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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.
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Tricia McLaughlin, top Homeland Security spokeswoman, leaving her post
Tricia McLaughlin, the Department of Homeland Security's top spokeswoman, is leaving her post next week, two U.S. officials familiar with her plans told CBS News.
Epstein survivor tells CBS News how she was trafficked, and assaulted
Juliette Bryant says not long after meeting Jeffrey Epstein, he assaulted her, and she realized, "this is not a modeling opportunity, I've been kidnapped."
Trump honors Jesse Jackson as "force of nature"
President Trump and the Rev. Jesse Jackson, who died Tuesday at the age of 84, knew each other for decades.
Democrats make counteroffer on ICE reforms as DHS shutdown continues
Democrats made their counteroffer on overhauling immigration enforcement on Monday, the latest step in talks to fund the Department of Homeland Security.
Jesse Jackson remembered as "a role model for a generation"
Martin Luther King Jr.'s daughter Bernice King shared a photo on social media of Jackson and King and wrote, "Both ancestors now..."
MoneyWatch
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Warner Bros. Discovery restarts takeover talks with Paramount Skydance
Warner Bros. Discovery said that Paramount Skydance is considering enhancing its buyout offer for the entertainment company.
Why athleisure giant Lululemon is losing momentum
After a decade of rapid growth, Lululemon is struggling to find its footing in an increasingly saturated market.
Average tax refund is nearly 11% higher so far this year, IRS data shows
Forecasters predicted filers would benefit from larger checks this year due to a series of new tax provisions in the "one big, beautiful" bill.
What's open and closed on Presidents Day 2026?
Most retail and food establishments will remain open, but services like mail delivery will be suspended for the federal holiday.
Prediction markets heat up on Valentine's Day as people place bets on love
Prediction markets are taking bets this Valentine's Day that celebrity relationships can thrive — or break apart.
Politics
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Tricia McLaughlin, top Homeland Security spokeswoman, leaving her post
Tricia McLaughlin, the Department of Homeland Security's top spokeswoman, is leaving her post next week, two U.S. officials familiar with her plans told CBS News.
Trump honors Jesse Jackson as "force of nature"
President Trump and the Rev. Jesse Jackson, who died Tuesday at the age of 84, knew each other for decades.
Democrats make counteroffer on ICE reforms as DHS shutdown continues
Democrats made their counteroffer on overhauling immigration enforcement on Monday, the latest step in talks to fund the Department of Homeland Security.
Iran calls talks with U.S. "more constructive" as Trump's threat looms
Iran and the U.S. traded threats and warnings even as negotiators sat down to discuss a deal to avert a war, but Tehran says "we now have a clearer path ahead."
Jesse Jackson remembered as "a role model for a generation"
Martin Luther King Jr.'s daughter Bernice King shared a photo on social media of Jackson and King and wrote, "Both ancestors now..."
HealthWatch
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Measles cases at university in Florida soar to nearly 60
Twenty one states in the U.S. have confirmed cases of measles.
Can TrumpRx help you save money on drugs? Here's what experts say.
The Trump administration's new discounted drug platform, TrumpRx, 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.
World
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Belgium accuses U.S. envoy of disinformation for antisemitism claim
Belgian authorities call the U.S. ambassador's intervention in the case of three Jewish religious figures "dangerous disinformation."
Epstein survivor tells CBS News how she was trafficked, and assaulted
Juliette Bryant says not long after meeting Jeffrey Epstein, he assaulted her, and she realized, "this is not a modeling opportunity, I've been kidnapped."
Iran calls talks with U.S. "more constructive" as Trump's threat looms
Iran and the U.S. traded threats and warnings even as negotiators sat down to discuss a deal to avert a war, but Tehran says "we now have a clearer path ahead."
Russia hammers Ukraine again as U.S. brokers 3rd round of peace talks
The U.S. is brokering a 3rd round of Russia-Ukraine talks, but there's little hope of a breakthrough to end the deadliest war on European soil in 80 years.
Bobsledder Elana Meyers Taylor, 41, wins gold in 5th Olympic appearance
Elana Meyers Taylor has won her first Olympic gold in women's monobob, and she made history as the oldest American woman to do it at the Winter Games.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Oscar-winning actor Robert Duvall dies at 95
Oscar-winning actor Robert Duvall died on Sunday at the age of 95. Duvall starred in classics like "The Godfather" and "Apocalypse Now." Vladimir Duthiers looks back at his career.
Robert Duvall dies at 95
Robert Duvall, known for his roles in "The Godfather," "Apocalypse Now" and more, has died at 95, his wife announced in a social media post Monday. CBS News correspondent Shanelle Kaul has more.
