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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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Lawsuit against Amazon over suicides linked to chemical can go to trial
Four families whose loved ones died after consuming sodium nitrite allege that Amazon sold the product despite being aware it could be used for suicide.
Team USA wins gold over Canada in women's hockey overtime thriller at Winter Games
This was the seventh gold medal match — and fifth in a row — between the two hockey powerhouses.
How a U.S. strike on Iran could affect American drivers and borrowers
Oil prices could surge depending on the level of disruption from U.S. military strikes on Iran, Wall Street analysts say.
Patel takes FBI jet to Italy, plans to watch Olympic hockey medal rounds, sources say
Patel took an FBI jet to Italy and plans to watch the Men's USA Olympic hockey team compete in the medal rounds, multiple sources said.
Virginia's Spanberger to deliver Democratic response to State of the Union
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger will deliver the Democratic response to President Trump's State of the Union address next week.
MoneyWatch
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Lawsuit against Amazon over suicides linked to chemical can go to trial
Four families whose loved ones died after consuming sodium nitrite allege that Amazon sold the product despite being aware it could be used for suicide.
How a U.S. strike on Iran could affect American drivers and borrowers
Oil prices could surge depending on the level of disruption from U.S. military strikes on Iran, Wall Street analysts say.
Olympians going for gold juggle day jobs to bring in some green
Olympians often hold down jobs to pay the bills, highlighting the financial challenges facing many athletes competing on the Olympic stage.
Judge scolds Mark Zuckerberg's team for wearing Meta glasses to trial
A Los Angeles judge ordered Meta officials to remove their AI glasses at a trial over the impact of social media on users.
Nissan recalls nearly 643,000 vehicles over engine and gear risks
Separate gear and engine problems with some Nissan Rogue compact SUVs can cause them to lose power, safety regulators warn.
Politics
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Patel takes FBI jet to Italy, plans to watch Olympic hockey medal rounds, sources say
Patel took an FBI jet to Italy and plans to watch the Men's USA Olympic hockey team compete in the medal rounds, multiple sources said.
Virginia's Spanberger to deliver Democratic response to State of the Union
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger will deliver the Democratic response to President Trump's State of the Union address next week.
Texas woman who made series of violent threats fails to report to prison
Abigail Shry was due to begin serving a 27-month federal prison sentence this week for threatening a federal judge, but she failed to appear.
Trump says U.S. will contribute $10 billion to Board of Peace
President Trump made the announcement during the first meeting of his Board of Peace, although the funding source is unclear.
Here's what's in the Epstein files about former Prince Andrew
Former Prince Andrew's arrest followed the release of a massive trove of Epstein files by the U.S. Justice Department that included a series of potentially incriminating documents related to his activities as trade envoy.
HealthWatch
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Federal tax dollars subsidize health care plans in ways you may not realize
Critics have questioned why the federal government should underwrite coverage costs for people with ACA health plans — but almost all health insurance in the U.S. comes with some federal help.
NIH's Jay Bhattacharya will also serve as acting CDC director
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention hasn't had a Senate confirmed director since last summer, and that official was in the job for less than a month.
Moderna says FDA to review its flu vaccine after reversing course
With the reversal from the FDA, Moderna said it is aiming to make the vaccine available for the 2026-27 flu season.
FDA investigating Salmonella outbreak connected to moringa powder
Rosabella-brand moringa capsules could be linked to Salmonella cases in seven U.S. states, health officials said.
Measles cases at university in Florida soar to nearly 60
Twenty one states in the U.S. have confirmed cases of measles.
World
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Alysa Liu wins gold for U.S. in women's figure skating at Winter Olympics
Three figure skaters from Team USA competed in the women's individual free skate event at the Milan Cortina Winter Games.
Team USA wins gold over Canada in women's hockey overtime thriller at Winter Games
This was the seventh gold medal match — and fifth in a row — between the two hockey powerhouses.
U.S. speedskating star Jordan Stolz wins 3rd medal at Winter Olympics
Team USA speedskater Jordan Stolz came just short of his third Olympic gold on Thursday, taking silver in the men's 1,500-meter race.
Here's what's in the Epstein files about former Prince Andrew
Former Prince Andrew's arrest followed the release of a massive trove of Epstein files by the U.S. Justice Department that included a series of potentially incriminating documents related to his activities as trade envoy.
Exclusive
Puerto Vallarta-area timeshare was a cartel-run fraud engine, officials say
The U.S. Treasury Department on Thursday sanctioned Kovay Gardens, accusing the Mexican resort of operating under the direction of the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación, or CJNG.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Alarming AI video of Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise
A ByteDance AI-generated video that appears to show Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise in a fight scene has sent shock waves across Hollywood. Actor Sean Astin, the president of the SAG-AFTRA labor unions, joins CBS News with more.
