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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.
Pope Leo names veteran Vatican diplomat as new ambassador to the U.S.
Italian Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, 68, is currently the Holy See's ambassador to the United Nations in New York.
Trump administration's embattled FDA vaccine chief is leaving — again
In July, Prasad was briefly forced from his job, but was reinstated less than two weeks later.
GOP Rep. Darrell Issa says he will retire, months after declaring he's "not quitting"
Rep. Darrell Issa's abrupt reversal injects more uncertainty in the race for the newly redrawn Southern California congressional district.
DOJ asks appeals court to restore Trump's executive orders targeting law firms
The Justice Department on Friday asked a federal appeals court to overturn a lower court ruling that invalidated President Trump's executive orders targeting four major law firms.
At least 6 dead after tornado rips through Michigan and storms hit central U.S.
Severe storms were sweeping across the central U.S., and forecasters warned tornadoes could turn dangerous across several states.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Venezuela's new gold rush moves at "Trump speed," but ignores a $25 million question
Venezuela's new administration is cutting deals, but there's a big reward available for a key figure.
House hunting? Here's what to know as the spring buying season arrives.
Although home prices remain elevated, conditions are shaping up to be more favorable for buyers this year, experts said.
United CEO said U.S. airfares could rise as Iran war drives up oil prices
Jet fuel costs have shot up more than 50% since the U.S.-Israel attack on Iran sparked a jump in global prices.
These 10 jobs are most exposed to AI, Anthropic finds
The maker of the Claude chatbot says its research could help identify economic disruptions by measuring how AI is currently reshaping work.
Stocks sink as oil prices sizzle and U.S. hiring fizzles
Stocks fell after new government data showed U.S. employers shed 92,000 jobs in February and as investors fret over oil prices.
Politics
More Politics
Trump meets with Latin American leaders in Miami amid war on Iran
The White House called the gathering of Latin American leaders the "Shield of the Americas" summit.
Trump administration's embattled FDA vaccine chief is leaving — again
In July, Prasad was briefly forced from his job, but was reinstated less than two weeks later.
GOP Rep. Darrell Issa says he will retire, months after declaring he's "not quitting"
Rep. Darrell Issa's abrupt reversal injects more uncertainty in the race for the newly redrawn Southern California congressional district.
DOJ asks appeals court to restore Trump's executive orders targeting law firms
The Justice Department on Friday asked a federal appeals court to overturn a lower court ruling that invalidated President Trump's executive orders targeting four major law firms.
Man convicted in plot to assassinate Trump that was tied to Iran's paramilitary
A Pakistani business owner accused of trying to hire hit men to kill a U.S. politician has been convicted in a trial that showcased allegations of Iran-backed plotting on American soil.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
A Pilates teacher thought she had the flu. Doctors found aggressive cancer
Debi Weiss thought her fatigue and weakness was a seasonal illness, but her condition quickly worsened.
Trump administration's embattled FDA vaccine chief is leaving — again
In July, Prasad was briefly forced from his job, but was reinstated less than two weeks later.
RFK Jr. challenges Dunkin' and Starbucks over sugary drinks
HHS Secretary RFK Jr. wants the popular coffee chains to prove their surgery drinks are safe for teens and suggested the Trump administration could place limits on your cup of coffee.
Some baby formula brands contain heavy metals, Consumer Reports says
Tests of dozens of baby formulas by Consumer Reports found that nearly half contained potentially dangerous chemicals.
States face pushback on their rural health transformation plans
Some Republican state lawmakers and health associations are pushing back against spending plans under the Trump administration's $50 billion federal rural health fund.
World
More World
U.K. killer Ian Huntley dies after prison attack
Ian Huntley, 52, had been on life support after being hit repeatedly over the head with a metal bar in a U.K. prison on Feb. 26.
China's Xi Jinping calls for political loyalty amid military purge
"There must be no one in the military who harbors disloyalty to the (ruling Communist) Party," Xi said.
Trump meets with Latin American leaders in Miami amid war on Iran
The White House called the gathering of Latin American leaders the "Shield of the Americas" summit.
Pope Leo names veteran Vatican diplomat as new ambassador to the U.S.
Italian Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, 68, is currently the Holy See's ambassador to the United Nations in New York.
Para alpine skier wins Russia its first Paralympic medal in 12 years
Russian athletes are back competing under their own flag in the Winter Paralympics at Milan Cortina.
Entertainment
More Entertainment
Entertainment
Cory Wong performs "Roses Fade"
Grammy-nominated artist Cory Wong is known for his funky sounds and genre-defying collaborations. His latest album, "Lost in the Wonder," featuring star-studded performances, is out now. Here's Cory Wong performing "Roses Fade."
