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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.
Social media giants accused of "addicting the brains of children" as trial begins
Instagram's parent company Meta and Google's YouTube dispute claims that their platforms deliberately addict and harm children.
Judge blocks California law banning federal law enforcement agents from wearing masks
A federal judge has blocked a California law from going into effect that would ban federal immigration agents from covering their faces but they will still be required to wear clear identification showing their agency and badge number.
Catherine O'Hara's cause of death was a pulmonary embolism
Catherine O'Hara, known for her roles in "Home Alone," "Schitt's Creek" and "Beetlejuice," died on Jan. 30 at the age of 71.
DOJ asks to dismiss Steve Bannon's criminal charges
The Justice Department is moving to toss out its case against former Trump adviser Steve Bannon, who was jailed for declining to testify before the House Jan. 6 panel.
41 U.S. states are getting warmer, each in its own way, report says
Researchers at two Spanish universities found that 84% of the contiguous U.S. states has shown signs of warming over the last 70 or so years, which is more than previously suggested.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Social media giants accused of "addicting the brains of children" as trial begins
Instagram's parent company Meta and Google's YouTube dispute claims that their platforms deliberately addict and harm children.
OpenAI starts testing ads in free version of ChatGPT
ChatGPT will clearly distinguish between ads and answers to user prompts on the AI platform, according to OpenAI.
Why importing more beef from Argentina won't ease costs for U.S. consumers
Taming runaway U.S. beef prices will require more than stepping up imports, economists said. Here's the key to cutting costs.
Starbucks adds menu items as it looks to energize growth
New items, such as a strawberry matcha loaf, represent the chain's latest effort to boost sales as part of its "Back to Starbucks" campaign.
How much gold is in an Olympic gold medal, and how much is it worth?
Olympic medals have what's known as a "melt value." But they're worth far more financially than their mineral contents, an auction expert notes.
Politics
More Politics
U.S. military strikes another alleged drug vessel; search on for 1 survivor
The U.S. military struck its 39th alleged drug-carrying boat on Monday, killing two people and leaving one survivor who is now the focus of a search-and-rescue effort.
Judge blocks California law banning federal law enforcement agents from wearing masks
A federal judge has blocked a California law from going into effect that would ban federal immigration agents from covering their faces but they will still be required to wear clear identification showing their agency and badge number.
U.S. Olympian responds after Trump calls him "a real loser"
U.S. Olympian Hunter Hess said "there is so much that is great about America, but there are always things that could be better," a day after President Trump lashed out at him.
DOJ asks to dismiss Steve Bannon's criminal charges
The Justice Department is moving to toss out its case against former Trump adviser Steve Bannon, who was jailed for declining to testify before the House Jan. 6 panel.
Ghislaine Maxwell's lawyer says she'll testify if Trump grants her clemency
Ghislaine Maxwell's lawyer said she would be willing to cooperate with a House panel's probe if President Trump grants her clemency, and would testify that he is "innocent of any wrongdoing."
HealthWatch
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Hospital flooded by Hurricane Helene to be rebuilt in another flood plain
Ballad Health, the nation's largest state-sanctioned hospital monopoly, plans to rebuild Unicoi County Hospital in Tennessee on land that two climate modeling companies say is at risk of flooding.
Her deadly diagnosis only had 1 warning sign. Here's how she survived.
Becca Valle, then 37, enrolled in a cutting-edge clinical trial after surgery removed an aggressive tumor from her brain.
California urges avoiding wild mushrooms after deaths, liver transplants
More than three dozen cases of death cap mushroom poisonings have been reported in California since November, health officials said.
See the 43 drugs available on new discounted drug site TrumpRx
Here's what to know about TrumpRx, including how it works, who can use it, and how much money it can save.
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.
World
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U.S. Olympian responds after Trump calls him "a real loser"
U.S. Olympian Hunter Hess said "there is so much that is great about America, but there are always things that could be better," a day after President Trump lashed out at him.
See the Olympic medal count for the 2026 Winter Games
Here is a look at where the medal count stands for Team USA and other nations as the competition heats up at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Why importing more beef from Argentina won't ease costs for U.S. consumers
Taming runaway U.S. beef prices will require more than stepping up imports, economists said. Here's the key to cutting costs.
U.S. makes final in Olympic curling mixed doubles, facing Sweden for gold
Team USA's mixed doubles curling gold medal match against Sweden is slated for Tuesday, Feb. 10.
