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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.
Nancy Kassebaum Baker, former U.S. senator from Kansas, dies at 94
Former U.S. Sen. Nancy Kassebaum Baker of Kansas was the first woman elected to the U.S. Senate without following a spouse into office.
Serena Williams, Carlos Alcaraz will play mixed doubles at the U.S. Open
Serena Williams will team up with Carlos Alcaraz to create a powerhouse mixed doubles pair in her return to the U.S. Open.
Canada says it will begin retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods after Labor Day
The U.S. and Canada have wrangled for decades over trade, and somehow, they still managed to remain friends, allies and trading partners.
Drastic water cuts issued for California, Nevada and Arizona from Colorado River
Federal officials announced sharp water cuts for the next two years on Friday for three Western states that rely on the imperiled Colorado River.
Pilot reports possible burn injuries after passenger's laptop catches fire
"I think we have about four to five passengers that were burned by the laptop," a pilot can be heard saying in air traffic control audio obtained by CBS News.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Canada says it will begin retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods after Labor Day
The U.S. and Canada have wrangled for decades over trade, and somehow, they still managed to remain friends, allies and trading partners.
Walmart to let shoppers use Apple Pay and other tap-to-pay methods
Walmart will let shoppers use tap-to-pay methods, including Apple Pay and Google Pay, beginning later this month.
TikTok agrees to pay $400 million to settle child privacy lawsuit
The Justice Department sued TikTok in 2024, alleging that it violated a U.S. law prohibiting the collection of kids' data.
People are scrambling to find wads of cash dropped all over American cities
Cash drop social media accounts have people racing to find money hidden across the country. Here's what's behind the viral videos.
AI companies accused of hoarding and destroying millions of books
Consumer advocates are urging the FTC to examine whether AI developers are hurting competition and reducing public access to source material.
Politics
More Politics
Nancy Kassebaum Baker, former U.S. senator from Kansas, dies at 94
Former U.S. Sen. Nancy Kassebaum Baker of Kansas was the first woman elected to the U.S. Senate without following a spouse into office.
Canada says it will begin retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods after Labor Day
The U.S. and Canada have wrangled for decades over trade, and somehow, they still managed to remain friends, allies and trading partners.
Exclusive
Men describe being deported by U.S. to dangerous African nation: "We cannot leave"
The Central African Republic is one of more than 30 countries the U.S. government has convinced to accept third-country deportees arrested as part of President Trump's large-scale crackdown on illegal immigration.
Trump threatens defamation suit against left-leaning think tank
President Trump's legal team is threatening to sue left-leaning think tank Center for American Progress for defamation over a report it issued that found "no evidence that National Guard deployments have reduced violent crime."
Trump campaigns with Darline Graham in South Carolina ahead of runoff
Sen. Darline Graham is facing Rep. Ralph Norman to replace her late brother on the ballot in November.
HealthWatch
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HealthWatch
Olympian Jenny Simpson shares rare diagnosis
Retired Olympic runner Jenny Simpson earned a slew of accolades for her performances in three Olympic Games — but two months ago, she nearly died after suffering a cardiac event. Simpson spoke with Errol Barnett about her diagnosis of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, the rare ailment she'd unknowingly carried for four decades.
How a teen found "a sense of control" as she fought cancer
Alayna Riozzi-Bodine was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma the summer before her senior year of high school.
Alfalfa sprouts recalled after E. coli, salmonella outbreak sickens dozens
An outbreak of E. coli and salmonella that has sickened dozens of people across 15 states has been linked to an alfalfa grower in Minnesota, federal health officials said Friday.
Cardiac event reveals Olympian's rare heart condition: "There was a God present"
Olympian Jenny Simpson said she won't be able to run again after being diagnosed with a rare heart condition earlier this year.
Mom says postpartum psychosis made her feel like "such a monster"
As the trial of Lindsay Clancy brings renewed attention to postpartum psychosis, Haley Ashcom shares her experience with the dangerous condition.
World
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European wildfires expose, detonate buried explosives from past wars
The wildfires burning across Europe this summer have revealed World War I and II ordnance lurking beneath the blackened landscape.
Russian and Ukrainian attacks kill at least 10 after deadly mall drone strike
The attacks come a day after a two-wave drone strike on a shopping mall in Zelenskyy's hometown killed 16 people.
Exclusive
Men describe being deported by U.S. to dangerous African nation: "We cannot leave"
The Central African Republic is one of more than 30 countries the U.S. government has convinced to accept third-country deportees arrested as part of President Trump's large-scale crackdown on illegal immigration.
Sword attack at school in Sweden kills 17-year-old girl, officials say
An 18-year-old with a sword attacked a school on Friday in central Sweden, killing a 17-year-old girl and seriously injuring at least two others.
Russian strike kills 15 people at shopping mall in Zelenskyy's hometown
Zelenskyy described the attack as a double-tap strike, in which an initial wave of drones hit the area, followed by a second wave as rescue workers responded.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Grace Potter performs "Run Baby Run"
Four-time Grammy nominee Grace Potter returns to "CBS Saturday Morning" to jam out. Her seventh album, "Trespasser," is inspired by road trips from her California home to her native Vermont. Here's Grace Potter with "Run Baby Run."
