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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.
Ross Fire still burning, with over 90,000 acres scorched
The wildfire, which has torn through Palo Pinto and Jack counties, has forced evacuations, closed roads and disrupted schools.
American automakers urge Congress to ban Chinese vehicle sales in U.S.
Chinese cars can collect and send consumer and vehicle data to Beijing, U.S. automaker group warns in calling for a ban on sales.
DOJ asks Supreme Court to allow Postal Service rules on mail ballots
The Justice Department asked the Supreme Court to intervene in an ongoing legal battle over U.S. Postal Service rules for mail ballots just weeks before the November midterm elections.
Missouri House candidate accused of conspiring to plant cocaine on opponent
Thomas Ross allegedly tried to get his campaign manager to plant cocaine and Adderall on his opponent, federal prosecutors in Missouri said.
Election officials raise alarm over mail voting rules: "Virtually impossible"
One official in California said that scanning individual ballots for every voter in the state would take roughly 43 years based on the Postal Service's estimates.
MoneyWatch
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American automakers urge Congress to ban Chinese vehicle sales in U.S.
Chinese cars can collect and send consumer and vehicle data to Beijing, U.S. automaker group warns in calling for a ban on sales.
Gas prices surge just before Labor Day, as diesel nears record high
"Diesel is just a couple of ticks away from hitting a new record," one energy expert said. "That will happen."
The Social Security Administration overpaid her. Now she owes $35,000.
The agency told a woman that she has 30 days to pay it back. Otherwise, it would cut her benefits by 50% while it collects what it overpaid.
Chocolate eyeball candy sold at Marshalls, TJ Maxx recalled
The recalled candy, sold under the brand "Crystal Temptations," was distributed in 13 states.
U.S. layoffs in August fell to their lowest level in 4 years
Job cuts around the U.S. have declined this year even amid signs that hiring is weakening.
Politics
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Work on Trump-backed Triumphal Arch will start in coming weeks
The federal government plans to start excavation over the next two weeks on a massive triumphal arch near Washington, D.C., Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum said, a controversial project championed by President Trump.
DOJ asks Supreme Court to allow Postal Service rules on mail ballots
The Justice Department asked the Supreme Court to intervene in an ongoing legal battle over U.S. Postal Service rules for mail ballots just weeks before the November midterm elections.
Missouri House candidate accused of conspiring to plant cocaine on opponent
Thomas Ross allegedly tried to get his campaign manager to plant cocaine and Adderall on his opponent, federal prosecutors in Missouri said.
Election officials raise alarm over mail voting rules: "Virtually impossible"
One official in California said that scanning individual ballots for every voter in the state would take roughly 43 years based on the Postal Service's estimates.
DOJ reviving dormant prize law to try to claim Iranian oil tankers
The Justice Department is planning to try to use a legal regime last used during the Spanish-American War to speed up the seizure of ships and their cargo during the Iran conflict.
HealthWatch
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Clancy trial highlights need to rethink postpartum care: "The duty is on the system"
Lindsay Clancy's case is resonating with moms across the U.S. — bringing into focus the spectrum of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and the lack of resources for many women.
What's true and false about infertility? We asked a fertility specialist.
Dr. Temeka Zore, a double board-certified OB-GYN and fertility specialist, joined "Healthful" for a deep dive on all things fertility, from endometriosis to PMOS (formerly known as PCOS) to egg freezing.
The market forces quietly adding thousands to patient bills
The true cost of "vertical integration": Patients directed to a higher-priced location for procedures. Or forced to buy from their insurer's wholly owned pharmacy, which may not stock the drug prescribed or provide it at the lowest price.
Trump inks deal with 9 pharmaceutical companies to lower drug costs
The White House said the agreements will reduce costs to treat Parkinson's disease, macular degeneration, glaucoma, liver disease and other illnesses.
Man with sinus infection symptoms diagnosed with heart condition
Marc Gaudisosi thought his symptoms were caused by a sinus infection. Then an urgent care told him to go to the hospital.