Meet the American girl skiing into Philippines Winter Olympics history
Skier Tallulah Proulx, 17, was raised in the U.S., but she's making Olympic history as the Philippines' first female, and youngest athlete in any Winter Games.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Analyzing best and worst Super Bowl LX ads
Just 30 seconds of highly coveted commercial airtime during the Super Bowl costs as much as $10 million, according to CBS News MoneyWatch. Bill Pearce, marketing faculty member at The University of California, Berkeley, joins to discuss some of the ads from Super Bowl LX.
Could Trump's Bad Bunny attacks alienate Latinos?
Bad Bunny's historic Super Bowl halftime show included superstar surprise guests and a message of unity and cultural celebration. While many praised the performance, President Trump took to social media to criticize the show. CBS News political director Fin Gómez joins with analysis.
Bad Bunny and the politics of the Super Bowl
The Super Bowl is a football game, an entertainment spectacle, a global billboard and a crucible of American political discord. CBS News chief Washington correspondent Major Garrett explains.
Catherine O'Hara's cause of death was a pulmonary embolism
Catherine O'Hara, known for her roles in "Home Alone," "Schitt's Creek" and "Beetlejuice," died on Jan. 30 at the age of 71.
Cultural impact of Bad Bunny's performance
Ingrid Fajaro, a staff writer at Billboard, joins CBS News 24/7 to discuss the cultural impact of Bad Bunny's halftime performance at Super Bowl LX.
Technology
More Technology
Social media giants accused of "addicting the brains of children" as trial begins
Instagram's parent company Meta and Google's YouTube dispute claims that their platforms deliberately addict and harm children.
Trial over social media addiction in kids begins
Opening statements began Monday in Los Angeles in a landmark trial over alleged social media addiction in children. CBS News correspondent Carter Evans has the details.
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 starts testing ads in free version of ChatGPT
ChatGPT will clearly distinguish between ads and answers to user prompts on the AI platform, according to OpenAI.
Super Bowl fans warned to leave drones at home amid flight ban
The FAA says it is collaborating with the FBI to detect, track and assess unauthorized drone activity at the Super Bowl.
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
Second ransom deadline for Guthrie passes
A second ransom deadline passed Monday for Nancy Guthrie, the mother of "Today" show co-host Nancy Guthrie. CBS News correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti reports on the search and former FBI special agent Jeff Harp joins to discuss the situation.
Search for Nancy Guthrie in Day 9
The children of Nancy Guthrie, including "Today" show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, are praying for signs of life more than a week after their mother disappeared. CBS News reporter Andres Gutierrez has more from Tucson, Arizona.
Savannah Guthrie: "An hour of desperation"
Savannah Guthrie released a new video on Monday, pleading for the public's help in finding her mother, Nancy. CBS News reporter Andres Gutierrez has the latest.
Savannah Guthrie asks for public help for mom
"Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie posted a new video Monday pleading for the public's help in the search for her missing mother, Nancy. CBS News' Andres Gutierrez has more.
Cops: 1 in custody after Maryland school shooting
Police say one person is in custody after at least one person was shot at a Maryland high school on Monday. CBS affiliate WUSA reports.
Space
More Space
New space station crew eager for Wednesday launch
The new crew will replace four station fliers who returned to Earth ahead of schedule last month due to a medical issue.
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.
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
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Savannah Guthrie pleads for help in mom's search
"Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie issued a plea for the public's help at what she called "an hour of desperation." As Jonathan Vigliotti reports, the search for her missing mom, Nancy Guthrie, has entered its second week with few new leads and no new suspects.
Analyzing best and worst Super Bowl LX ads
Just 30 seconds of highly coveted commercial airtime during the Super Bowl costs as much as $10 million, according to CBS News MoneyWatch. Bill Pearce, marketing faculty member at The University of California, Berkeley, joins to discuss some of the ads from Super Bowl LX.
Player's mom didn't know Super Bowl was a big deal
Nick Emmanwori just won it all in his rookie season as a safety with the Seattle Seahawks, and his mom was somewhere in that cheering crowd of 70,000. But Justina Emmanwori is not your typical football mom. Tony Dokoupil has more on her viral interview.
Ghislaine Maxwell pleads Fifth in House deposition
Ghislaine Maxwell, a longtime associate of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein who herself was convicted of sex trafficking in 2021, invoked her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination and refused to answer questions during a virtual appearance before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. Scott MacFarlane reports.
Could Trump's Bad Bunny attacks alienate Latinos?
Bad Bunny's historic Super Bowl halftime show included superstar surprise guests and a message of unity and cultural celebration. While many praised the performance, President Trump took to social media to criticize the show. CBS News political director Fin Gómez joins with analysis.