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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.
Trump plan would increase citizenship application fee by $570
A Trump administration plan would charge legal immigrants seeking citizenship $570 more in application fees while eliminating waivers and fee reductions for low-income applicants.
Supreme Court reinstates murder conviction in disappearance of Etan Patz
Etan Patz walked out of his New York City home headed for a school bus stop in May of 1979. He never made it to school and has never been found.
"Alligator Alcatraz" shutting down permanently, sources tell CBS News Miami
Closing Florida's "Alligator Alcatraz" has been the subject of speculation for the past two months.
How growing inequality is worsening Social Security's financial crunch
Faster income growth for top U.S. earners has eroded Social Security's tax base, fueling calls to raise or eliminate the payroll tax cap.
F-16 fighter jet intercepts plane in restricted airspace over Maryland
An F-16 fighter jet intercepted a civilian plane that had entered restricted airspace over Hagerstown, Maryland, on Saturday, military officials said.
MoneyWatch
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How growing inequality is worsening Social Security's financial crunch
Faster income growth for top U.S. earners has eroded Social Security's tax base, fueling calls to raise or eliminate the payroll tax cap.
Alan Greenspan, Fed chair under 4 U.S. presidents, dies at age 100
Alan Greenspan's lengthy reign at the Federal Reserve coincided with a period of stability from the mid-1980s until 2007.
Poll finds Americans want Iran war ended, but few say U.S. got better of agreement
Most suspect Iran nuclear program not stopped and think conflict wasn't worth the costs.
Here's who qualifies for the Trump adminstration's student loan rate cut
The temporary discount applies to eligible federal Direct Loan borrowers who use automatic payments.
Prediction markets are betting on celebrities to boost their brands
Kalshi has enlisted Lionel Messi and Timothée Chalamet as prediction markets compete to attract new users and cement their place in the mainstream.
Politics
More Politics
Trump plan would increase citizenship application fee by $570
A Trump administration plan would charge legal immigrants seeking citizenship $570 more in application fees while eliminating waivers and fee reductions for low-income applicants.
Supreme Court reinstates murder conviction in disappearance of Etan Patz
Etan Patz walked out of his New York City home headed for a school bus stop in May of 1979. He never made it to school and has never been found.
"Alligator Alcatraz" shutting down permanently, sources tell CBS News Miami
Closing Florida's "Alligator Alcatraz" has been the subject of speculation for the past two months.
Alan Greenspan, Fed chair under 4 U.S. presidents, dies at age 100
Alan Greenspan's lengthy reign at the Federal Reserve coincided with a period of stability from the mid-1980s until 2007.
Matt Dunlap wins primary in Maine's battleground 2nd District
In November, Dunlap will face former Maine Gov. Paul LePage, who was running unopposed in the GOP primary.
HealthWatch
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Confirmed Ebola cases in Congo top 1,000, deaths surpass 250, officials say
Confirmed Ebola cases in the outbreak in eastern Congo have reached 1,003, including 254 deaths, officials said, and tracing those who've been in contact with patients remains a major challenge.
Affordable healthcare emerges as a voter priority in purple Nevada
The Trump administration's cuts to Medicaid and SNAP may complicate Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo's reelection chances.
6/21: Sunday Morning
Hosted by Lee Cowan. Featured: Birthright citizenship; the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library unveiled; Shooter Jennings releases recordings by his father, Waylon Jennings; comedian John Mulaney; childhood obesity; and the secrets of seahorses and seadragons.
Fighting childhood obesity, for a healthier, longer life
In 1970, about 1 in 20 children were affected by obesity; today, it's 1 in 5. Dr. Jonathan LaPook looks at programs aimed at helping kids (and their families) get healthy the old-fashioned way, by eating right and exercising.
Fighting childhood obesity, for a healthier, longer life
In 1970, about 1 in 20 children were affected by obesity; today, it's 1 in 5, with diet and exercise both key factors in the increase. CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jonathan LaPook looks at programs aimed at helping kids get healthy the old-fashioned way, by eating right and exercising, while helping decrease the risk of problems tied to obesity later in life, such as diabetes, heart disease, and even cancer.