Robert Duvall, Oscar winner who starred in "The Godfather," dies at age 95
Robert Duvall was in such classics as "The Godfather," "To Kill a Mockingbird," "M*A*S*H," "The Great Santini" and "Tender Mercies."
Stephen A. Smith: Always up for a debate
The high-profile ESPN and SiriusXM commentator and bestselling author is a combative and colorful voice on sports. But now, with a weekly political show in which he interviews government leaders, he is raising eyebrows in Washington, too.
Stephen A. Smith: Always up for a debate
High-profile ESPN and SiriusXM commentator and bestselling author Stephen A. Smith is a combative and colorful voice on sports. But now, with a weekly political show, in which he interviews government leaders, he is gaining notice in Washington, too. Smith talks with "Sunday Morning" national correspondent Robert Costa about his journey and whether he might soon be on a debate stage.
Technology
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Technology
Potential impacts of AI
Matt Shumer joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss his now viral article, "Something Big Is Happening." He writes that AI's "capability for massive disruption could be here by the end of this year." Shumer explains why he wrote the article, and his message to concerned readers.
Viral essay urges people to prepare for AI
If you've been on social media this week, you've likely seen an ominous warning about artificial intelligence in your feed: "Something big is happening." An essay from the CEO of an AI company, Matt Shumer, likens the current moment to February 2020, right before the start of COVID. Nate Soares, co-author of "If Anyone Builds It, Everyone Dies," 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.
Amazon ends Flock partnership after backlash over Super Bowl ad
Amazon's Ring unit touted a "search party" service in its Super Bowl ad, but one critic called the app a "surveillance nightmare."
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.
Science
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How Washington's crossing of the Delaware presaged a changing world
On the evening of Christmas 1776, Gen. George Washington surprised the King's forces by leading the Continental Army in a surprise crossing of a near-frozen Delaware River - a watershed military maneuver that dramatized a changing America, and a changing climate.
These United States: George Washington and climate change
On the evening of Christmas 1776, Gen. George Washington surprised the King's forces by leading the Continental Army in an unanticipated crossing of a near-frozen Delaware River. Environmental correspondent David Schechter looks at how Washington's watershed military maneuver dramatized both a changing America, and a changing climate.
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.
Crime
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Crime
"Signal sniffer" deployed in Guthrie search
Investigators deployed a "signal sniffer" device to help pinpoint Nancy Guthrie's location using her pacemaker as the search for the mother of "Today" host Savannah Guthrie enters its third week. CBS News' Jonathan Vigliotti has more.
Sheriff rules out family in Guthrie case
As the search for Nancy Guthrie continues, the Pima County sheriff for the first time is officially ruling out her family members, including siblings and spouses, as possible suspects. Meanwhile, investigators are also using a device known as a "signal sniffer" to try to detect transmissions from Guthrie's pacemaker. Jonathan Vigliotti reports.
Key evidence in the Nancy Guthrie case
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said Nancy Guthrie's family members and their spouses have been cleared as possible suspects in her disappearance. This comes as more details emerge about potential evidence in the case. CBS News' Jonathan Vigliotti reports.
Hillary Clinton on Epstein files handling
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who is being pressured to testify on what she knows about Jeffrey Epstein's dealings, is accusing the Trump administration of a cover-up over the Justice Department's handling of the Epstein files release. CBS News' Natalie Brand reports.
What we know about the evidence in the Nancy Guthrie search so far
Investigators searching for Nancy Guthrie, the mother of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie, have uncovered several notable pieces of evidence as they try to identify a suspect.
Space
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Fresh crew arrives at International Space Station to boost numbers back to 7
The Crew 12 docking came one month after a previous crew had to return to Earth early due to a medical issue.
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.
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
Al Sharpton reacts to Jesse Jackson's death
Rev. Al Sharpton spoke to reporters on Tuesday following the news of civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson's death. CBS News' Ed O'Keefe has more.
Trump remembers Jesse Jackson
President Trump posted on social media about civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson's death, calling him "a good man" and "a force of nature like few others before him." CBS News' Ed O'Keefe has more.
U.S. bobsledder Elana Meyers Taylor wins gold
Elana Meyers Taylor, the most decorated U.S. female bobsledder, won her first gold medal on Monday, making history as the oldest Winter Olympian to win gold in an individual event. CBS News' Kelly O'Grady has more.
BET president on Rev. Jesse Jackson's legacy
BET president Louis Carr joined CBS News 24/7 Mornings to reflect on the life and legacy of civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson after his family announced his death at 84.
Lawmakers react to Jesse Jackson's death
Lawmakers on Capitol Hill are reacting to the news of Rev. Jesse Jackson's death at 84. Meanwhile, a partial government shutdown is in its fourth day after Congress failed to compromise on DHS funding. CBS News' Nikole Killion has more.