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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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Global Entry program restored as DHS shutdown continues
Officers normally assigned to process Global Entry travelers had been reassigned to process other arriving travelers during the pause.
First grizzly of 2026 spotted at Yellowstone, feeding on bison carcass
An image of the sighting showed the massive bear standing over the carcass near Yellowstone Lake.
CPI report shows inflation held steady at 2.4% in February
The inflation data captures the period before the Iran war broke out. Since then, oil prices have surged, driving inflation fears.
Vehicle crashes into barricade near White House, Secret Service investigating
A vehicle crashed into a barricade near the White House on Wednesday morning, authorities said.
Hawaii volcano eruptions shoot fountains of lava 1,000 feet in the air
The eruptions at Kilauea prompted closures at a national park and part of a highway because of falling glassy volcanic fragments, including ash.
MoneyWatch
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CPI report shows inflation held steady at 2.4% in February
The inflation data captures the period before the Iran war broke out. Since then, oil prices have surged, driving inflation fears.
Can the president bring down gas prices? 5 options available to Trump.
Gas prices in the U.S. have surged roughly 20% since the attack on Iran. Read on to see what measures the Trump administration could take to offer relief.
Oil prices are falling — gas prices aren't. Here's why.
Even if oil prices ease, they won't return to the levels they were at before the war started, according to Patrick De Haan of GasBuddy.
Could tapping the Strategic Petroleum Reserve lower gas prices?
The Strategic Petroleum Reserve is designed to cushion disruptions to U.S. oil supplies during emergencies.
JetBlue ground stop lifted soon after it began
Shortly after all JetBlue flights were grounded by the FAA due to what the agency said was a JetBlue request, the carrier said it had resumed operations.
Politics
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Global Entry program restored as DHS shutdown continues
Officers normally assigned to process Global Entry travelers had been reassigned to process other arriving travelers during the pause.
Trump told FIFA Iran is welcome to play in World Cup in U.S., officials say
President Trump told FIFA representatives Tuesday that Iran is welcome to play in the World Cup tournament in the United States, officials told CBS News.
Epstein's longtime accountant to testify before House committee today
Richard Kahn was one of Epstein's closest associates in his final years, managing his finances and investments.
Latino Texans fueled Democratic primary turnout. What does it mean for midterms?
Latino voters helped propel record turnout in last week's Texas Democratic primary, a trend Democrats are watching closely as they try to reclaim ground with the group and pull off an upset win in the red-leaning state's Senate contest.
Fuller, Harris head to Georgia runoff, CBS News projects
Trump-backed Clayton Fuller and Shawn Harris advance to a runoff election to fill Marjorie Taylor Greene's seat.
HealthWatch
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"I was fighting to survive": Patients still struggle with preauthorization hurdles
Last summer, the Trump administration announced a voluntary pledge by health insurers to reform prior authorization, but patient advocates and medical providers remain skeptical.
Investigation
There's one building in LA with 89 registered hospices: "Ground zero" for fraud?
A CBS News analysis of records for every hospice operating in Los Angeles County finds indications of fraud are growing.
Raw oysters and clams recalled in 9 states over norovirus risks
Food containing norovirus may smell and taste normal but still cause serious illness if consumed, FDA warns.
More kids are in ERs for tooth pain. Budget cuts and fluoride fights aren't helping.
Dentists, hygienists, and researchers say a shortage of rural dental care professionals and worsening oral hygiene since the COVID-19 pandemic mean more kids are ending up in the emergency room for tooth decay.
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.
World
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Live
Iran attacks more ships, Dubai airport, warns U.S.-linked banks are next
As the Trump administration says it's winning the war with Iran, Tehran hits 3 ships near the Strait of Hormuz, and Dubai airport, and warns banks are next.
6 of 7 Iranian soccer players granted asylum in Australia stay, rest head home
Australian officials say six of seven members of the Iranian women's soccer team who were granted asylum are staying but the seventh has changed her mind and will return home.
At least 6 killed in bus fire that may have been "deliberate," Swiss police say
Police are investigating after a fire on a regional bus in Kerzers, west of Switzerland's capital, killed at least six people.
White House aware of Gulf countries' fears about interceptor shortage, sources say
The Gulf states have said they're running dangerously low on missile interceptors and have asked the U.S. to expedite new supplies, CBS News previously reported.
Iran signaling it may deploy mines to disrupt Strait of Hormuz, U.S. sources say
Iran is using smaller crafts to lay mines in the Strait of Hormuz, two U.S. officials said.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Dorrance on preserving tap dancing history
American tap dancer Michelle Dorrance talks to CBS News chief medical correspondent Jon LaPook about Brenda Bufalino's impact and preserving the 88-year-old's artistry for future generations in a project at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts.