Former winner on "Top Model" docuseries
Former "America's Next Top Model" contestant Eva Marcille, known as Eva Pigford on the show, joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss the new docuseries exploring the show's controversies. Marcille, the winner of season three in 2004, describes the shocking revelations she learned through watching the docuseries.
Druski on launching career and controversy
Druski speaks to "CBS Mornings" about how he rose to global fame after starting his comedy skits on Instagram in 2017 and some of the controversy in his work, including at the NFL Honors earlier this month.
Jon Taffer on "Bar Rescue" season premiere
Jon Taffer is debuting a new season of "Bar Rescue" on Paramount+, and he joined CBS News 24/7 Mornings with more on what to expect.
"Top Model" docuseries on show controversies
For 24 seasons, supermodel Tyra Banks promised young women the chance to become the next big name in fashion on the show "America's Next Top Model." In a new Netflix documentary, former contestants, judges and Banks herself revisit some of the more controversial episodes of the reality show that aired from 2003 to 2018.
Technology
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Technology
Social psychologist on social media addiction
One of the catalysts for the social media addiction debate was a 2024 book called "The Anxious Generation" by social psychologist Jonathan Haidt. His new book tries to help parents and kids break free from screens. Haidt joins CBS News to discuss Mark Zuckerberg, the ongoing social media addiction trial and artificial intelligence.
Judge scolds Mark Zuckerberg's team for wearing Meta glasses to trial
A Los Angeles judge ordered Meta officials to remove their AI glasses at a trial over the impact of social media on users.
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.
Mark Zuckerberg grilled in court
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg took the stand at the social media addiction trial examining whether children and teens were given access to an addictive and harmful product. CBS News' Carter Evans reports.
Zuckerberg testifies at social media trial
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg testified Wednesday in a civil case over social media addiction allegations that skyrocketing social media use shows how people value the sites and it's not a strategy to keep users addicted. Jo Ling Kent reports.
Science
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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.
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.
Crime
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Crime
Virginia Giuffre's family on former Prince Andrew arrest
British authorities arrested the former Prince Andrew on Thursday over potential misconduct in public office after revelations in the Epstein files. Sky and Amanda Roberts, the brother and sister-in-law of survivor Virginia Giuffre, who died in 2025, join "The Takeout" to discuss.
Former Prince Andrew released from custody
Former Prince Andrew spent 11 hours in a British jail on Thursday as he faces an investigation for possible wrongdoing as a trade official after revelations in the Jeffrey Epstein files. CBS News senior foreign correspondent Imtiaz Tyab has more.
Trump reacts to former Prince Andrew's arrest
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former British prince, was arrested on Thursday over suspected misconduct in public office revealed in the Epstein files. CBS News London bureau chief Tina Kraus has the latest.
World reacts to former Prince Andrew's arrest
Former Prince Andrew's arrest for suspected misconduct in public office has rocked the U.K. Tom Symonds with BBC News, a CBS News partner, has more.
FBI in contact with Mexico on Guthrie case
The FBI is in touch with Mexican officials regarding the search for Nancu Guthrie, law enforcement sources tell CBS News. Andres Gutierrez reports.
Space
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NASA refuels Artemis II moon rocket in critical pre-launch test
NASA wants to make sure repairs have eliminated the hydrogen leaks detected during an initial fueling test of the Artemis II moon rocket earlier this month.
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.
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
Trump holds rally in Greene's former district
President Trump made his pitch to voters in former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene's district on Thursday as they head to the polls for early voting. CBS News correspondent Skyler Henry reports.
Virginia Giuffre's family on former Prince Andrew arrest
British authorities arrested the former Prince Andrew on Thursday over potential misconduct in public office after revelations in the Epstein files. Sky and Amanda Roberts, the brother and sister-in-law of survivor Virginia Giuffre, who died in 2025, join "The Takeout" to discuss.
Social psychologist on social media addiction
One of the catalysts for the social media addiction debate was a 2024 book called "The Anxious Generation" by social psychologist Jonathan Haidt. His new book tries to help parents and kids break free from screens. Haidt joins CBS News to discuss Mark Zuckerberg, the ongoing social media addiction trial and artificial intelligence.
Former Prince Andrew released from custody
Former Prince Andrew spent 11 hours in a British jail on Thursday as he faces an investigation for possible wrongdoing as a trade official after revelations in the Jeffrey Epstein files. CBS News senior foreign correspondent Imtiaz Tyab has more.
New footage of alleged Iowa hazing incident
Authorities have released new video of an alleged 2024 hazing incident involving the University of Iowa chapter of the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity. CBS News correspondent Shanelle Kaul has the details.