Cory Wong performs "Blame It On the Moon"
Grammy-nominated artist Cory Wong is known for his funky sounds and genre-defying collaborations. His latest album, "Lost in the Wonder," featuring star-studded performances, is out now. Here's Cory Wong performing "Blame It On the Moon."
Cory Wong performs "All Night, Alright"
Grammy-nominated artist Cory Wong is known for his funky sounds and genre-defying collaborations. His latest album, "Lost in the Wonder," featuring star-studded performances, is out now. Here's Cory Wong performing "All Night, Alright."
Book excerpt: "Judge Stone" by Viola Davis & James Patterson
The Academy Award-winning actress and the bestselling writer team up for a courtroom thriller that touches on the lightning-rod issue of abortion.
Maggie Gyllenhaal talks thriller "The Bride!"
Oscar nominee Maggie Gyllenhaal speaks about reimagining "Bride of Frankenstein" to create her new gothic thriller "The Bride!" which she wrote, produced and directed. The star-studded cast includes Jessie Buckley, Christian Bale and her brother, Jake Gyllenhaal.
Technology
More Technology
Technology
Study: AI overuse can lead to "brain fry"
Artificial intelligence promised to lighten the workload while increasing productivity. But as more people are using AI for work, a new study published in Harvard Business Review finds AI overuse could cause "brain fry." CBS News correspondent Lana Zak spoke with the study's lead author to unpack the findings.
Affordable ways to protect your aging parents
The most recent government data shows nearly 28% of Americans live alone. The number has risen for decades, especially for older generations. Ash-har Quraishi shows simple tools that can provide extra security and protection for your aging loved ones.
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.
Anthropic CEO apologizes for leaked memo
The CEO of Anthropic is apologizing for a leaked internal memo amid a feud with the Pentagon over its AI model. The memo criticized the Trump administration and OpenAI. It comes after the Defense Department declared Anthropic a supply chain risk or a possible security risk.
Pentagon designates Anthropic a supply chain risk
The Pentagon formally designated artificial intelligence firm Anthropic as a supply chain risk on Thursday amid their feud over AI guardrails. Yahoo Finance senior reporter Brooke DiPalma joins CBS News with more.
Science
More Science
Sea levels higher than thought due to "methodological blind spot," study says
A new study in the journal Nature says most sea level rise research may have underestimated coastal water heights by an average of 1 foot.
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.
Crime
More Crime
U.K. killer Ian Huntley dies after prison attack
Ian Huntley, 52, had been on life support after being hit repeatedly over the head with a metal bar in a U.K. prison on Feb. 26.
Latest on Utah triple murder suspect
A manhunt for a triple murder suspect in Utah ended Thursday when Ivan Miller, 22, was arrested in Colorado. Here's what to know about the investigation.
Austin gunman assaulted woman at Tesla facility in December, lawsuit alleges
The gunman who carried out the mass shooting last weekend in Austin, Texas, assaulted a woman three months earlier at a Tesla facility, according to a lawsuit filed Thursday in Texas.
Kouri Richins' friends take stand at trial
Becky Lloyd, a neighbor and friend of Kouri Richins, who is accused of fatally poisoning her husband in 2022, testified at her trial on Thursday about conversations they had about Richins' marriage. Lloyd said Richins' told her, "In many ways it would be better if he [Richins' husband], if he were dead" in a serious tone. Richins denies killing her husband and has pleaded not guilty to charges.
Body parts of kidnapped tourist found on Bali beach, police say
Ihor Komarov, 28, was identified from DNA samples taken from the dismembered body and compared to those of his mother, police said.
Space
More Space
Space
Why NASA is overhauling Artemis program
NASA has announced a major overhaul of its Artemis moon program amid ongoing safety concerns. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood has more details.
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.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
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
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Concern grows over Americans jailed in Iran
Concern has grown for the safety of Americans jailed in Iran since before the U.S.-Israeli strikes sparked the ongoing war. CBS News' Haley Ott has the latest.
The Dish: Papa's
At Papa's in Mumbai, chef Hussain Shahzad wants guests to feel like they're visiting him at home. "CBS Saturday Morning" learns why it was named one of TIME Magazine's "World's Greatest Places of 2025."
How soccer connects the world
Roger Bennett, founder and CEO of the Men In Blazers Media Network, joins "CBS Saturday Morning" to discuss his latest book, "We are the World (Cup)," ahead of this summer's tournament.
Curb kids' screen time and junk food habits
Science journalist and bestselling author Michaeleen Doucleff joins "CBS Saturday Morning" to discuss her latest book, "Dopamine Kids," and share ways parents can manage their child's screen time and junk food habits.
Cory Wong performs "Roses Fade"
Grammy-nominated artist Cory Wong is known for his funky sounds and genre-defying collaborations. His latest album, "Lost in the Wonder," featuring star-studded performances, is out now. Here's Cory Wong performing "Roses Fade."