Brenda Bufalino on evolution of tap dancing
American tap dancer Brenda Bufalino talks to CBS News chief medical correspondent Jon LaPook about the many ebbs and flows of the art form and reflects on her career.
Michelle Pfeiffer on "The Madison" series
Michelle Pfeiffer talks with "CBS Mornings" about starring alongside Kurt Russell in "The Madison." She describes how she decided to take on the character and explains after decades in the entertainment industry why she still gets nervous in new roles.
Details on Live Nation's settlement with DOJ
Less than a week into a trial over Live Nation's alleged monopoly of the event ticket business, the parent company of Ticketmaster has reached a tentative settlement with the Justice Department. Kenneth Dintzer, antitrust attorney with the law firm Crowell & Moring, joins CBS News to break down the deal.
Latest on shots fired at Rihanna's home
A woman has been arrested for allegedly firing several shots Sunday at the Beverly Hills home of pop music star Rihanna. CBS News Los Angeles' Tina Patel reports.
Technology
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Technology
How Hollywood is grappling with AI
AI-generated artist Tilly Norwood and the company behind her released a new music video speaking directly to her critics. As AI evolves, Hollywood faces questions over legal protections, copyright infringement and human labor. Jo Ling Kent reports.
Details on Pentagon removal of Claude
CBS News exclusively obtained a Pentagon memo from earlier this month that went out to several senior defense leaders and commanders. It ordered the removal of Anthropic's AI technology from key national systems. Jo Ling Kent reports.
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.
Exclusive
Pentagon memo orders commanders to remove Anthropic from key systems
The Defense Department has notified senior leadership that they must remove Anthropic's products from their system within 180 days, the latest salvo in a feud between the AI company and the Trump administration.
The evolution of Apple over 50 years
David Pogue, an author and correspondent for "CBS Sunday Morning," talks about covering the rise of Apple over his career as the company is set to turn 50 next month, and his new book, "Apple: The First 50 Years."
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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Crime
New details about ISIS-inspired attack
New video has emerged of fuses being bought at a Pennsylvania fireworks store by one of the suspects accused of throwing explosive devices outside the New York City mayoral residence. CBS News national correspondent Jericka Duncan has more.
Exclusive
Video appears to show bomb suspect purchasing fuse at fireworks store
One of two men accused of throwing IEDs at protesters in New York City appears to have purchased fuses at a fireworks store in a Philadelphia suburb last week.
No harmful substances in NYC suspicious package
New York City police have given the all clear after concluding a suspicious package found near Gracie Mansion, the official residence of Mayor Zohran Mamdani, was harmless.
Shots fired at U.S. consulate in Toronto
Shots were fired outside of the U.S. consulate in Toronto, Canada, early Tuesday morning, police said. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul has more.
Suspicious package near NYC mayor's residence
There is a heavy police presence near New York City's Gracie Mansion, the official residence of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, as officials investigate a suspicious package found in the area. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul has more.
Space
More Space
Space
1,300-pound NASA satellite to crash on Earth
Nearly 14 years after it was launched in 2012, NASA says a 1,300-pound satellite is expected to come crashing back to Earth on Wednesday. Most of it will burn up as it reenters the atmosphere, but NASA warns some debris could survive reentry.
1,300-pound NASA satellite set to crash down to Earth
The Van Allen probe's mission was meant to last two years, but ended up going for nearly seven.
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.
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
Trump considers releasing oil from reserves
President Trump's energy secretary says the U.S. could tap into its oil reserves to level soaring gas prices for Americans as the Iran war continues. CBS News' Kati Weis has the latest.
How Hollywood is grappling with AI
AI-generated artist Tilly Norwood and the company behind her released a new music video speaking directly to her critics. As AI evolves, Hollywood faces questions over legal protections, copyright infringement and human labor. Jo Ling Kent reports.
1,300-pound NASA satellite to crash on Earth
Nearly 14 years after it was launched in 2012, NASA says a 1,300-pound satellite is expected to come crashing back to Earth on Wednesday. Most of it will burn up as it reenters the atmosphere, but NASA warns some debris could survive reentry.
Iran ramps up strikes overnight
Iran launched drones and missiles toward Israel and the Gulf states overnight as details emerge about suspected drone attacks against ships in the Strait of Hormuz. CBS News' Matt Gutman reports.
Details on Pentagon removal of Claude
CBS News exclusively obtained a Pentagon memo from earlier this month that went out to several senior defense leaders and commanders. It ordered the removal of Anthropic's AI technology from key national systems. Jo Ling Kent reports.