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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.
Can TrumpRx help you save money on drugs? Here's what experts say.
The Trump administration's new discounted drug platform isn't a game-changer for consumers, health care experts said.
Romance costs more this year as inflation lifts Valentine's Day gift prices
Love is biting consumers this year amid the rising cost of flowers, chocolates and other Valentine's Day staples.
CPI rose at an annual rate of 2.4% in January, cooler than expected
Inflation came in below economists' forecasts and slowed from December's 2.7% annual rate.
Trump pardons 5 ex-NFL players for crimes including drug trafficking
President Trump pardoned five former NFL players - one posthumously - for crimes ranging from perjury to drug trafficking.
SpaceX launches space station crew on 8-month mission
The two-woman, two-man crew is replacing four other station fliers who came home early last month due to a medical issue one was having.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Can TrumpRx help you save money on drugs? Here's what experts say.
The Trump administration's new discounted drug platform isn't a game-changer for consumers, health care experts said.
Romance costs more this year as inflation lifts Valentine's Day gift prices
Love is biting consumers this year amid the rising cost of flowers, chocolates and other Valentine's Day staples.
CPI rose at an annual rate of 2.4% in January, cooler than expected
Inflation came in below economists' forecasts and slowed from December's 2.7% annual rate.
Sex workers in Nevada fighting to become first in U.S. to unionize
Nevada is the only state where people can legally purchase sex, and now sex workers at one of the state's oldest brothels, Sheri's Ranch, are fighting to become the first in the U.S. to unionize.
At 87, he can't afford his rent without a roommate. He's far from alone.
More than 1 million Americans over 65 lived with roommates they aren't related to in 2024 — a 16% increase from 2019.
Politics
More Politics
Low expectations as Ukraine, Russia confirm new round of talks with U.S.
As Russia and Ukraine confirm a 3rd round of U.S.-mediated peace talks, this time in Europe, Zelenskyy says Trump admin "must put pressure on Russia."
JD Vance to join Tony Dokoupil for CBS News "Things That Matter" town hall
Vice President JD Vance will talk about the economy, foreign policy, the state of the Republican Party and the 2028 race for the White House in a March edition of the CBS News town hall series "Things That Matter."
Trump pardons 5 ex-NFL players for crimes including drug trafficking
President Trump pardoned five former NFL players - one posthumously - for crimes ranging from perjury to drug trafficking.
Second U.S. aircraft carrier expected to head to Middle East, officials say
The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier and its escort ships are expected to head to the Middle East, three U.S. officials told CBS News, as U.S.-Iran tensions simmer.
Ruemmler resigning as Goldman Sachs' general counsel after appearing in Epstein files
Kathryn Ruemmler served as White House counsel under former President Barack Obama.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Can TrumpRx help you save money on drugs? Here's what experts say.
The Trump administration's new discounted drug platform isn't a game-changer for consumers, health care experts said.
Moderna says FDA refuses its application for new mRNA flu vaccine
The Food and Drug Administration is refusing to consider Moderna's application for a new flu vaccine made with mRNA technology, the company said.
What to know about a new study on coffee, tea and dementia risk
CBS News medical contributor Dr. Céline Gounder said the results of the study on coffee drinkers having lower risk of dementia should be taken "with a massive grain of salt."
Thousands of mothers were flagged to police over flawed drug tests at childbirth
The Marshall Project found more than 70,000 cases referred to law enforcement over allegations of substance use during pregnancy — and that's a significant undercount.
Obamacare sign-ups drop, but the extent won't be clear for months
Experts say Affordable Care Act sign-up data won't be clear until people who were enrolled have paid — or not — their new, often much higher, premiums.
World
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Low expectations as Ukraine, Russia confirm new round of talks with U.S.
As Russia and Ukraine confirm a 3rd round of U.S.-mediated peace talks, this time in Europe, Zelenskyy says Trump admin "must put pressure on Russia."
U.S. military says transfer of ISIS suspects from Syria to Iraq complete
Pentagon says "more than 5,700 adult male ISIS fighters" have been moved to Iraq, completing the operation as questions linger over due legal process.
Norwegian biathlete who admitted to cheating on girlfriend wins second medal
Strula Holm Laegreid of Norway revealed in a post-race interview earlier this week that he had been unfaithful to his girlfriend but hoped to win her back.
Top U.K. court rules terror designation of pro-Palestinian group unlawful
Britain's High Court says the government's decision to designate the Palestine Action protest group a terrorist organization was "disproportionate."
Second U.S. aircraft carrier expected to head to Middle East, officials say
The USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier and its escort ships are expected to head to the Middle East, three U.S. officials told CBS News, as U.S.-Iran tensions simmer.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
"Sinners" cinematographer could make history
"Sinners" cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw says she doesn't want the audience to notice her work because "you wanna make it so good it feels like a dream." The Oscar nominee is the first woman of color nominated in the cinematography category and only the fourth woman ever. It's the only Oscars category never won by a woman. She talks about her career journey to this historic moment.
