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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.
Every ICE arrest team will now have an agent with a body camera, DHS says
Every ICE arrest team will have at least one law enforcement officer equipped with a body-worn camera going forward, DHS said Tuesday, after two fatal shootings by agents who didn't have cameras.
Exclusive
Flights grounded at D.C.-area airport due to security concerns for Iraqi leader
The Iraqi leader was in Washington to meet with President Trump.
Houston prosecutor could bring charges against ICE agents in fatal shooting
Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare, who is investigating the fatal ICE shooting of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, told CBS News ICE's tactics "in no way resemble" the behavior of police agencies he's worked with.
Security video captures moments after man was fatally shot by ICE in Maine
A home security camera captured the sound of five gunshots when Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero, a Colombian national, was fatally shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer.
State board: Musk may have broken election law by offering $1M checks to voters
The Wisconsin Elections Commission found billionaire Elon Musk may have violated the state's election bribery law by offering $1 million checks to voters during an election last year.
MoneyWatch
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Scammers are using FaceTime to steal bank account passwords
The scheme begins with fake fraud alerts before shifting to a FaceTime call, where victims are tricked into exposing sensitive banking information.
Senators introduce bipartisan plan to tackle Social Security insolvency
The Promise Act would establish a legislative procedure with the goal of preserving Social Security's trust funds for the next 50 years.
Cyclospora outbreak leaves consumers guessing which foods are safe
Officials are still searching for the source of the outbreak, prompting consumers to seek advice on social media about which foods to avoid.
Social Security's 2027 COLA could be the biggest in years
New estimates call for a 3.6% to 3.8% benefit increase next year, although the final adjustment will depend on inflation readings released this summer.
Rare T. rex fossil sells for record $50.1 million at auction
The T. rex, nicknamed Gus, is a towering figure, standing at 12.5 feet fall and roughly 38 feet long.
Politics
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Every ICE arrest team will now have an agent with a body camera, DHS says
Every ICE arrest team will have at least one law enforcement officer equipped with a body-worn camera going forward, DHS said Tuesday, after two fatal shootings by agents who didn't have cameras.
Exclusive
Flights grounded at D.C.-area airport due to security concerns for Iraqi leader
The Iraqi leader was in Washington to meet with President Trump.
Houston prosecutor could bring charges against ICE agents in fatal shooting
Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare, who is investigating the fatal ICE shooting of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, told CBS News ICE's tactics "in no way resemble" the behavior of police agencies he's worked with.
Security video captures moments after man was fatally shot by ICE in Maine
A home security camera captured the sound of five gunshots when Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero, a Colombian national, was fatally shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer.
State board: Musk may have broken election law by offering $1M checks to voters
The Wisconsin Elections Commission found billionaire Elon Musk may have violated the state's election bribery law by offering $1 million checks to voters during an election last year.
HealthWatch
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HealthWatch
Taco Bell removes some items amid outbreak
As of Tuesday, nearly 7,000 people in 34 states reported symptoms tied to a parasitic illness that, so far, has no official source. Carter Evans reports on what's suspected of being behind the cyclosporiasis outbreak.
Cyclospora outbreak leaves consumers guessing which foods are safe
Officials are still searching for the source of the outbreak, prompting consumers to seek advice on social media about which foods to avoid.
"Miracle on the Hudson" pilot, Capt. "Sully," shares Alzheimer's diagnosis
Capt. Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, who famously landed a passenger jet on the Hudson River in 2009, said he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
States call out big businesses with employees on Medicaid
With the federal Medicaid work requirement looming in January, Democrats are considering state legislation to call out big companies that employ workers enrolled in the safety net health program.
Dr. Céline Gounder: Lindsey Graham died of aorta disease. My husband did too.
Lindsey Graham's aorta tore at 71. Grant Wahl's burst at 49. One is common and age-driven; the other is inherited, silent, and findable.
World
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Iraq seizes mounds of gold and millions in cash in corruption crackdown
An anti-corruption probe in Iraq leads to seizure of 825 pounds of gold and tens of millions in cash from lawmakers and government officials.
Spain reaches World Cup final with dominant 2-0 win over France
In a match Tuesday featuring two of soccer's biggest heavyweights, Spain put in a masterful performance, frustrating France to the tune of a 2-0 win to advance to Sunday's World Cup final.
Bipartisan senators introduce Russia sanctions and tariff bill Graham championed
The text of the bill had been finalized before Graham met with Zelenskyy last week in Kyiv.
U.S. marine biologist shot dead in the Philippines, companion injured
Kent Carpenter and his Filipina companion were at his house in the coastal town of Sibulan when masked men forced their way in.
China rejects report that a U.S. scientist is being wrongfully detained
Asked about the case of U.S. national Youlin Chen, China's foreign ministry said there was no "wrongful detention," but it did not deny the scientist was imprisoned.
Entertainment
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Insider at "The Wolf of Wall Street" firm opens up: "My lifestyle was insane"
The Paramount+ documentary "The Real Wolf of Wall Street" gives an inside look at Jordan Belfort's scandal-ridden firm, Stratton Oakmont.
Gelfand on "The Real Wolf of Wall Street"
"The Real Wolf of Wall Street," a new documentary from See It Now Studios on Paramount+, focuses on the real-life story of infamous stockbroker Jordan Belfort and his brokerage firm Stratton Oakmont. Howie Gelfand, a former partner at Stratton Oakmont, explains why he decided to be part of the documentary and how the 2013 film, "The Wolf of Wall Street," starring Leonardo DiCaprio, got the real story wrong.
