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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.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame unveils "diverse list" of 2026 nominees
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has announced its 2026 list of nominees, including Phil Collins, Mariah Carey, Wu-Tang Clan and more.
Man charged after shooting involving Border Patrol agent at Canada crossing
A New Hampshire resident has been charged after a shooting involving a Border Patrol agent at a Canada crossing, the DOJ says
New legislation in House would ban taxpayer money from going to Jan. 6 rioters
The bill would ban distribution of taxpayer money for any "January 6th compensation fund" and any further refund of damage payments made by convicted Capitol rioters.
Here are all the awards Trump announced during his State of the Union
During his State of the Union, President Trump honored several service members and an Olympic athlete with awards that included the Purple Heart, the Congressional Medal of Honor, the Legion of Merit and the Medal of Freedom.
U.S. hockey goalie Connor Hellebuyck will receive Presidential Medal of Freedom
Connor Hellebuyck stopped 41 of Team Canada's 42 shots in the Olympic gold medal match.
MoneyWatch
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College majors with the highest earnings potential and lowest jobless rates
A college degree still provides an edge when it comes to finding a good job, but a person's major may be just as important to career stability, research suggests.
AI skills are in demand, but don't always command pay premiums
Six in 10 employers want workers with AI skills, but few are offering higher base pay or bonuses for the know-how.
3 charts highlight the affordability issues Americans worry about most
President Trump touted his work during his first year back in office, saying, "inflation is plummeting, incomes are rising fast, the roaring economy is roaring like never before."
Consumer confidence rose in February as labor market outlook improves
Consumers' perceptions of employment conditions improved slightly in February, helping bolster overall confidence in the economy.
Novo Nordisk to slash Wegovy and Ozempic prices starting in 2027
Starting in 2027, the Danish pharma firm will sell its weight-loss and diabetes drugs for $675 per month.
Politics
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Iran reacts to Trump's 2026 State of the Union, accuses him of "big lies"
Iran accuses Trump of lying in his State of the Union about the country's nuclear ambitions, as the next round of bilateral talks looms.
New legislation in House would ban taxpayer money from going to Jan. 6 rioters
The bill would ban distribution of taxpayer money for any "January 6th compensation fund" and any further refund of damage payments made by convicted Capitol rioters.
Missed the 2026 State of the Union? See the transcript, full video
President Trump delivered his 2026 State of the Union address on Tuesday night. Read the transcript and watch the full video.
Here are all the awards Trump announced during his State of the Union
During his State of the Union, President Trump honored several service members and an Olympic athlete with awards that included the Purple Heart, the Congressional Medal of Honor, the Legion of Merit and the Medal of Freedom.
Trump demands that Iran promise never to build a nuclear weapon
President Trump pressed the Iranian government to reach a deal on its nuclear program as he weighs possible military action against the country.
HealthWatch
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Novo Nordisk to slash Wegovy and Ozempic prices starting in 2027
Starting in 2027, the Danish pharma firm will sell its weight-loss and diabetes drugs for $675 per month.
As more Americans embrace anxiety treatment, RFK Jr. derides medications
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has criticized the broadening use of anxiety medications, but doctors and researchers say the MAHA movement is misrepresenting drugs that have been proven to help.
How safe is America from polio?
After decades of American children routinely receiving polio vaccines, the virus that had doomed many to paralysis was nearly eliminated in the United States. But vaccine avoidance today may allow the crippling disease to return.
How safe is America from polio?
After decades of American children routinely receiving polio vaccines, the virus that had doomed many to paralysis was nearly eliminated in the United States. But vaccine avoidance today may allow the crippling disease to return. CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jonathan LaPook talks with David Oshinsky, author of "Polio: An American Story," and with violin virtuoso Itzhak Perlman, who contracted polio as a child, about how parents opting out of vaccinations for their children could affect polio rates here.
Robots can help amid nursing home staffing crisis
A growing, aging population and an acute caregiver shortage are pushing adult care centers to think outside the box. Itay Hod introduces a new, high-tech helper.
World
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Iran reacts to Trump's 2026 State of the Union, accuses him of "big lies"
Iran accuses Trump of lying in his State of the Union about the country's nuclear ambitions, as the next round of bilateral talks looms.
American who spent 11 years in prison for Bali "suitcase murder" is freed
Tommy Schaefer was sentenced for the 2014 murder of Sheila von Wiese-Mack, the mother of Heather Mack, during a luxury vacation.
Trump demands that Iran promise never to build a nuclear weapon
President Trump pressed the Iranian government to reach a deal on its nuclear program as he weighs possible military action against the country.
American Airlines plane from Miami found with apparent bullet hole in Colombia
The bullet was located in the right wing of a 737 MAX 8 aircraft that flew from Miami, Florida, to Medellín on Monday night as flight 923.
Photographer on capturing Jack Hughes' toothless grin after Olympic gold
Getty Images photographer Elsa Garrison shares how she managed to capture a "pretty iconic" image of Team USA's Jack Hughes.