Constance Zimmer on "The Lincoln Lawyer"
Constance Zimmer, who stars in the new season of "The Lincoln Lawyer," talks about how she channels her powerful character in the series and why it's important for her to always make her characters relatable.
James Van Der Beek dies after cancer battle
James Van Der Beek, known for starring in "Dawson's Creek" and "Varsity Blues," died Wednesday at the age of 48 after a battle with colorectal cancer. Vladimir Duthiers reports on the beloved actor's career.
"Dawson's Creek" co-stars remember James Van Der Beek: "One in a billion"
Katie Holmes and Busy Philipps are among the "Dawson's Creek" cast members sharing memories of James Van Der Beek after his death at age 48.
James Van Der Beek of "Dawson's Creek" dies at 48
James Van Der Beek, star of "Dawson's Creek" and "Varsity Blues," has died at age 48, according to his publicist and a post from his wife on social media. Carter Evans has more on his life and career.
Technology
More Technology
FTC warns Apple's Tim Cook over alleged political bias in Apple News app
The Federal Trade Commission sent a letter to Tim Cook one day after President Trump circulated a report raising questions about Apple News' practices.
Russia blocks WhatsApp as it pushes state-backed alternative on citizens
The messaging platform WhatsApp says Russia has "attempted to fully block" its service inside the country, "to drive people to a state-owned surveillance app."
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.
How did investigators recover Nancy Guthrie's doorbell footage?
Many are questioning how Nancy Guthrie's Google Nest surveillance footage was recovered days after officials said it was disconnected with no active subscription to store video.
TikTok to launch local feed that taps users' geolocation data
The social media platform changed its privacy policy last month, inviting users to allow it to track their specific location.
Science
More Science
Science
Impact of climate change on Winter Olympics
The Winter Olympics in Milan need artificial snow due to climate change and warmer weather. Athletes say man-made snow makes terrain more difficult and unpredictable. Rob Marciano reports on its impact.
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.
Crime
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Crime
New details from FBI on Guthrie case
The FBI provided new details on a suspect in Nancy Guthrie's kidnapping case. CBS News' Jonathan Vigliotti reports.
New details about Nancy Guthrie case suspect
The FBI released details about the person they are now calling a suspect in the Nancy Guthrie kidnapping case. CBS News' Bradley Blackburn has more.
Trump pardons 5 ex-NFL players for crimes including drug trafficking
President Trump pardoned five former NFL players - one posthumously - for crimes ranging from perjury to drug trafficking.
Shooting at South Carolina State University leaves 2 dead, 1 wounded
Two people are dead and another is wounded after a shooting in a South Carolina State University residential complex, the school says.
FBI shares photos of backpack in Guthrie case
The FBI on Thursday shared photos of a backpack and new details about a masked man seen on Nancy Guthrie's doorbell camera. CBS News reporter Andres Gutierrez has the latest.
Space
More Space
Space
SpaceX launches crew to ISS
NASA and SpaceX launched a new mission to the International Space Station with four crew members on board to replace the team that returned last month due to a medical issue with one member. Mark Strassmann has more.
SpaceX launches space station crew on 8-month mission
The two-woman, two-man crew is replacing four other station fliers who came home early last month due to a medical issue one was having.
NASA, SpaceX mission prepares for launch
NASA and SpaceX say they have completed their final reviews and are ready to launch a crewed mission to the International Space Station on Friday. Retired NASA astronaut Leroy Chiao joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
ULA rocket has booster problem while launching classified Space Force payloads
A United Launch Alliance Vulcan rocket carrying classified Space Force payloads suffered a booster problem but apparently made an otherwise "nominal" ascent to space, the company said.
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.
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
New strategy for sale of U.S. arms overseas
The Trump administration is establishing a new strategy to sell U.S. arms overseas. CBS News contributor Sam Vinograd has more.
Dating advice ahead of Valentine's Day
Ahead of Valentine's Day, here's some advice for those currently dating or looking for love. Dr. Gail Saltz, a clinical associate professor of psychiatry at the New York Presbyterian Hospital, joins CBS News with more details.
What new inflation data says about high costs
New data on inflation rates is encouraging, but the burden of high prices continues to affect Americans. Erin Delmore, a geoeconomics correspondent, joins CBS News with more.
New inflation data beats expectations
New data shows inflation in the U.S. cooled more than expected in January. CBS News' Natalie Brand has more.
Senators go on recess after failing to pass DHS funding to avert
A partial government shutdown is expected over the weekend after senators failed to pass funding for the Department of Homeland Security. CBS News' Caitlin Huey-Burns reports.