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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, forced evacuations, closed roads and disrupted schools.
First on CBS
Navy sailor appeared on stage at partisan GOP convention
A Navy sailor who was still on active duty as of this week appeared at the Republican midterm convention on Thursday.
This week on "Sunday Morning" (Sept. 13)
A look at the features for this week's broadcast of the Emmy-winning program, hosted by Jane Pauley.
Saudi Arabia's MBS pressed Trump to strike Houthis in Yemen, sources say
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has personally pressed President Trump to take military action against the Iran-backed Houthis, sources tell CBS News.
Record-setting cyclospora outbreak is over, U.S. health officials say
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said there is no longer a risk of people getting sick with cyclosporiasis from this outbreak and is confident that all related iceberg lettuce is off the market.
MoneyWatch
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Record-setting cyclospora outbreak is over, U.S. health officials say
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said there is no longer a risk of people getting sick with cyclosporiasis from this outbreak and is confident that all related iceberg lettuce is off the market.
Here's the projected Social Security COLA for 2027, according to AARP
The official 2027 COLA will be announced on Oct. 14, but some senior citizens' groups are already forecasting the benefits bump retirees can expect.
CPI rose at 3.4% pace in August, raising odds of Fed rate hike this month
The report comes at a pivotal moment for the Federal Reserve, which is scheduled to meet next week to decide whether to hike interest rates.
How would consumers feel a U.S. ban on Canadian booze and other products?
One Canadian whiskey maker has found a workaround to Trump's Canadian alcohol ban.
Ex-Anthropic researcher warns AI could grow "smart enough to kill us"
The development of AI "doesn't look that different from say, 'Terminator,' or from science fiction films," Jacob Coxon said.
Politics
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First on CBS
Navy sailor appeared on stage at partisan GOP convention
A Navy sailor who was still on active duty as of this week appeared at the Republican midterm convention on Thursday.
Saudi Arabia's MBS pressed Trump to strike Houthis in Yemen, sources say
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has personally pressed President Trump to take military action against the Iran-backed Houthis, sources tell CBS News.
Afghan woman dubbed an "alien terrorist" deported in obscure court's first case
An Afghan permanent resident living in Texas has been deported after the Justice Department accused her of being an "alien terrorist," in the first such case of its kind.
How would consumers feel a U.S. ban on Canadian booze and other products?
One Canadian whiskey maker has found a workaround to Trump's Canadian alcohol ban.
Where does the case against the alleged 9/11 plotters stand?
The trial of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and three other alleged 9/11 plotters is scheduled to begin in June 2028.
HealthWatch
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Record-setting cyclospora outbreak is over, U.S. health officials say
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said there is no longer a risk of people getting sick with cyclosporiasis from this outbreak and is confident that all related iceberg lettuce is off the market.
Coroner releases details on 2 infant deaths in Pennsylvania measles outbreak
Neither infant was old enough to be vaccinated. The first dose of the measles vaccine is typically given at around 1 year of age.
How donating blood could reveal clues about your own health
Amid a national blood supply crisis, Dr. Courtney Lawrence sat down with Norah O'Donnell to talk about donating blood, health myths and more.
A generation of kids suffers as Trump destabilizes immigrant families
Children in immigrant families are facing multiple health threats from President Trump's policies.
NYC officials release unseen post-9/11 air quality documents
New York City officials released thousands of previously unseen documents questioning the air quality at Ground Zero following the 9/11 attacks.
World
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Suspects in $6 million romance scam targeting women extradited to U.S.
The men, who were arrested in the South African city of Cape Town in 2021, are set to be handed over to officials from the FBI.
Saudi Arabia's MBS pressed Trump to strike Houthis in Yemen, sources say
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has personally pressed President Trump to take military action against the Iran-backed Houthis, sources tell CBS News.
Sweden's election could mark major milestone for Europe's populist right
Once shunned over its extremist roots, the Sweden Democrats could enter government for the first time as voters weigh immigration, crime and Sweden's political transformation.
American woman allegedly smuggled drugs for free trip to Japan
One of the women told police that she took the job for the money and because "I was attracted by the fact I could go to Japan for free," Nippon TV reported.
Live
Diesel hits record $6 a gallon as Houthis take key Red Sea territory
Diesel prices in the U.S. have hit a painful new milestone, $6 a gallon as, reports said, Houthi rebels in Yemen took key territory along the Red Sea.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Dolly Parton's sister on Dolly's marriage
Dolly Parton's younger sister sat down with Gayle King for a conversation that included Dolly's makeup routine and her decades-long love affair with her husband Carl.