World
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DOJ reviving dormant prize law to try to claim Iranian oil tankers
The Justice Department is planning to try to use a legal regime last used during the Spanish-American War to speed up the seizure of ships and their cargo during the Iran conflict.
"Supersized" El Niño's harshest weather ahead includes heat, drought, floods
A new forecast predicts with almost 100% certainty that El Niño will remain in place until early 2027, peaking later this year.
U.S. sinks second "floating refueling station" used by alleged drug traffickers
The U.S. military intercepted and sank a vessel that was allegedly being used to support at-sea drug trafficking by the Ecuadorian criminal organization Los Choneros, officials said.
Maduro, wife seek dismissal of drug trafficking indictment on immunity grounds
Former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife asked a judge to toss their drug trafficking indictment on the grounds that they have immunity as the leader and first lady of a foreign country.
Exclusive
Military personnel told last month to stop calling Iran conflict "Operation Epic Fury"
The Pentagon says "Operation Epic Fury" ended on May 5, after an Air Force email last month told service members to stop using the name for ongoing Iran operations.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
KIND Snacks founder on his new podcast
"Shark Tank" judge and KIND Snacks founder Daniel Lubetzky joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss his new podcast, "Build or Break," where he sits down with fellow entrepreneurs and industry disruptors.
Gloria Steinem dies at 92
Gloria Steinem, a feminist icon and a pioneer in the women's liberation movement, has died at 92. CBS News' Jarred Hill looks back at her historic career.
Adria Arjona talks career, "Onslaught" role
Adria Arjona sits down with "CBS Mornings" to discuss her new movie, "Onslaught," and working with Michael B. Jordan on "The Thomas Crown Affair."
Artists sue AI-generated music company
Jason Isbell, Guy Forsyth and other musicians filed a class action lawsuit against Suno, claiming the AI platform used their music to train its model without permission. Jo Ling Kent has more.
Danielle Brooks on "If I Go Will They Miss Me"
Danielle Brooks sits down with "CBS Mornings" to talk about her new movie, "If I Go Will They Miss Me," and how being a mother and wife helped her in portraying the role.
Technology
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Technology
Testing London's first self-driving taxis
The first self-driving taxis have launched in London. Uber has 15 vehicles operating in the city with a required supervisor in the car. CBS News' Leigh Kiniry took an autonomous ride with Wayve co-founder and CEO Alex Kendall, whose AI technology is powering the robotaxis in London's iconic Westminster.
Why NYC is banning AI in some classes
New York City Public Schools is banning the use of artificial intelligence in most classrooms for the next year. New York City Councilman Eric Dinowitz joins with more.
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
AI interviews rolling out for some federal government hires, sources say
The federal government will shift into using artificial intelligence in the interview process for some job applicants in the coming days, according to U.S. officials.
Hack exposes millions of ID scans on dark web
The FBI is investigating a recent hack that put more than 150 million U.S. and Canadian driver's license scans for sale online. Chris Krebs, former director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency joins with more.
Science
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Science
Vote on the fattest marmot now
Marmots, not bears, are the largest "true" hibernating mammal, UCLA marmot researchers Katie Adler and Emily Renkey say. The two share more fun facts about these cute creatures and explain how to vote for the fattest marmot.
NASA plans to launch new space telescope
NASA's new telescope could change the way we see space. With a wide-field camera that will reveal an area up to 200 times larger than the Hubble Space Telescope, and an orbit a million miles from Earth, the Nancy Grace Roman telescope is expected to find tens of thousands of unknown exoplanets.
Invasive Joro spiders are "slowly spreading." Here's what to do if you see one.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park told visitors Tuesday that invasive Joro spiders "may be hanging in a web near you."
A summer of extremes: Weathering a hotter world
July was the hottest month ever in the Lower 48 States – another escalation of our world into a hotter, more dangerous planet, where extreme weather events – such as heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes – will become more common and more extreme.
A summer of extremes: Weathering a hotter world
July was the hottest month ever in the Lower 48 States, breaking a record last set during the Dust Bowl – just another step in the escalation of our world into a hotter, more dangerous planet. Correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti talks with climate journalist Jeff Goodell and atmospheric scientist Maria Molina about how changes in Earth's climate are increasing the likelihood that extreme weather events – such as heat waves, wildfires and hurricanes – will become more common and more extreme.
