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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.
Instagram to alert parents when teens search for info on suicide
Starting next week, parents will get an alert if their teen repeatedly searches for certain terms related to self-harm or suicide in a short time span.
Toucan seen flying around Las Vegas for months is rescued
The toucan has been living in Las Vegas since November, much to the concern of bird experts who were worried about the exotic bird's health and ability to survive.
Hillary Clinton to appear for Epstein deposition before House panel today
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is set to meet with the House Oversight Committee on Thursday in New York.
Ex-Air Force pilot who allegedly trained Chinese military pilots arrested
Former Air Force fighter pilot Gerald Brown, who allegedly trained Chinese military personnel without authorization, has been arrested, the Justice Department says.
Exclusive
Bipartisan bill aims to block big investors from buying single-family homes
A bipartisan Senate duo is teaming up on legislation that would ban large investment firms from snapping up single-family homes, a measure they say is aimed at the country's housing affordability crunch.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Instagram to alert parents when teens search for info on suicide
Starting next week, parents will get an alert if their teen repeatedly searches for certain terms related to self-harm or suicide in a short time span.
Exclusive
Bipartisan bill aims to block big investors from buying single-family homes
A bipartisan Senate duo is teaming up on legislation that would ban large investment firms from snapping up single-family homes, a measure they say is aimed at the country's housing affordability crunch.
What's behind the Anthropic-Pentagon feud
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth gave the AI company Anthropic an ultimatum about the military's use of its technology, known as Claude.
Kalshi fines and suspends MrBeast employee for insider trading
The prediction market said it suspended Artem Kaptur, an employee of the popular YouTuber MrBeast, for insider trading.
Will banning big home investors lower prices? Experts are skeptical.
The president reiterated a plan to ban big investors from buying single-family homes, but some experts say bigger remedies are needed.
Politics
More Politics
Can the U.S. and Iran reach a nuclear deal to avert a war?
Trump says he won't let Iran to build a nuclear weapon, and Iran says it doesn't intend to, but as talks resume, experts see war as more likely than a deal.
Hillary Clinton to appear for Epstein deposition before House panel today
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is set to meet with the House Oversight Committee on Thursday in New York.
Exclusive
Bipartisan bill aims to block big investors from buying single-family homes
A bipartisan Senate duo is teaming up on legislation that would ban large investment firms from snapping up single-family homes, a measure they say is aimed at the country's housing affordability crunch.
Exclusive
Senator seeks DEA info on "incredibly disturbing" Epstein drug investigation
Federal drug enforcement investigators targeted Jeffrey Epstein and 14 others in a yearslong probe first reported by CBS News.
Maduro's lawyer says U.S. blocking Venezuelan government from paying his legal fees
The lawyer for Nicolas Maduro says the U.S. is blocking Venezuela's government from paying for the cost of his legal defense against drug trafficking charges.
HealthWatch
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Health premiums threaten their nest egg. A terminal diagnosis may spare it.
Chaz and Jean Franklin were facing a sevenfold increase in their health premium payments with the expiration of enhanced federal subsidies for Affordable Care Act plans. Then Jean received a crushing diagnosis.
Could "kidulting" be the way to take the work out of your workout?
A British gym chain is offering classes in "kidulting," luring adults into fitness with classes built around playground and PE class classics.
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.
World
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Can the U.S. and Iran reach a nuclear deal to avert a war?
Trump says he won't let Iran to build a nuclear weapon, and Iran says it doesn't intend to, but as talks resume, experts see war as more likely than a deal.
Ex-Air Force pilot who allegedly trained Chinese military pilots arrested
Former Air Force fighter pilot Gerald Brown, who allegedly trained Chinese military personnel without authorization, has been arrested, the Justice Department says.
Maduro's lawyer says U.S. blocking Venezuelan government from paying his legal fees
The lawyer for Nicolas Maduro says the U.S. is blocking Venezuela's government from paying for the cost of his legal defense against drug trafficking charges.
Cuba says speedboat from Florida was carrying weapons for "terrorist purposes"
Cuba's Interior Ministry said Wednesday night that the boat was carrying 10 people armed with assault rifles, handguns and Molotov cocktails.
German police arrest suspect in American woman's 1994 murder
The body of 24-year-old tourist Amy Lopez was found by children in 1994 near the historic Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, located on the Rhine river.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Deon Cole on NAACP Image Awards
Actor and comedian Deon Cole is back to host the NAACP Image Awards. Cole joins CBS News with more on what to expect.
First look at "Survivor 50"
"Survivor" returns Wednesday for its 50th season, featuring fan-favorite contestants over the past 25 years. "CBS Mornings" has a preview of the historic season.
