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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.
NASA's moon rocket hit by new problem expected to bump flight to April
The Artemis II mission aims to send four astronauts — Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen — on a flight around the far side of the moon and back.
Storms threaten to pummel East Coast as blizzard warnings issued
Blizzard warnings were issued Saturday for New York City, New Jersey and coastal communities along the East Coast.
Pittsburgh Pirates legend Bill Mazeroski dies at age 89
The man known for his walk-off, ninth-inning World Series-winning home run died Friday at age 89.
House Speaker denies request for Jesse Jackson to lie in honor at Capitol
House Speaker Mike Johnson's office has denied a request to have the late Rev. Jesse Jackson lie in honor in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda due to past precedent.
Court clears way for Louisiana law requiring public schools display Ten Commandments
The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals has cleared the way for a Louisiana law requiring poster-sized displays of the Ten Commandments in public classrooms to take effect.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Trump imposes 10% tariffs on all countries after SCOTUS struck down earlier tariffs
President Trump signed an order that will impose 10% tariffs on imports from all countries, just hours after the Supreme Court struck down a different set of sweeping global tariffs.
Will Americans get refunds after Trump's tariffs were overturned by the Supreme Court?
While the Supreme Court struck down the Trump administration's emergency tariffs, experts said it could take years for businesses to get refunds.
Fried rice sold at Trader Joe's recalled over possible glass contamination
The recall involves 3.4 million pounds of frozen chicken fried rice products shipped to Trader Joe's locations nationwide and to retailers in Canada.
The latest GDP data isn't as bad as it looks. Here's what to know.
A simple reason explains why U.S. economic growth seemed to hit a wall in the final three months of the year.
Walmart and other big companies say tariffs are forcing them to hike prices
Large U.S. retailers say the Trump administration tariffs are forcing them to hike customer prices to offset higher costs.
Politics
More Politics
Trump says he will raise global tariffs to 15% after Supreme Court decision
On Friday, President Trump signed a proclamation that would impose 10% tariffs on most foreign imports to the United States.
House Speaker denies request for Jesse Jackson to lie in honor at Capitol
House Speaker Mike Johnson's office has denied a request to have the late Rev. Jesse Jackson lie in honor in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda due to past precedent.
Trump admin. fires top prosecutor in Eastern Virginia shortly after he was hired by judges
The Trump administration fired an interim top prosecutor in Eastern Virginia almost immediately after he was hired by a panel of judges, deepening the conflict between the DOJ and the judiciary in that region.
Court clears way for Louisiana law requiring public schools display Ten Commandments
The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals has cleared the way for a Louisiana law requiring poster-sized displays of the Ten Commandments in public classrooms to take effect.
Judge who held DOJ lawyer in contempt blasts handling of immigration cases
A federal judge who took the extraordinary step of holding a government lawyer in contempt of court earlier this week blasted the Justice Department for its handling of immigration cases on Friday.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Cop's shortness of breath was the only sign of rare lung disorder
Travis Corbitt's struggles to breathe led to his retirement and reliance on an oxygen tank.
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.
World
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Jordan Stolz is 4th in the last Olympic speedskating race after winning gold
U.S. speedskater Jordan Stolz finished fourth in his last race after winning two golds and a silver.
At least 5 killed, including American, in a string of avalanches in Austria
An American was among the five recovered dead after the avalanche, police said.
U.K. considering removing Andrew from line of royal succession after arrest
The former prince was arrested after revelations about his alleged misconduct in public office emerged in the Epstein files.
Team USA captures record-breaking 11th gold medal at Winter Games
Team USA could add more gold medals to its tally, including on Sunday when the U.S. men's hockey team takes on Team Canada.
3 men suspected of shipping opium poppy to the U.S. arrested in Spain
Police in Spain seized a stash of about 1,161 pounds of Papaver somniferum, also known as opium poppy.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Say She She performs "Under the Sun"
Say She She has been on a meteoric rise since their 2022 debut, playing major festivals and selling out venues around the world. The disco-funk group shows no signs of slowing down, recently releasing their third album "Cut & Rewind." Here is Say She She with "Under the Sun."