Alan Ritchson on thriller "Motor City"
Alan Ritchson talks about starring in "Motor City," which has nearly no dialogue, how his process was different and why he thinks it will resonate with audiences.
States sue to block Paramount-WBD merger
A coalition of a dozen states on Monday sued to block Paramount Skydance's acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, posing a new challenge to the $110 billion deal that would unite two of the nation's largest media companies. Paramount Skydance is the parent company of CBS News. CBS News' Jo Ling Kent reports.
Mick Jagger on music and politics
Mick Jagger spoke with The New York Times recently about the role of politics in his music. Political strategists Erin Maguire and Dan Kanninen join "The Takeout" to discuss.
Technology
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Technology
Major utility bill increases requested
Utility companies requested $9.2 billion worth of rate increases in the second quarter of 2026, potentially impacting over 56 million Americans, according to a new report from PowerLines. Former Michigan utility commissioner Tremaine Phillips joins CBS News to discuss.
Scammers are using FaceTime to steal bank account passwords
The scheme begins with fake fraud alerts before shifting to a FaceTime call, where victims are tricked into exposing sensitive banking information.
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.
Hochul halts NY data center construction
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul imposed a year-long moratorium on "hyperscale" AI data centers, halting construction as the state investigates the wider economic and environmental impacts. Shanelle Kaul explains more.
Apple files lawsuit against OpenAI
Apple is suing OpenAI over apparently stolen trade secrets that may be linked to hardware ambitions. CBS News contributor Patrick McGee joins with more.
Science
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Russian Soyuz rocket launches fresh crew to space station
The new crew will replace three other Soyuz fliers wrapping up a 240-day stay aboard the International Space Station.
Astronomer's name deciphered from ancient Mayan ruins for first time
The name "White-chested Fox" was found in drawings dating from 400 BC to 900 AD at the San Bartolo-Xultun archaeological site.
Disclosure Foundation head on new UFO files
The Pentagon on Friday released a new batch of UFO files, spanning 19 videos and more. Jordan Flowers, executive director of the Disclosure Foundation, joins CBS News to discuss.
Watch: Pentagon releases 19 new UFO videos
The Defense Department released a fourth batch of UFO files on Friday, nearly one month after its third drop. These are all of the videos in the latest tranche, plus analysis from astrophysicist Avi Loeb.
2,000-year-old gold rings and human bones found by archaeologists
Archaeologists have discovered eight human skeletons, bronze and gold jewelry and other artifacts indicating a ceremonial burial of wealthy people.
Crime
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U.S. marine biologist shot dead in the Philippines, companion injured
Kent Carpenter and his Filipina companion were at his house in the coastal town of Sibulan when masked men forced their way in.
Kagan opening statements on security funding
Supreme Court Justices Elena Kagan and Amy Coney Barrett are on Capitol Hill to testify before House lawmakers in response to a request for increased security funding amid growing threats against members of the highest court.
Second fatal ICE shooting in a week
Joan Sebastian Guerrero's death in Maine marks the second time in a week that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have shot and killed a civilian. The Department of Homeland Security alleged that a man "attempted to flee the scene" when stopped by ICE. Guerrero's killing has prompted calls for an investigation. CBS News' Lilia Luciano reports.
Apple files lawsuit against OpenAI
Apple is suing OpenAI over apparently stolen trade secrets that may be linked to hardware ambitions. CBS News contributor Patrick McGee joins with more.
Witnesses on ICE shooting in Maine
Witnesses are describing what they saw during the moments after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent fatally shot a man in Maine. One source with knowledge of the investigation says Joan Sebastian Guerrero was killed during the encounter. CBS News' Lilia Luciano reports.
Space
More Space
Russian Soyuz rocket launches fresh crew to space station
The new crew will replace three other Soyuz fliers wrapping up a 240-day stay aboard the International Space Station.
Astronomers discover sugar in space that's also found in raspberries
The sugar, called erythrulose, lurks in what's called the interstellar medium: thin clouds of gas and dust littered between stars.
Telescope spots most distant quasars ever discovered
Quasars — the brightest objects in the universe — are powered by supermassive black holes at the heart of early galaxies.
Mission launched to rescue a falling space telescope
Katalyst Space's LINK spacecraft is designed to capture and boost NASA's Swift observatory back to a safe altitude.
NASA astronauts operate on space station's broken robot arm
The orbital surgery on the International Space Station returned the Canadian-built robot arm to full health after its "wrist" joint failed last month.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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
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Latest CBS News Videos
Officials speak on fatal ICE shootings
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials shot and killed two men in the last week in Maine and in Texas. Maine's House speaker, a Houston prosecutor and a Minnesota attorney spoke with CBS News about the violence.
Anthropic launches "Claude for Teachers"
Anthropic is offering verified teachers a year of free access to its premium AI tools through its new "Claude for Teachers" program. Elizabeth Kelly, head of Beneficial Deployments at Anthopic, joins CBS News to discuss.
Houston prosecutor on ICE shooting witnesses
Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare, who is investigating the ICE killing of Mexican immigrant Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, says his office is filing paperwork to get visas for the witnesses of the fatal shooting, so they're not deported while the investigation unfolds.
Major utility bill increases requested
Utility companies requested $9.2 billion worth of rate increases in the second quarter of 2026, potentially impacting over 56 million Americans, according to a new report from PowerLines. Former Michigan utility commissioner Tremaine Phillips joins CBS News to discuss.
NASA astronaut flies to ISS for 8-month stay
Physician-astronaut Anil Menon, a former flight surgeon with NASA, rocketed into space Tuesday with two Russian cosmonauts for an eight-month stay aboard the International Space Station. CBS News' space consultant Bill Harwood has more.