World
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Confirmed Ebola cases in Congo top 1,000, deaths surpass 250, officials say
Confirmed Ebola cases in the outbreak in eastern Congo have reached 1,003, including 254 deaths, officials said, and tracing those who've been in contact with patients remains a major challenge.
Live
Iran to let nuclear inspections resume as talks continue, Vance says
Vance says Iran agreed to let international nuclear inspectors back into the country during a "very, very good" first day of negotiations with the U.S.
Record stash of cocaine found buried underground in Australia
Police discovered 3 tons of cocaine in plastic tubs buried in underground bunkers that were concealed by false floors.
3 dead, 7 wounded in rare Philippines school shooting, police say
Two students with hand guns opened fire in a high school in the central Philippines, killing three fellow students and wounding another seven, police said.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announces resignation
Keir Starmer will step down as U.K. Prime Minister weeks after a brutal round of local elections and as he faced a challenge from within his Labour Party.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Danny McBride on masculinity, new book
Actor and comedian Danny McBride talks about his new book, "Thrilling Tales of Modern Men," which is a short story collection that dives into modern masculinity. McBride, known for playing over confident characters, says he wanted to make the book an extension of what he's delivered on TV.
6/21: Sunday Morning
Hosted by Lee Cowan. Featured: Birthright citizenship; the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library unveiled; Shooter Jennings releases recordings by his father, Waylon Jennings; comedian John Mulaney; childhood obesity; and the secrets of seahorses and seadragons.
John Mulaney on sobriety and fatherhood
John Mulaney says he grew up feeling that comedy was his destiny. The Emmy Award-winning standup comedian and former "Saturday Night Live" writer talks with correspondent Tracy Smith about how he deals with sobriety today (and about a 2020 intervention which he describes as "star-studded"), and how fatherhood – along with his wife, actress Olivia Munn – has changed his outlook. (An earlier version of this story originally aired March 9, 2025.)
Manet and Morisot: Impressions of an artistic friendship
Édouard Manet, a towering figure of Impressionist art, was also a mentor to Berthe Morisot, a female painter who's remained largely in Manet's shadow, until now. The two, whose friendship led to changes in both of their artistic styles, are the subjects of an exhibition currently at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Correspondent Lee Cowan pays a visit.
Passage: In memoriam
"Sunday Morning" remembers some of the notable figures who left us this week, including famed TV sitcom director James Burrows, the co-creator of "Cheers."
Technology
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Waymo recalls robotaxis after some vehicles entered construction zone
The recall follows multiple incidents in which Waymo robotaxis drove past ramp-closure signs and into freeway construction zones.
Americans on AI's future impact
A Pew survey shows 40% of Americans think AI's future impact will be negative. MIT Sloan professor Eric So joins CBS News with more details.
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.
Where to get the latest CBS Mornings Deals
On this edition of CBS Mornings Deals, we show you items that will help improve your everyday lifestyle. Visit cbsdeals.com to take advantage of these exclusive deals today. CBS earns commissions on purchases made through cbsdeals.com.
Inside an Irish town raising kids without smartphones
When parents and educators in Greystones, Ireland saw children dealing with increasing anxiety, they acted – and took phones out of the equation.
Science
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Science
6/21: Sunday Morning
Hosted by Lee Cowan. Featured: Birthright citizenship; the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library unveiled; Shooter Jennings releases recordings by his father, Waylon Jennings; comedian John Mulaney; childhood obesity; and the secrets of seahorses and seadragons.
Seahorses and seadragons, some of Nature's most curious creatures
Seahorses are unique ocean inhabitants with a head like a horse, a pouch like a kangaroo, a tail like a monkey, and the ability to camouflage themselves like a chameleon. They also exhibit an unconventional gender dynamic, in that the males do the work of carrying around fertilized eggs. Correspondent Conor Knighton goes in search of these fascinating fish – and their equally fascinating cousins, seadragons – at the Birch Aquarium at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in California.