Say She She performs "Cut & Rewind"
Say She She has been on a meteoric rise since their 2022 debut, playing major festivals and selling out venues around the world. The disco-funk group shows no signs of slowing down, recently releasing their third album "Cut & Rewind." Here is Say She She with "Cut & Rewind."
Say She She performs "Disco Life"
Say She She has been on a meteoric rise since their 2022 debut, playing major festivals and selling out venues around the world. The disco-funk group shows no signs of slowing down, recently releasing their third album "Cut & Rewind." Here is Say She She with "Disco Life."
Celebrate with Italy's iconic cocktail
The Milan Cortina Winter Games are coming to an end, with the closing ceremony taking place on Sunday. But enjoying a taste of Italy at home is easy with the iconic Aperol spritz. Here's what to know about the famous cocktail.
The best hotels of 2026
The U.S. News and World Report best hotels of 2026 list is full of gorgeous suites and travel inspiration. Here's what to know about the ranking.
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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3 men suspected of shipping opium poppy to the U.S. arrested in Spain
Police in Spain seized a stash of about 1,161 pounds of Papaver somniferum, also known as opium poppy.
New Mexico AG reopens Epstein ranch probe
New Mexico's attorney general has reopened an investigation into activities at a ranch once owned by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. CBS News correspondent Ian Lee has more.
Possible act of terrorism outside Las Vegas
The FBI investigated a possible act of terrorism outside of Las Vegas on Friday. This came after a driver armed with guns and explosives attempted to ram his car into a power facility not far from the Hoover Dam. CBS News correspondent Carter Evans has more.
Nancy Guthrie investigators turn to genetic genealogy. It's worked in big cases before.
Investigators in the Nancy Guthrie case have turned to genetic genealogy as they try to make the most of potential DNA evidence.
Police: Nancy Guthrie case hasn't gone cold
Investigators are combing through evidence and turning to commercial genealogy companies for DNA leads in the search for Nancy Guthrie, who was reported missing on Feb. 1. CBS News' Andres Gutierrez has the latest.
Space
More Space
NASA's moon rocket hit by new problem expected to bump flight to April
The Artemis II mission aims to send four astronauts — Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen — on a flight around the far side of the moon and back.
Report criticizes NASA Boeing Starliner trip
An internal investigation is blasting NASA's handling of the first piloted flight of Boeing's Starliner spacecraft in 2024. The flight left two astronauts stuck on the International Space Station for nearly a year. The investigation found the flight was plagued by potentially life-threatening technical and management failures.
Cosmologist on UFO files
President Trump has ordered the release of all government documents related to aliens, UFOs and extraterrestrial life. It comes after former President Barack Obama addressed the topic earlier this week and said aliens are real, a statement which he later modified. CBS News contributor Janna Levin has more details.
NASA targets March 6 for Artemis II moonshot
A successful fueling test prompts NASA to press ahead toward a March 6 moonshot.
New NASA boss criticizes agency over Starliner
NASA's new boss blasted both Boeing and his own space agency for the botched Starliner flight that left two astronauts stuck in space for months.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
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
Team USA prepares for hockey final
The Olympics are coming to an end and Team USA still has its eyes on the prize as the men's hockey team prepares to face Canada in the finals on Sunday. If the U.S. wins, it will be the first time they take home gold in the sport since the "Miracle on Ice" at the 1980 Lake Placid Games.
The Dish: Antilles
The Dominican Republic and Haiti share an island once known as Hispaniola. The two nations speak different languages but are connected by a shared history. At a New York City cafe, two friends are bringing the communities together with food.
Say She She performs "Under the Sun"
Say She She has been on a meteoric rise since their 2022 debut, playing major festivals and selling out venues around the world. The disco-funk group shows no signs of slowing down, recently releasing their third album "Cut & Rewind." Here is Say She She with "Under the Sun."
Say She She performs "Cut & Rewind"
Say She She has been on a meteoric rise since their 2022 debut, playing major festivals and selling out venues around the world. The disco-funk group shows no signs of slowing down, recently releasing their third album "Cut & Rewind." Here is Say She She with "Cut & Rewind."
Say She She performs "Disco Life"
Say She She has been on a meteoric rise since their 2022 debut, playing major festivals and selling out venues around the world. The disco-funk group shows no signs of slowing down, recently releasing their third album "Cut & Rewind." Here is Say She She with "Disco Life."