Grace Potter sings "Love Me Not"
Four-time Grammy nominee Grace Potter returns to "CBS Saturday Morning" to jam out. Her seventh album, "Trespasser," is inspired by road trips from her California home to her native Vermont. Here's Grace Potter with "Love Me Not."
Grace Potter sings "Main Street USA"
Four-time Grammy nominee Grace Potter returns to "CBS Saturday Morning" to jam out. Her seventh album, "Trespasser," is inspired by road trips from her California home to her native Vermont. Here's Grace Potter with "Main Street USA."
Iconic props up for grabs at movie auction
Iconic film props and other movie memorabilia from classic Hollywood flicks are up for auction. Kris Van Cleave has more.
The National Mall will become a race track
Race car drivers will compete at the IndyCar Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington, D.C. this weekend, turning the National Mall into a racetrack.
Technology
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Technology
AI-generated bills swamp congressional lawyers
Lawmakers and lobbyists are now using artificial intelligence to draft bills, but it turns out AI is currently terrible at the technicalities of federal law and regulations. Politico Congress tech reporter Owen Dahlkamp joins to discuss his recent article on the topic.
Walmart to let shoppers use Apple Pay and other tap-to-pay methods
Walmart will let shoppers use tap-to-pay methods, including Apple Pay and Google Pay, beginning later this month.
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.
TikTok agrees to pay $400 million to settle child privacy lawsuit
The Justice Department sued TikTok in 2024, alleging that it violated a U.S. law prohibiting the collection of kids' data.
AI companies accused of hoarding and destroying millions of books
Consumer advocates are urging the FTC to examine whether AI developers are hurting competition and reducing public access to source material.
Science
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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.
Views of the total solar eclipse in Europe
A total solar eclipse was visible in parts of Europe for the first time since 1912. Rob Marciano reports.
Europe sees total solar eclipse
A total solar eclipse turned day into night across a slice of Europe and North America on Wednesday, and put millions in unique contact with the heavens above. Meteorologist Rob Marciano reports from Spain.
Crime
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Crime
Fighting wage theft in New York City
The Economic Policy Institute estimates that workers lose more than $50 billion a year to wage theft. New York City is cracking down on the crime and other abuses of low-income workers.
Latest Lindsay Clancy trial testimonies
Several medical experts testified in the murder trial of Lindsay Clancy. Clancy admitted to killing her three children but claims she was experiencing postpartum psychosis. Shanelle Kaul reports.
Psychiatrist testifies in Clancy trial
Dr. Phillip Resnick, whose testimony contributed to an acquittal in another high-profile child-killing case in 2001, testified in Lindsay Clancy's defense on Friday. Shanelle Kaul has more.
Inside an 8-year-old shooting victim's room
It's been a year since a shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis killed two children and injured dozens. Steve Hartman visits the bedroom of a little boy who lost his life that day.
Panettiere given emergency drug, witness says
New details in Hayden Panettiere's sudden death have emerged as her on-and-off boyfriend's brother, who was present when she died, speaks out. Mark Strassmann has more.
Space
More Space
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.
New space object called "black hole star" discovered by astronomers
The newly discovered object looks like a star the size of our solar system, but produces 100 billion times more energy than any star.
Stunning photos show total solar eclipse over Europe
The only total solar eclipse of 2026 crossed the Northern Hemisphere Wednesday, with a path of totality across parts of Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain. See photos and video from the best viewing locations.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
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.
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.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Olympian Jenny Simpson shares rare diagnosis
Retired Olympic runner Jenny Simpson earned a slew of accolades for her performances in three Olympic Games — but two months ago, she nearly died after suffering a cardiac event. Simpson spoke with Errol Barnett about her diagnosis of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, the rare ailment she'd unknowingly carried for four decades.
Grace Potter performs "Run Baby Run"
Four-time Grammy nominee Grace Potter returns to "CBS Saturday Morning" to jam out. Her seventh album, "Trespasser," is inspired by road trips from her California home to her native Vermont. Here's Grace Potter with "Run Baby Run."
Grace Potter sings "Love Me Not"
Four-time Grammy nominee Grace Potter returns to "CBS Saturday Morning" to jam out. Her seventh album, "Trespasser," is inspired by road trips from her California home to her native Vermont. Here's Grace Potter with "Love Me Not."
Grace Potter sings "Main Street USA"
Four-time Grammy nominee Grace Potter returns to "CBS Saturday Morning" to jam out. Her seventh album, "Trespasser," is inspired by road trips from her California home to her native Vermont. Here's Grace Potter with "Main Street USA."
The Dish: Philippe Massoud
Chef Philippe Massoud shares his love of Lebanese cuisine with eager diners at ilili, which has locations in New York City and Washington, D.C. The Beirut-born chef explains how his "enchanted life" and upbringing in Lebanon contributes to his culinary success.