Watch: Pentagon releases 6 new UFO videos
The Defense Department released a third batch of UFO files on Friday, three weeks after its second drop. These are all of the videos in the latest tranche, plus analysis from astrophysicist Avi Loeb.
Goblin shark seen alive in natural deep-sea habitat for the first time
The goblin shark had only previously been seen when caught by fishermen and they died shortly afterward.
World's largest whale graveyard found by sub at bottom of ocean
The researchers saw many strange animals — many believed to be new to science — living off the whale carcasses.
Crime
More Crime
Supreme Court reinstates murder conviction in disappearance of Etan Patz
Etan Patz walked out of his New York City home headed for a school bus stop in May of 1979. He never made it to school and has never been found.
Record stash of cocaine found buried underground in Australia
Police discovered 3 tons of cocaine in plastic tubs buried in underground bunkers that were concealed by false floors.
3 dead, 7 wounded in rare Philippines school shooting, police say
Two students with hand guns opened fire in a high school in the central Philippines, killing three fellow students and wounding another seven, police said.
Survivors speak up to help convict man of murder, sexual assault
David Pearce was convicted of first-degree murder for the deaths of Christy Giles and Hilda Marcela Cabrales after a night of partying in Los Angeles. He was also found guilty of raping seven other women who came forward to testify at his trial.
New Jersey council member and former mob boss arrested for extortion
John Alite, 63, was once the top enforcer for the Gotti crime family and a longtime member of the Gambino family.
Space
More Space
Researchers find "Pink Planet" has salty clouds: "We were very surprised"
The "Pink Planet," formally known as GJ504b, was discovered in 2013 and is technically not a planet but rather a "planetary-mass companion."
NASA chief defends choice of all-male crew for Artemis III mission
NASA's Jared Isaacman says the crew was selected solely based on their experience, expertise and availability for flight assignment.
NASA names 4 astronauts for next Artemis mission
NASA's Artemis III astronauts plan to carry out rendezvous and docking procedures with commercial moon landers being built by SpaceX and Blue Origin.
Space station crew briefly moves to "safe haven" amid concerns over leaks
Out of an abundance of caution, NASA briefly directed five of the seven crew members aboard the International Space Station to wait inside the docked SpaceX Crew Dragon "Freedom" spacecraft.
Sun erupts with 3 solar flares, raising chances of northern lights for U.S.
Three solar flares burst from the sun this week, raising the chances of seeing the northern lights for people across the United States.
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.
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
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Latest CBS News Videos
Massive warehouse fire continues to blaze
Los Angeles firefighters are still battling flames from a warehouse fire in the city's Boyle Heights neighborhood. CBS News' Carter Evans has more.
H.R. McMaster on U.S.-Iran talks
H.R. McMaster, a CBS News contributor and former national security adviser to President Trump, joins CBS News to weigh in on the U.S.-Iran talks in Switzerland, which Vice President JD Vance said "laid a very good foundation" for a deal.
Vance touts U.S.-Iran progress
Vice President JD Vance said the U.S. and Iran made progress toward a deal during an update from Switzerland on Monday. Meanwhile, ongoing clashes between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon remain a worry for both sides. CBS News' Weijia Jiang and Holly Williams have more.
Oil prices drop amid possible U.S.-Iran deal
Oil prices dropped on Monday amid updates from Vice President JD Vance on progress between the U.S. and Iran toward a deal. Jennifer Sor, a markets reporter for Business Insider, joins with more.
Vance says Iran will allow nuclear inspection
Vice President JD Vance claimed at a press conference on Monday morning that the U.S. and Iran are making notable progress in their talks. Vance said Tehran will also allow IAEA inspectors to enter the country to survey nuclear facilities. CBS News' Aaron Navarro and Courtney Kealy report.