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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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10 Epstein files conspiracy theories, debunked
Conspiracy theories about the Epstein files have racked up millions of views on social media. Here's what to know about 10 of the most viral claims.
Robots, already in hospitals, are ready to roll in other industries
In the years to come, robots will help offset worker shortages in health care, manufacturing and other industries, experts say.
Neil Sedaka, singer whose hits included "Laughter in the Rain," dies at 86
Singer-songwriter Neil Sedaka, known for his hits like "Laughter in the Rain," "Breaking Up is Hard to Do" and "Calendar Girl," has died.
Hegseth says Pentagon canceling troops' attendance at top universities
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Friday that the Pentagon would be canceling troops' attendance at some of the nation's top universities.
Small business owner is already giving her customers a tariff refund
"If somebody charges you something and it's unlawful, they should give you your money back," Dame CEO Alexandra Fine said.
MoneyWatch
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Robots, already in hospitals, are ready to roll in other industries
In the years to come, robots will help offset worker shortages in health care, manufacturing and other industries, experts say.
Book excerpt: "Streetwise" by Lloyd Blankfein
In his new memoir, the former CEO of Goldman Sachs writes about a life that stretched from the projects of New York City to the pinnacle of Wall Street.
Small business owner is already giving her customers a tariff refund
"If somebody charges you something and it's unlawful, they should give you your money back," Dame CEO Alexandra Fine said.
Stocks slump as inflation, AI worries rattle investors
Stocks fell Friday after a report showed higher-than-expected inflation and as Wall Street continues to fret over AI-related disruption.
This tip can save you tens of thousands of dollars on your mortgage
Mortgage rates have fallen to their lowest level since 2022, and now borrowers can find even lower-cost loans, experts said.
Politics
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Hegseth says Pentagon canceling troops' attendance at top universities
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Friday that the Pentagon would be canceling troops' attendance at some of the nation's top universities.
U.S.-Iran deal is "within our reach," Omani mediator says
Negotiators from the U.S. and Iran have made "substantial progress" toward a deal to curb Iran's nuclear program, Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi told CBS News on Friday.
Trump administration labels Iran state sponsor of wrongful detention
The designation enables the U.S. to punish Iran for detaining Americans for political leverage
Trump orders federal agencies to stop using Anthropic's AI technology
President Trump said he will give federal agencies six months to phase out their use of Anthropic's AI products.
Trump says he's "not happy" with progress in Iran negotiations
President Trump said Friday that he is "not happy" with the pace of progress in negotiations with Iran.
HealthWatch
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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.-Iran deal is "within our reach," Omani mediator says
Negotiators from the U.S. and Iran have made "substantial progress" toward a deal to curb Iran's nuclear program, Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi told CBS News on Friday.
Trump administration labels Iran state sponsor of wrongful detention
The designation enables the U.S. to punish Iran for detaining Americans for political leverage
Rare 2,000-year-old treasure unearthed by metal detectorists
The find was made on a farmer's land in western Wales, museum Amgueddfa Cymru said.
Trump says he's "not happy" with progress in Iran negotiations
President Trump said Friday that he is "not happy" with the pace of progress in negotiations with Iran.
Boy's birth brings hope for Amazon tribe facing possible extinction
One official calls a newborn boy "a symbol of the resistance of the Akuntsu people, but also a source of hope for Indigenous peoples."
Entertainment
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Neil Sedaka, singer whose hits included "Laughter in the Rain," dies at 86
Singer-songwriter Neil Sedaka, known for his hits like "Laughter in the Rain," "Breaking Up is Hard to Do" and "Calendar Girl," has died.
Book excerpt: "Never Mind the Happy" by Marc Shaiman
In his memoir, the Tony Award-winning composer of such hits as Broadway's "Hairspray" writes of his half-century in show business, which grew in part from his youthful worship of Bette Midler - an adoration that would grow into a collaboration.
"Sinners" composer on blues music journey
For Oscar-winning composer Ludwig Goransson, creating the score for "Sinners" was a challenge, explaining he had to find his "voice within the blues." He describes his unlikely personal connection to the music and how he met the film's director.