Crime
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Crime
Officials lay out Minneapolis shooting timeline
A gunman killed two people in downtown Minneapolis on Wednesday in a shooting that also injured five others. CBS News correspondent Jonah Kaplan reports.
No verdict on Day 6 of Clancy deliberations
The sixth day of jury deliberations in the Lindsay Clancy murder trial ended without a verdict after several tense moments in court. CBS News' Jessica Levinson and Shanelle Kaul have the latest.
Missouri House candidate accused of conspiring to plant cocaine on opponent
Thomas Ross allegedly tried to get his campaign manager to plant cocaine and Adderall on his opponent, federal prosecutors in Missouri said.
Clancy lawyer asks for juror to be removed
Lindsay Clancy's defense on Thursday asked for a juror to be removed as deliberations continued for a sixth day. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul and Jessica Levinson have more.
New details emerge on Minneapolis shooting
New details are emerging on the shooting in Minneapolis that killed two people and left more injured. CBS News' Jonah Kaplan has the latest.
Space
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NASA launches its Roman Space Telescope to explore the hidden universe
NASA's Roman Space Telescope launched shortly after daybreak from Kennedy Space Center and blazed toward an observation point 1 million miles away.
Roman Space Telescope promises 300-megapixel views of the cosmos
The $4.3 billion telescope is expected to discover tens of thousands of exoplanets while probing the nature of mysterious dark matter and energy.
First on CBS
Trump to honor Artemis II crew with nation's top space medal
President Trump plans to award the Congressional Space Medal of Honor to the crew of NASA's Artemis II mission in a ceremony Aug. 28.
NASA's Swift telescope will plunge toward Earth after rescue mission called off
The mission to save NASA's sinking space telescope has been called off, dooming the telescope to a fiery reentry later this year.
NASA images show 60-foot-wide crater on moon after SpaceX rocket booster crash
A NASA spacecraft circling the moon is providing the sharpest views yet of the crater carved by a crashing SpaceX rocket.
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.
Dolly Parton: An extraordinary life in pictures
Dolly Parton, the country music legend who became a feminist icon, has died at the age of 80. Here is a look back at her life in pictures.
Investigating the death of designer Sylvie Cachay
Sylvie Cachay was found dead in an overflowing bathtub at the exclusive Soho House in New York City on Dec. 9, 2010. A water leak at the hotel gave away a timeline that may have revealed her killer.
Summer music highlights of 2026
Summer is the time to enjoy live music, indoors and out. Scroll through our gallery of some of 2026's leading musical acts, featuring images by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
Photos show celebrations at Obama Presidential Center
The Obama Presidential Center, museum and library opens in Chicago with a star-studded grand opening ceremony and public watch party on Midway Plaisance.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
Vance says, "I wouldn't call it a war" on Iran
Iran's latest attacks did not impact military facilities used by the U.S., military officials say, after Iran claimed it targeted U.S. forces in Kuwait. When Vice President JD Vance was asked about the conflict's timeline during a press briefing on Thursday, he stopped short of calling it a war. CBS News contributor Elliot Ackerman has more.
Officials lay out Minneapolis shooting timeline
A gunman killed two people in downtown Minneapolis on Wednesday in a shooting that also injured five others. CBS News correspondent Jonah Kaplan reports.
Vance on military departures under Hegseth
At the White House press briefing on Thursday, Vice President JD Vance discussed the high number of military departures under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's tenure. CBS News White House reporter Aaron Navarro has the details.
No verdict on Day 6 of Clancy deliberations
The sixth day of jury deliberations in the Lindsay Clancy murder trial ended without a verdict after several tense moments in court. CBS News' Jessica Levinson and Shanelle Kaul have the latest.
Investment firm devastated by 9/11
The investment banking firm Sandler O'Neill faces the tragedy of 9/11. A third of its employees were killed in the attack on the World Trade Center.