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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.
NYPD cop who chased down bomb suspect had just one thought: "Catch the bad guy"
NYPD Chief Aaron Edwards hopped a metal barrier to chase down a suspect accused of throwing IEDs during clashing protests outside Gracie Mansion.
Fetterman calls Trump's criticism of mail-in voting "ridiculous"
"The president is constantly critical on mail-in voting, and that's ridiculous," Democratic Sen. John Fetterman said Wednesday.
Trump releasing 172 million barrels of oil from reserve as prices soar amid Iran war
President Trump ordered the release of 172 million barrels of oil from the U.S.'s Strategic Petroleum Reserve on Wednesday, after oil prices rocketed to their highest levels in years amid the U.S.'s war with Iran.
Officials downplay risk of Iranian drone attacks off California after FBI memo
FBI memo warning that Iran may try to launch drones at California in a seaborne "surprise attack" raised concern Wednesday — but officials tell CBS News there is no known, specific threat underpinning it.
Trump administration takes steps to impose new tariffs
The Supreme Court ruled in February that the president lacks the authority to impose unilateral tariffs using an emergency powers law.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Trump releasing 172 million barrels of oil from reserve as prices soar amid Iran war
President Trump ordered the release of 172 million barrels of oil from the U.S.'s Strategic Petroleum Reserve on Wednesday, after oil prices rocketed to their highest levels in years amid the U.S.'s war with Iran.
FTC to refund more than $47 million to consumers allegedly deceived by Invitation Homes
A 2024 government lawsuit accused Invitation Homes of deceiving renters about lease costs, charging undisclosed junk fees and other unlawful practices.
What is XMoney, Elon Musk's new digital payments platform?
Elon Musk said his long-planned payments platform, dubbed XMoney, is set to launch for select users. Here's what to know.
Howard Schultz leaves Seattle as local lawmakers mull millionaire tax
Howard Schultz said he and his wife will move to Florida as Washington weighs a roughly 10% annual tax on earnings over $1 million.
IEA to release 400 million barrels of oil in move to lower energy prices
The emergency oil release — the largest in the multinational organization's history — could help ease oil prices in the short term, according to analysts.
Politics
More Politics
Fetterman calls Trump's criticism of mail-in voting "ridiculous"
"The president is constantly critical on mail-in voting, and that's ridiculous," Democratic Sen. John Fetterman said Wednesday.
Trump releasing 172 million barrels of oil from reserve as prices soar amid Iran war
President Trump ordered the release of 172 million barrels of oil from the U.S.'s Strategic Petroleum Reserve on Wednesday, after oil prices rocketed to their highest levels in years amid the U.S.'s war with Iran.
Officials downplay risk of Iranian drone attacks off California after FBI memo
FBI memo warning that Iran may try to launch drones at California in a seaborne "surprise attack" raised concern Wednesday — but officials tell CBS News there is no known, specific threat underpinning it.
Trump administration takes steps to impose new tariffs
The Supreme Court ruled in February that the president lacks the authority to impose unilateral tariffs using an emergency powers law.
Democratic Sen. John Fetterman says war with Iran has been "effective"
"I think, overall, what's accomplished is remarkable," Sen. John Fetterman told CBS News chief White House correspondent Major Garrett in an interview Wednesday.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
"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
More World
3 brothers arrested in connection with U.S. embassy explosion in Norway
The men were Norwegian citizens of Iraqi origin who were not previously known to police, police prosecutor Christian Hatlo said.
550-pound WWII bomb defused after thousands evacuated
The discovery caused officials to evacuate 18,000 people on Wednesday, the largest such operation ever in the city, emergency services said.
Exclusive
U.S. service members in Kuwait suffered brain trauma, burns, shrapnel wounds
About 30 U.S. service members remained hospitalized Tuesday after an Iranian drone strike in Kuwait.
IEA to release 400 million barrels of oil in move to lower energy prices
The emergency oil release — the largest in the multinational organization's history — could help ease oil prices in the short term, according to analysts.