Entertainment
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Rock & Roll Hall of Fame unveils "diverse list" of 2026 nominees
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has announced its 2026 list of nominees, including Phil Collins, Mariah Carey, Wu-Tang Clan and more.
Jeff Probst previews "Survivor"
Jeff Probst, who has hosted "Survivor" since it first aired more than 25 years ago, talks with "CBS Mornings" about how the 50th season is different, fan influence and what to expect with the premiere on Wednesday.
Neve Campbell on return to "Scream" franchise
Neve Campbell speaks to "CBS Mornings" about reprising her iconic role in the "Scream" franchise. Campbell talks about how the movie connects to a younger generation and her choice to speak out about pay disparity for "Scream 6."
Oprah reveals "Kin" as new book club pick
Oprah on "CBS Mornings" revealed "Kin" by Tayari Jones as her next book club selection. Kin is about two motherless daughters who have been best friends since early childhood, but their lives take different paths. This is only the tenth time Oprah has picked the same author twice.
Extended interview: Madison Beer
Madison Beer opens up about the start of her music career, artists who have inspired her along the way and creating her third studio album, "Locket," in an interview with CBS News senior culture correspondent Anthony Mason.
Technology
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Technology
Hegseth gives AI access demand to Anthropic
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei he had until the end of this week to give the military a signed document that would grant full access to its artificial intelligence model, a sources said. The demand came during a meeting at the Pentagon on Tuesday. Ian Krietzberg, an AI correspondent at Puck, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
Hegseth demands full military access to Anthropic's AI model, sets deadline
The Pentagon may decide to officially designate Anthropic as a "supply chain risk" to push them out of government, sources say.
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.
AI-driven attacks are increasing, report says
CrowdStrike is reporting an increase in AI-driven attacks around the world. Adam Meyers, the head of counter adversary operations at CrowdStrike, joins CBS News with more details.
Teens use AI more frequently than parents know, survey finds
A Pew Research Center survey found that just 4 in 10 parents talk to their teens about AI usage.
Science
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What scientists will be looking for when government UFO files are released
Documents might help scientists shed light on unexplained phenomena and government secrets, experts said.
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.
Crime
More Crime
Man charged after shooting involving Border Patrol agent at Canada crossing
A New Hampshire resident has been charged after a shooting involving a Border Patrol agent at a Canada crossing, the DOJ says
American who spent 11 years in prison for Bali "suitcase murder" is freed
Tommy Schaefer was sentenced for the 2014 murder of Sheila von Wiese-Mack, the mother of Heather Mack, during a luxury vacation.
4 people fatally stabbed outside home near Seattle, suspect shot dead by deputy
A man fatally stabbed four people before being shot dead by a sheriff's deputy outside a home northwest of Tacoma, Washington, authorities said.
Former DEA chief examines "El Mencho" operation
The killing of Mexican cartel boss "El Mencho" has led to massive unrest across the country. Ray Donovan, who served as chief of operations at the Drug Enforcement Agency and oversaw the capture of El Chapo, joins with analysis.
Stepbrother charged in cruise ship death
CBS News has learned authorities have charged the stepbrother of Anna Kepner, who was found dead aboard a cruise ship in November 2025, with homicide. Shanelle Kaul has the latest.
Space
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What scientists will be looking for when government UFO files are released
Documents might help scientists shed light on unexplained phenomena and government secrets, experts said.
NASA to start slow-moving process returning moon rocket to hangar this week
The space agency said Sunday it's targeting Tuesday for the slow, four-mile trek across Kennedy Space Center, weather permitting.
NASA's moon rocket hit by new problem, flight pushed 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.
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
New poll shows low Trump approval rating
A recent CBS News poll on Americans' sentiments before the State of the Union addresses President Trump's approval rating and other key issues in the U.S. CBS News' Anthony Salvanto reports.
Trump defends first year back in office
President Trump delivered the longest State of the Union address in U.S. history on Tuesday - touting his economic and immigration policies while clashing with Democrats in the room. Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger delivered the Democratic response and targeted Mr. Trump's personal behavior while in office.
Iran expert on Trump's latest remarks
President Trump addressed the escalating tensions with Iran over its nuclear program during the State of the Union address. Sanam Vakil, the director of the Middle East and North Africa Programme at Chatham House, says Mr. Trump is preparing the American people for an imminent military confrontation in the Middle East. CBS News' Ramy Inocencio reports.
Eye Opener: Trump delivers State of the Union
President Trump delivered his State of the Union address Tuesday, claiming economic victories while slamming Democrats. Plus, millions of Americans are still struggling to dig out after a massive winter storm hit the Northeast. All that and all that matters in today's Eye Opener.
Watch: Trump announces honors for valor at SOTU
President Trump awarded two Medals of Honor, two Purple Hearts and a Legion of Merit throughout the course of his State of the Union address Tuesday night. Mr. Trump also announced that U.S. men's hockey team goaltender Connor Hellebuyck would be receiving the Medal of Freedom. See the moments.