Sandra Bullock, Lee Pace on "Practical Magic 2"
Sandra Bullock and Lee Pace sat down with Adriana Diaz to discuss "Practical Magic 2," which premieres Friday.
Exclusive
Stella Parton says her sister Dolly was prepared and at peace when she died
Stella Parton gives insight into her sister Dolly Parton's marriage, makeup habits and views on death in an exclusive CBS News interview.
Dolly Parton's sister on star's life, death
Dolly Parton's sister, Stella, sits down with Gayle King for her first interview since Dolly's death to discuss her sister's legendary life. Stella Parton says the country star was "definitely prepared" and at peace when she died last month.
Fashion designer Romeo Hunte shares new pieces
Fashion designer Romeo Hunte joins "The Daily Report" to discuss pieces in his new collection as New York Fashion Week kicks off.
Technology
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Technology
Are bioweapons a looming AI threat?
Some tech insiders are sounding the alarm on the dangers of artificial intelligence, which could be used to disable critical infrastructure or create biological weapons. Dr. Céline Gounder weighs in.
AI could "kill us all," researcher says
Two tech insiders are sounding the alarm on artificial intelligence. Former Anthropic researcher Jacob Coxon warns that AI could "kill us all," and now former Google DeepMind researcher Alex Turner warns that society is "just not prepared."
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.
Ex-Anthropic researcher warns AI could grow "smart enough to kill us"
The development of AI "doesn't look that different from say, 'Terminator,' or from science fiction films," Jacob Coxon said.
Expert on threats of AI "superintelligence"
Public concerns over the threat of "superintelligence" are on the rise following comments from a former Anthropic researcher that the technology could kill off humanity. J.B Branch, director of federal AI governance and technology policy at Public Citizen, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
Science
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First-ever adult T. rex trackway found in North Dakota
Paleontologists have identified the first known trackway made by a full-grown Tyrannosaurus rex, and the discovery was made in the North Dakota badlands.
Ig Nobel prizes go to scientists studying cockroach milk, nose-blowing, more
Ten research teams were honored at a satirical science awards ceremony that was hosted outside the U.S. for the first time due to travel concerns. A study of cockroach milk was among the winners.
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."
Crime
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Suspects in $6 million romance scam targeting women extradited to U.S.
The men, who were arrested in the South African city of Cape Town in 2021, are set to be handed over to officials from the FBI.
American woman allegedly smuggled drugs for free trip to Japan
One of the women told police that she took the job for the money and because "I was attracted by the fact I could go to Japan for free," Nippon TV reported.
Lindsay Clancy trial juror on deliberations
A juror in Lindsay Clancy's murder trial joined "CBS Mornings" to talk about the makeup of the jury, revealing the holdout juror was a Black man. She described her thought process during deliberations and revealed details of what happened behind closed doors.
Where does the case against the alleged 9/11 plotters stand?
The trial of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and three other alleged 9/11 plotters is scheduled to begin in June 2028.
Ex-FBI agent on hunt for alleged 9/11 planner
"Daughters of 9/11," a new documentary airing on CBS on Friday, follows two women who lost their fathers in the attacks and are demanding alleged mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed be held accountable. Their journey leads them to Retired FBI Special Agent Frank Pellegrino, who spent more than a decade hunting for Mohammed and eventually questioned him. Pellegrino joins "The Takeout" to discuss.
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
Trinity Church sheltered 9/11 first responders
New York City's Trinity Church became a hub of activity and a place of respite for first responders and recovery workers following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Father Michael Bird shares the church's story.
Trump's remarks 25 years after 9/11
President Trump delivered remarks commemorating the September 11, 2001, terror attacks 25 years since they occurred. Mr. Trump addressed a crowd at the Pentagon, where hijackers crashed American Airlines Flight 77.
Watch: Third, fourth moment of silence in NYC
At 9:59 a.m. ET on Sept. 11, 2001, the South Tower collapsed at the World Trade Center in New York City during a series of terrorist attacks that changed the U.S. forever. At 10:03 a.m. ET, the passengers on United Airlines Flight 93 launched a counterattack on the hijackers aboard their plane, causing a crash into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. It's believed the aircraft may have been headed toward Washington, D.C.
Americans aboard Flight 93 on 9/11
The passengers aboard United Airlines Flight 93 made 37 phone calls to loved ones minutes before their plane crashed in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, on September 11, 2001. Those aboard the plane made the decision to launch a counterattack on the hijackers, possibly preventing another massive strike against the U.S.
Man buried alive on 9/11 recalls being found
Will Jimeno, a rookie Port Authority police officer, rushed to the World Trade Center to help save lives on Sept. 11, 2001. He was found after being buried alive under 30 feet of rubble when the South Tower suddenly began to collapse above him.