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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.
How Americans plan to use their bigger tax refunds this year
Early tax refund data shows the typical check is so far 14% higher than a year ago. Here's what Americans are planning to do with the money.
Bill Clinton to testify today in House committee's Epstein investigation
Bill Clinton's testimony is the first time a former president has been compelled to appear before Congress.
Novartis settles suit over use of woman's "stolen" cells to advance medicine
Novartis has settled a suit by Henrietta Lacks' estate alleging the pharmaceutical giant unjustly profited off cells were taken from her tumor without her knowledge in 1951.
Medicaid is paying for more dental care. GOP cuts threaten to reverse the trend.
More than three dozen states cover dental services for people on Medicaid, but with about $900 billion in cuts expected to hit states over the next decade, many programs could roll back dental coverage.
Pentagon shoots down Customs and Border Protection drone in Texas, officials say
The Defense Department on Wednesday shot down a U.S. Customs and Border Protection drone in southwest Texas, federal officials confirmed to CBS News.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
How Americans plan to use their bigger tax refunds this year
Early tax refund data shows the typical check is so far 14% higher than a year ago. Here's what Americans are planning to do with the money.
Novartis settles suit over use of woman's "stolen" cells to advance medicine
Novartis has settled a suit by Henrietta Lacks' estate alleging the pharmaceutical giant unjustly profited off cells were taken from her tumor without her knowledge in 1951.
Netflix drops bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, paving way for Paramount Skydance
Streaming giant Netflix declined to match Paramount Skydance's $31 per share offer for Warner Bros. Discovery.
"I wanted to be on it all the time," plaintiff says in social media trial
The 20-year-old plaintiff alleges that using YouTube and Instagram from a young age intensified her depression and led to suicidal thoughts.
FedEx vows to pass any tariff refunds it gets from U.S. on to customers
FedEx said it will reimburse customers if the Trump administration provides refunds following a Supreme Court ruling that struck down emergency tariffs.
Politics
More Politics
Bill Clinton to testify today in House committee's Epstein investigation
Bill Clinton's testimony is the first time a former president has been compelled to appear before Congress.
Pentagon shoots down Customs and Border Protection drone in Texas, officials say
The Defense Department on Wednesday shot down a U.S. Customs and Border Protection drone in southwest Texas, federal officials confirmed to CBS News.
Federal Reserve seeking to quash subpoenas in DOJ investigation, source says
The Federal Reserve has been mounting a closed-door effort to block the Justice Department's subpoenas for chairman Jerome Powell, CBS News has learned.
Photo of Lutnick on Epstein's island removed from DOJ files now restored
A photo released last month as part of the Epstein files that showed Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein on Epstein's island was removed from the DOJ's website before being restored Thursday night.
About a dozen FBI staff who worked on Trump documents case fired, sources say
At least 10 FBI employees were fired Wednesday, after FBI Director Kash Patel alleged former special counsel Jack Smith had subpoenaed his phone records.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Medicaid is paying for more dental care. GOP cuts threaten to reverse the trend.
More than three dozen states cover dental services for people on Medicaid, but with about $900 billion in cuts expected to hit states over the next decade, many programs could roll back dental coverage.
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.
World
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U.S. clears some diplomatic staff to leave Israel amid tension with Iran
As Trump leaves the threat of war on the table amid nuclear talks with Iran, the State Department urges Americans to "consider leaving Israel" while they can.
U.S. offers $10 million for capture of cartel bosses "The Frog" and "Achilles"
The U. S. is offering $5 million each for information on Rene Arzate Garcia and his brother Alfonso Arzate Garcia.
Pakistan declares "open war" with Afghanistan as airstrikes rock Kabul
Pakistan bombed major Afghan cities and declared "open war" after Afghanistan's Taliban rulers claimed an unprecedented aerial attack on Islamabad.
American among those killed on speedboat in Cuban waters, White House confirms
At least one U.S. citizen was also among the six who were wounded and arrested by Cuban authorities, a U.S. official said.
Fraud conviction overturned for Hong Kong's ex-media mogul Jimmy Lai
A Hong Kong appellate court on Thursday quashed onetime media magnate Jimmy Lai's fraud convictions linked to lease violations, in a rare victory in the prominent activist's legal battles.
Entertainment
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Netflix drops bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, paving way for Paramount Skydance
Streaming giant Netflix declined to match Paramount Skydance's $31 per share offer for Warner Bros. Discovery.
"Heated Rivalry" Season 2 is coming "as soon as humanly possible," creators say
A second season of "Heated Rivalry" is underway and filming will begin this summer, says show creator and director Jacob Tierney.
Toccara Jones reacts to explosive documentary
Toccara Jones, who competed in the "America's Next Top Model" reality show, joins 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.
Technology
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Technology
Pentagon in standoff with AI giant Anthropic
With less than 24 hours left, Anthropic and the Pentagon are locked in a standoff over access to the company's powerful artificial intelligence. Jo Ling Kent reports.
Plaintiff in social media case takes stand
Jurors heard from the 20-year-old woman at the center of a landmark social media addiction trial on Thursday. Dara Kerr, tech reporter for The Guardian, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
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.
Sources: Pentagon sends Anthropic final offer
The Pentagon has sent AI startup Anthropic a letter with the government's best and final offer to use their technology, CBS News exclusively reported on Thursday. CBS News senior White House reporter Jennifer Jacobs has more.
Instagram rolls out new teen safety feature
Instagram announced a new safety tool for parents during the landmark trial on social media addiction. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul reports and Emma Lembke, founder of the LOG OFF movement, joins CBS News 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
Bill Clinton facing deposition on Epstein
Members of the House Oversight Committee will depose former President Bill Clinton about his apparent links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. CBS News' Katrina Kaufman reports.
U.S. offers $10 million for capture of cartel bosses "The Frog" and "Achilles"
The U. S. is offering $5 million each for information on Rene Arzate Garcia and his brother Alfonso Arzate Garcia.
JFK stowaway arrested after allegedly sneaking onto another flight, sources say
A woman convicted of stowing away on a flight out of JFK Airport in 2024 has allegedly done it again, this time at Newark Airport, sources say.
Nancy Guthrie's home to be returned to family
Authorities are preparing to return Nancy Guthrie's home to her family after sealing it off as a crime scene, a law enforcement search says. The search for the 84-year-old is entering its fourth week. CBS News correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti has more.
FBI moving command post in Nancy Guthrie investigation, source says
The investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie is still running at full speed, a law enforcement source familiar with the investigation told CBS News.
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
Americans were on speedboat shot at by Cuba
The White House confirmed that at least one American was killed and another arrested by Cuban officials when people on a stolen speedboat allegedly opened fire on Cuban troops about a mile off the island's coast. Nancy Cordes reports.
White House says American killed in Cuba
The White House confirmed an American was among the four people killed in Cuba during an encounter involving a speedboat that apparently neared the island from Florida. CBS News' Natalie Brand reports.
Hillary Clinton testifies about Epstein
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton testified under oath for more than six hours on Thursday to a House panel. Afterward she said she and her husband, former President Bill Clinton, "did not know what he [Epstein] was doing, and I think that that is exactly what my husband will testify to." Bill Clinton is set to testify Friday.
Anxiety mounts about possible Iran strikes
Lawmakers are reacting to the continued military buildup in the Middle East as concerns linger about strikes against Iran. CBS News' Charlie D'Agata reports.
Military shoots down Border Protection drone
Officials confirm the U.S. military mistakenly shot down a drone belonging to Customs and Border Protection in southwest Texas on Wednesday. A laser weapon was used to down the drone. Kris Van Cleave reports.