"Scream" creator on directing latest movie
"Scream" writer and creator Kevin Williamson describes his passion for horror films and being asked to direct a "Scream" movie for the first time, at the request of one of the returning stars. Natalie Morales reports.
Bobby J. Brown, "The Wire" and "Law & Order: SUV" actor, dies at 62
Bobby J. Brown's breakout role was as a police officer on HBO's "The Wire." He appeared in 12 episodes across four seasons.
Technology
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Robots, already in hospitals, are ready to roll in other industries
In the years to come, robots will help offset worker shortages in health care, manufacturing and other industries, experts say.
Trump ends federal use of Anthropic's AI tech
President Trump on Friday ordered federal agencies to stop using Anthropic's artificial intelligence technology. The company was in a dispute with the Pentagon over the military's use of its AI. Katrina Manson, Bloomberg News reporter, joins 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.
New testimony in social media addiction trial
The plaintiff in a landmark trial on alleged social media addiction testified this week that she "wanted to be on it all the time." CBS News correspondent Carter Evans has the latest.
Trump orders federal agencies to stop using Anthropic's AI technology
President Trump said he will give federal agencies six months to phase out their use of Anthropic's AI products.
Science
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NASA announces major overhaul of Artemis moon program "to take down risk"
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced significant changes to the agency's Artemis program, which aims to land on the moon in 2028.
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.
Crime
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Crime
Bill Clinton opening statement for deposition
Former President Bill Clinton is being deposed by members of the House Oversight Committee over his alleged links to Jeffrey Epstein. CBS News' Nikole Killion reports.
Did ICE lie before detaining NYC student?
Columbia University acting president Claire Shipman described the ICE detention of student Elmina "Ellie" Aghayeva, claiming agents gained entry to a residential building by stating they were police seeking a missing child. CBS News' Tom Hanson reports.
Bill Clinton's turn for Epstein deposition
Former President Bill Clinton is up next for a deposition before members of the House Oversight Committee regarding his alleged links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. CBS News' Nikole Killion reports.
Latest news Columbia student taken by ICE
Columbia University student Elmina Aghayeva has been released after ICE took her from one of the institution's residential buildings. CBS News' Tom Hanson reports.
Epstein files questionings continue
Kentucky Republican Rep. James Comer, the chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, said Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick may be asked to testify on his knowledge of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's dealings. This comes as former President Bill Clinton prepares for his deposition. CBS News' Nikole Killion reports.
Space
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Space
How NASA plans to get astronauts on the moon
NASA announced an overhaul to its Artemis moon program as safety concerns persist. CBS News space contributor Christian Davenport breaks down the key takeaways.
NASA announces major overhaul of Artemis moon program "to take down risk"
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced significant changes to the agency's Artemis program, which aims to land on the moon in 2028.
Safety concerns over NASA's Artemis program
NASA's Artemis II mission continues to face concerns and delays. Scott E. Parazynski, a former astronaut, joins CBS News with more.
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.
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
10 Epstein files conspiracy theories debunked
Is Jeffrey Epstein alive in Israel? Is the real Ghislaine Maxwell in Canada, not jail? Were they somehow involved with the disappearance of Madeleine McCann and the death of JonBenet Ramsey? CBS News Confirmed investigated 10 of the most viral conspiracy theories to come out of the Epstein files. Here's what we found.
Trump in Texas amid heated Senate GOP race
President Trump is in Texas ahead of the state's midterm primary day on Tuesday. CBS News senior White House and political correspondent Ed O'Keefe has more from Corpus Christi.
Lawmaker: Clinton "very cooperative" on Epstein
Former President Bill Clinton appeared for a deposition with members of the House Oversight Committee on Friday to answer questions about his relationship and dealings with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. CBS News congressional correspondent Nikole Killion reports.
Trump says he's "not happy" with Iran talks
U.S. and Iranian mediators are set for another round of negotiations over the country's nuclear program next week. CBS News' Charlie D'Agata and Samantha Vinograd have the latest.
Trump addresses Iran negotiations
President Trump visited Texas on Friday ahead of the state's primary election. He spoke about the state of negotiations with Iran. CBS News senior White House and political correspondent Ed O'Keefe reports.