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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.
Judge voids Kari Lake's actions as acting CEO of U.S. media agency
A federal judge ruled Saturday that Kari Lake did not have legal authority to take the actions she's done to largely dismantle the Voice of America.
Sketch of woman found in a swamp reveals twisted case of death and deception
Mindi Kassotis' friends and family were told the wife of a decorated former Navy JAG officer had died unexpectedly in a hospital. Imagine their surprise months later when the remains of a woman, found dismembered in a swamp near Savannah, Georgia were identified as Mindi's.
No injuries after explosion reported near U.S. Embassy in Norway, local police say
Norwegian police reported on Sunday an explosion near the U.S. Embassy in the capital Oslo, but said there were no casualties.
Baby sleepsuit sold at Walmart recalled over potential choking hazard
The zipper head on the recalled HALO Magic Sleepsuits poses a danger to babies, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Trump salutes as 6 soldiers killed in Iran are transferred back to the U.S.
All six service members died during an unmanned aircraft system attack in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait.
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
Judge voids Kari Lake's actions as acting CEO of U.S. media agency
A federal judge ruled Saturday that Kari Lake did not have legal authority to take the actions she's done to largely dismantle the Voice of America.
Exclusive
Trump dismisses threats from Iran's security chief: "I couldn't care less"
In a phone interview with CBS News, President Trump dismissed threats from Iran's top national-security official, who posted on social media that Mr. Trump must "pay the price" for the strikes on Iran.
Trump says he believes bombing of Iranian girls' school was "done by Iran"
President Trump on Saturday told reporters, without citing evidence, that he believes a deadly strike on a girls' primary school in southern Iran last weekend was "done by Iran."
Jan. 6 plaque honoring police officers displayed at the Capitol after delay
Workers installed a plaque honoring police officers in the early morning hours, three years after it was required by law to be erected.
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.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Baby sleepsuit sold at Walmart recalled over potential choking hazard
The zipper head on the recalled HALO Magic Sleepsuits poses a danger to babies, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
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.
World
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Exclusive
Trump dismisses threats from Iran's security chief: "I couldn't care less"
In a phone interview with CBS News, President Trump dismissed threats from Iran's top national-security official, who posted on social media that Mr. Trump must "pay the price" for the strikes on Iran.
No injuries after explosion reported near U.S. Embassy in Norway, local police say
Norwegian police reported on Sunday an explosion near the U.S. Embassy in the capital Oslo, but said there were no casualties.
Trump says he believes bombing of Iranian girls' school was "done by Iran"
President Trump on Saturday told reporters, without citing evidence, that he believes a deadly strike on a girls' primary school in southern Iran last weekend was "done by Iran."
Trump salutes as 6 soldiers killed in Iran are transferred back to the U.S.
All six service members died during an unmanned aircraft system attack in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait.
American Oksana Masters wins 20th Paralympic medal
Oksana Masters has competed at every Paralympics since 2012 and is the most decorated American Winter Paralympian.
Entertainment
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Book excerpt: "Apple: The First 50 Years" by David Pogue
The "CBS Sunday Morning" correspondent's latest book examines how, in its first half-century, the company founded by Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs remade the culture – and then, incredibly, remade itself.
Paul McCartney's overlooked work
"CBS Saturday Morning" sits down with Morgan Neville, the director of "Man on the Run," a documentary about the life of Paul McCartney after the Beatles broke up.
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" with Devon Gilfillian.
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" with Taylor Hanson.
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" with Devon Gilfillian.
Technology
More Technology
Book excerpt: "Apple: The First 50 Years" by David Pogue
The "CBS Sunday Morning" correspondent's latest book examines how, in its first half-century, the company founded by Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs remade the culture – and then, incredibly, remade itself.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Science
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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
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Sketch of woman found in a swamp reveals twisted case of death and deception
Mindi Kassotis' friends and family were told the wife of a decorated former Navy JAG officer had died unexpectedly in a hospital. Imagine their surprise months later when the remains of a woman, found dismembered in a swamp near Savannah, Georgia were identified as Mindi's.
Bombing at nightclub in Peru injures 33, including minors, authorities say
At least five people are in serious condition, an official said. Three minors - a 16-year-old and two 17-year-olds - are among the wounded.
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.
Space
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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
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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
Freedom Plane celebrates 250 years of U.S.
The American Freedom Train steamed across the country to mark the nation's bicentennial 50 years ago. Natalie Brand reports that this year, marking the 250th anniversary, the train is now a plane.
Plaque honoring Jan. 6 law enforcement goes up
A plaque honoring police and law enforcement who defended the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, has been installed after years of delays.
Inside China, a major importer of Iranian oil
China buys nearly all of Iran's sanctioned oil, and due to the U.S. and Israeli-led conflict there, the supply line has been severely disrupted. Anna Coren has more from Beijing.
Deadly storms rip through U.S. South, Midwest
Massive cleanup efforts are underway after a series of deadly storms ripped through the South and Midwest, killing at least six people. Omar Villafranca reports from hard-hit Beggs, Oklahoma.
Safety scare forces diverted Southwest flight
Tensions in the Middle East have prompted tighter security in the U.S., and on Friday night, a scare led to a Southwest Airlines flight diversion. Ali Bauman has more details.