Live
Trump vows to end war "soon" as Iran hits ships and threatens banks
President Trump says he'll end the war soon, when he wants to, as Iran hits ships in and near the Strait of Hormuz and warns U.S.-linked banks will be next.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
"Sinners" cinematographer on crafting scenes
Oscar-nominated "Sinners" cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw watches scenes from the film with Anthony Mason and breaks down how some of its most memorable moments were created. She also shares how her collaboration with director Ryan Coogler helped define the film's look.
Flavor Flav celebrates women athletes
Pop culture icon Flava Flav stopped by "CBS Mornings" to discuss his plans to celebrate women Olympic and Paralympic medalists from the 2026 Winter Games.
Kurt Russell talks drama series "The Madison"
Kurt Russell, who stars in "The Madison," spoke to "CBS Mornings" about the series, explaining the script "was so familiar" and that he related to it. Russell praised creator Taylor Sheridan, who was also behind the popular series "Yellowstone," and discussed what it was like to work with Michelle Pfeiffer again decades later.
Oscars 2026: Behind the scenes with the best actor nominees
Watch scenes from the performances nominated for best actor at the 98th annual Academy Awards, as well as interviews with the nominees.
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.
Technology
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Technology
Memory chip shortage could raise tech prices
An explosion in artificial intelligence data centers and cloud computing is shrinking the supply of memory chips, which is having a major impact on the price consumers pay for everyday tech. CNET editor-in-chief David Katzmaier joins CBS News to discuss.
What is XMoney, Elon Musk's new digital payments platform?
Elon Musk said his long-planned payments platform, dubbed XMoney, is set to launch for select users. Here's what to know.
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.
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.
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
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NYPD cop who chased down bomb suspect had just one thought: "Catch the bad guy"
NYPD Chief Aaron Edwards hopped a metal barrier to chase down a suspect accused of throwing IEDs during clashing protests outside Gracie Mansion.
Officials downplay risk of attacks off West Coast
Officials are downplaying the risk of Iranian drone attacks against California after an FBI memo said the regime "allegedly aspired" to target the Golden State. CBS News homeland security correspondent Nicole Sganga reports. Then, former FBI Special Agent Jeff Harp joins with analysis.
NYPD officers on response to terror incident
A picture of an NYPD chief responding to the terror incident outside Mayor Zohran Mamdani's residence last week has gone viral. CBS News' Anna Schecter has more about what happened that day.
New details in Georgia teacher's death
The family of a Georgia student charged in what investigators describe as a prank gone horribly wrong says they are grieving the tremendous loss to the community. CBS News correspondent Elaine Quijano has the latest.
Man crashes car into barrier near White House
Police in Washington, D.C., arrested a man after he crashed a car into a barricade near the White House on Wednesday morning. CBS News homeland security correspondent Nicole Sganga reports.
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 re-enters Earth's atmosphere after 14 years in space
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
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Fetterman opens up about depression battle
Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania opened up about his battle with depression and credited his three children for saving him from his suicidal thoughts. "What broke me out of it was my own kids, and everyone needs that kind of an emergency brake," Fetterman told Major Garrett on "The Takeout."
What we know about FBI memo on drone risk
An FBI memo warning that Iran may try to launch drones at California in a seaborne "surprise attack" is raising concerns, but how serious is the threat? Nicole Sganga explains.
3/11: The Takeout with Major Garrett
Trump says there's "practically nothing left" to target on Day 12 of war in Iran; legislative blockade threatened over SAVE Act.
Lost dog returned to family two years later
Two years after a Dallas family's dog disappeared, she was found 1,300 miles away in New Jersey. Tony Dokoupil has the story of how made her way back home.
Hero NYPD cops on chasing down bomb suspect
Chief Aaron Edwards and Sgt. Luis Navarro of the NYPD are being hailed as heroes for the response to an attempted bomb attack during protests outside the New York City mayor's residence. Jericka Duncan talked with the officers about what was going through their minds as they sprang into action.