gamers across the world can now recreate drone strikes in Ukraine from the comfort of their own home, with this newly released game.
Iran says negotiations with U.S. to continue, but warns of mistrust
After a round of indirect talks with Trump's envoys in Oman, Iran's top diplomat says the country will keep negotiating, but stresses a lack of trust.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Olympic skater gets last-minute approval for Minions-themed program
Spanish figure skater Tomas-Llorenc Guarino Sabate secured the rights to perform his Minions-themed program at the Milan Cortina Games hours before he was set to skate.
Ukrainian military drone simulator adapted for video gamers in world first
Gamers across the world can now recreate drone strikes in Ukraine from the comfort of their own home, with this newly released game.
Bad Bunny hints at halftime show surprises
Bad Bunny, the Puerto Rican singer born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, told fans to expect a special Super Bowl halftime show on Sunday. Nidia Cavazos reports on how the star is performing, and whether he'll have any surprise guests.
Bad Bunny set for historic halftime show
Bad Bunny will perform on the Super Bowl halftime stage on Sunday for an all-Spanish performance - a first at the big game. The six-time Grammy winner gave a preview ahead of his performance, saying, "they dont even have to learn Spanish. They just … it's better if they learn to dance."
How an accidental "crying horse" became a viral Lunar New Year trend
A simple factory error in China has created a viral sensation, with millions in Asia welcoming the Year of the Horse with a frown.
Technology
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Ukrainian military drone simulator adapted for video gamers in world first
Gamers across the world can now recreate drone strikes in Ukraine from the comfort of their own home, with this newly released game.
How will AI transform the workforce?
CBS News business analyst Jill Schlesinger talks about how companies are using artificial intelligence, the discussion around the technology and how it's impacting the workforce.
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.
Tesla, Waymo leaders defend product safety
Executives from Waymo and Tesla defended their self-driving vehicle technology in testimony before the Senate Commerce Committee on Wednesday. CBS News' Kris Van Cleave reports and Ian Krietzberg, an AI correspondent at the digital media company Puck, has more.
iPhone flip to reportedly launch
Apple is reportedly getting ready to launch its first foldable phone. Plus, OpenAI announced it is retiring its older ChatGPT-4o. Mashable tech editor Tim Werth joins CBS News to discuss.
Science
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Scientists "quite surprised" to find one polar bear population thriving
After decades monitoring polar bears in Norway's far north, researchers say the animals have proven incredibly adaptable, but there are no guarantees for the future.
Mysterious dark matter seen in new map of distant galaxies
Dark matter doesn't absorb or give off light so scientists can't study it directly. But they can observe how its gravity warps and bends the star stuff around it.
Cow develops technique to scratch herself
"CBS Saturday Morning" learns more about Veronika, the clever cow who figured out multiple ways to scratch herself with a broom. It was the first time a cow was seen using a tool.
Almanac: January 18
"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.
Fossils found at Dinosaur National Monument, first excavation in 100 years
The Dinosaur National Monument, which is located on the border between Colorado and Utah, was last excavated in 1924.
Crime
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Crime
Mangione yells out after NY trial date set
Luigi Mangione, who is accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, yelled out in court after a judge set his New York trial start date for June 8, before the federal trial. CBS News' Katrina Kaufman has the details.
Actor Timothy Busfield indicted on child sex abuse charges
Actor Timothy Busfield has been indicted on four counts of criminal sexual contact of a child, officials said Friday.
Luigi Mangione has outburst in court as judge sets June state trial date
Luigi Mangione appeared in a Manhattan courtroom Friday in the state's case against him for the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
Mob-linked murder plot leads to arrest of Toronto police officers
The investigation began when police uncovered a murder plot involving a corrections management employee who was targeted by mobsters, an official said.
Russia says Ukraine behind shooting of army general in Moscow
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused Ukraine of trying to "disrupt the negotiation process" searching for an end to the war.
Space
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Space
What led NASA to delay Artemis II launch
NASA's first crewed moon mission in more than 50 years has been delayed until March at the earliest. During a routine dress rehearsal of the launch, persistent liquid hydrogen leaks were discovered in the Artemis II rocket. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood breaks it down.
NASA hopes to fix Artemis II moon rocket leak with on-pad repair
NASA plans to test the planned leak repair with a second dress rehearsal fueling test later this month.
NASA delays Artemis II launch
NASA delayed the Artemis II moon rocket launch after a hydrogen leak was found during a wet dress rehearsal, the agency announced Tuesday. CBS News senior space consultant Bill Harwood has the latest.
NASA begins mission to map the boundaries of our heliosphere
A NASA mission is underway to map the heliosphere, which is a huge protective bubble around the solar system that was created by the sun.
NASA moon launch off until March due to issues during tests
NASA says it can't try until March at the earliest to send a crewed spacecraft on a flight around the moon and back, due to hydrogen leaks during testing of the Artemis II rocket.
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
Racist video shared by Trump deleted
A racist video shared on President Trump's Truth Social that depicted the Obamas as apes was taken down on Friday. A White HOuse official said staffer "erroneously made the post." CBS News' Aaron Navarro has the latest.
Mangione yells out after NY trial date set
Luigi Mangione, who is accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, yelled out in court after a judge set his New York trial start date for June 8, before the federal trial. CBS News' Katrina Kaufman has the details.
DOJ says arrest in 2012 Benghazi attack
A suspect who was allegedly one of the key participants in the 2012 attack at a U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya, was arrested and brought to the U.S., Attorney General Pam Bondi announced Friday. CBS News' Charlie D'Dagata talks about the announcement and reporting on the 2012 attack.
White House says racist post of Obamas removed
The White House said it removed a video reposted by President Trump on his Truth Social account depicting former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama as apes. A White House official said a staffer "erroneously made the post." CBS News' Olivia Rinaldi has more.
Bitcoin loses nearly half its value
The price for bitcoin sank to its lowest level in more than a year on Thursday. CBS News business contributor Javier David joins with more insight.