Martin Short grieves death of his daughter
Actor and comedian Martin Short has postponed upcoming dates of his comedy tour with longtime friend Steve Martin as he grieves the sudden death of his 42-year-old daughter, Katherine. Vladimir Duthiers reports.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominees revealed
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame announced 17 nominees for its class of 2026, including Phil Collins, Mariah Carey, Iron Maiden and Luther Vandross. The new members will be revealed in April.
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.
Technology
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Instagram to alert parents when teens search for info on suicide
Starting next week, parents will get an alert if their teen repeatedly searches for certain terms related to self-harm or suicide in a short time span.
iPhone feature helps save skiers after avalanche
When a deadly avalanche struck outside Lake Tahoe, California, an iPhone feature allowed the surviving skiers to get the help they needed. Tim Werth, tech editor at Mashable, joins CBS News to explain.
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.
What's behind the Anthropic-Pentagon feud
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth gave the AI company Anthropic an ultimatum about the military's use of its technology, known as Claude.
Anthropic narrows AI safety pledge
Anthropic, the maker of the chatbot Claude, is narrowing its signature pledge on artificial intelligence safety. The abrupt changes come amid a tense standoff between the company and the Pentagon over the use of its AI model. New York Times reporter Sheera Frenkel joins to discuss.
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
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Crime
Hillary Clinton testifying on Epstein files
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is taking questions behind closed doors before members of the House Oversight Committee related to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. CBS News' Katrina Kaufman has more.
Ex-Air Force pilot who allegedly trained Chinese military pilots arrested
Former Air Force fighter pilot Gerald Brown, who allegedly trained Chinese military personnel without authorization, has been arrested, the Justice Department says.
Inside the Kouri Richins Trial | "48 Hours" Podcast
Grief children's book author Kouri Richins is on trial in Utah, accused of fatally poisoning her husband, Eric Richins, with a fentanyl-laced Moscow mule in 2022. Prosecutors say she killed him for financial gain, while also engaging in an extramarital affair. The defense argues his death was an accidental overdose. In a special episode, "48 Hours" correspondent Natalie Morales speaks with CBS News chief correspondent Matt Gutman about the key evidence, the prosecution's motive theory, and what to watch as the Utah murder trial unfolds.
Colin Gray jury hears interrogation recording
The trial of the father of the accused Apalachee High School shooter resumed in Georgia on Wednesday. CBS News correspondent Skyler Henry reports.
German police arrest suspect in American woman's 1994 murder
The body of 24-year-old tourist Amy Lopez was found by children in 1994 near the historic Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, located on the Rhine river.
Space
More Space
Space
NASA rolls Artemis II back for repairs
NASA is rolling back the Artemis II moon rocket from its launch pad at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. It is expected to take up to 12 hours to move the 322-foot rocket, with the journey spanning four miles back to its hangar for repairs. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood has more.
Artemis II moon rocket hauled off launch pad for repairs
Fixing the Space Launch System rocket's helium pressurization problem has pushed the Artemis II launch to at least April 1.
Mike Fincke reveals he was the astronaut who had medical issue on the ISS
NASA astronaut Mike Fincke said he was the crew member whose medical issue required a group of space station fliers to return to Earth earlier than planned last month.
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.
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
Hillary Clinton testifying on Epstein files
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is taking questions behind closed doors before members of the House Oversight Committee related to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. CBS News' Katrina Kaufman has more.
Latest on U.S. talks with Iran
A new round of talks is underway between the U.S. and Iran. President Trump is trying to push Iran into signing a deal to give up its nuclear program. Iran has threatened retaliation for any potential new strikes. Charlie D'Agata has more.
4 killed on speedboat after opening fire
Cuban officials say four people were killed off the coast of Cuba after opening fire on Cuban Border Patrol from a speedboat. Several other people were arrested. Officials say everyone on the speedboat were Cuban nationals living in the U.S. Nancy Cordes reports.
New questions over missing Epstein files
The top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee is accusing the DOJ of withholding documents related to allegations by a woman he says is an Epstein survivor who accused President Trump of sexual misconduct. Mr. Trump has denied any wrongdoing and has not been charged. Meanwhile, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is set to give a deposition Thursday related to Epstein.
Eye Opener: New fallout from Epstein files
There is new fallout from the Epstein files, with prominent figures under scrutiny and questions about missing documents. Plus, tensions build in the Caribbean after Cuba says it killed four people aboard a speedboat that came from Florida and entered Cuba's territorial waters. All that and all that matters in today's Eye Opener.