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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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Nancy Guthrie's house to be returned to her family as search goes on
The release of Nancy Guthrie's home in Tucson, Arizona, comes nearly four weeks after she was reported missing on Feb. 1.
Walmart to pay $100 million to settle FTC case on delivery driver wages
The Federal Trade Commission, joined by 11 states, claimed that the retail giant deceived its employees about pay and the tips they could earn.
Kilmar Abrego Garcia back in court in bid to have criminal case dropped
A federal judge is weighing whether to dismiss the criminal case against Kilmar Abrego Garcia on the grounds the prosecution is vindictive.
Ford recalls 4.4 million vehicles over faulty software
Ford said a tech glitch can increase the risk of a crash for vehicles towing a trailer. Here's what to look for.
Trump administration asks Supreme Court to allow end of TPS for Syrians
The Trump administration asked the Supreme Court on Thursday to allow it to end temporary deportation protections for thousands of Syrian immigrants living in the U.S.
MoneyWatch
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Walmart to pay $100 million to settle FTC case on delivery driver wages
The Federal Trade Commission, joined by 11 states, claimed that the retail giant deceived its employees about pay and the tips they could earn.
Ford recalls 4.4 million vehicles over faulty software
Ford said a tech glitch can increase the risk of a crash for vehicles towing a trailer. Here's what to look for.
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.
Politics
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Kilmar Abrego Garcia back in court in bid to have criminal case dropped
A federal judge is weighing whether to dismiss the criminal case against Kilmar Abrego Garcia on the grounds the prosecution is vindictive.
Columbia student detained by federal agents claiming to search for 'missing person,' university president says
Columbia University's president says a student was detained by federal agents Thursday morning at one of its residential buildings.
Trump administration asks Supreme Court to allow end of TPS for Syrians
The Trump administration asked the Supreme Court on Thursday to allow it to end temporary deportation protections for thousands of Syrian immigrants living in the U.S.
Russia says "no deadlines" for Ukraine ceasefire as Trump pushes for deal
As U.S. and Ukrainian officials meet to talk peace, Russia launches drones and missiles and makes it clear there's no rush in Moscow for a ceasefire.
Exclusive
DoD officials sent Anthropic final offer for military use of AI, sources say
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth gave Anthropic until Friday at 5 p.m. to grant the military unresticted use of its AI technology.
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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Man charged with trafficking young Kenyans to fight for Russia in Ukraine
The founder of a Kenyan recruitment agency stands accused of deceiving and then trafficking young Kenyans to fight in Russia's war on Ukraine.
Russia says "no deadlines" for Ukraine ceasefire as Trump pushes for deal
As U.S. and Ukrainian officials meet to talk peace, Russia launches drones and missiles and makes it clear there's no rush in Moscow for a ceasefire.
Details emerge about one of men killed on U.S.-registered boat off Cuba
Michael Ortega Casanova is one of four people who were killed after people aboard a U.S.-registered speedboat allegedly opened fire on Cuba's border patrol.
Officials seize over 5,000 pounds of meth from hidden Mexican lab
Naval personnel also seized "thousands of liters and kilos of chemical precursors," the Secretariat of the Navy said Wednesday.
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.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Toccara Jones reacts to explosive documentary
Toccara Jones, who competed in the "America's Next Top Model" reality show, joined CBS News 24/7 Mornings with her take on the new Netflix documentary exploring the competition show created by Tyra Banks.
Behind the success of "Heated Rivalry"
Jacob Tierney, the creator, writer, director and executive producer of "Heated Rivalry," and Brendan Brady, who is also an executive producer on the show, speak to "CBS Mornings" about the success, why it resonates with a diverse group of people and what to expect from its second season.
Eliminated "Survivor" contestants speak out
In the premiere of "Survivor 50," contestant Jenna Lewis-Dougherty was voted out at the first trial council. But in a surprise, castaway Kyle Fraser was also eliminated after hurting his achilles tendon during the immunity challenge. Lewis-Dougherty and Fraser speak to "CBS Mornings" about their experience on the show and how they've been changed by the game.
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.
Technology
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Technology
11-year-old girl attends State of the Union
Everest Nevraumont, an AI advocate who attends a school that prioritizes the technology, joined CBS News 24/7 Mornings with more on her experience as first lady Melania Trump's guest at the State of the Union address.
Latest on OpenAI's expected deal
More details are emerging about an apparent deal for OpenAI to obtain $100 billion. Puck's Ian Krietzberg joins CBS News with more on the latest artificial intelligence power play.
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.
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.
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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Nancy Guthrie's house to be returned to her family as search goes on
The release of Nancy Guthrie's home in Tucson, Arizona, comes nearly four weeks after she was reported missing on Feb. 1.
Man charged with trafficking young Kenyans to fight for Russia in Ukraine
The founder of a Kenyan recruitment agency stands accused of deceiving and then trafficking young Kenyans to fight in Russia's war on Ukraine.
Clintons to face lawmakers on Epstein files
Members of the House Oversight Committee will depose former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on what she knew about convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This comes as more world leaders face mounting scrutiny over new details revealed in the Epstein files. CBS News' Nikole Killion reports.
FBI workers fired, sources say
At least 10 FBI employees who investigated President Trump's handling of classified information at Mar-a-Lago have been fired, sources tell CBS News. Errol Barnett reports.
Latest news on Epstein files fallout
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former President Bill Clinton are set to be deposed in connection with the Epstein files, as tech giant Bill Gates and President Trump face renewed scrutiny over their apparent links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. CBS News' Nikole Killion reports.
Space
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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
Toccara Jones reacts to explosive documentary
Toccara Jones, who competed in the "America's Next Top Model" reality show, joined CBS News 24/7 Mornings with her take on the new Netflix documentary exploring the competition show created by Tyra Banks.
Senate rejects DHS funding bill
There is still no consensus in Congress on funding for the Department of Homeland Security. CBS News' Caitlin Huey-Burns reports.
Trump pitches match for retirement plans
President Trump's State of the Union address included mentions of a $1,000 match for some retirement plans and more on the administration's economic policies. CBS News' Jill Schlesinger breaks down the remarks.
11-year-old girl attends State of the Union
Everest Nevraumont, an AI advocate who attends a school that prioritizes the technology, joined CBS News 24/7 Mornings with more on her experience as first lady Melania Trump's guest at the State of the Union address.
Note to Self: Diane Warren
Songwriter Diane Warren has written songs for legendary singers and earned 17 Oscar nominations over her career. In the "CBS Mornings" series "Note to Self" she speaks to her 13-year-old self, reflecting on the challenges she's faced and her resilience.