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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.
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First on CBS
Senator pushes DoD to release probe of Iranian attack that killed 6 U.S. troops
A CBS News investigation found troops had flagged military leaders about the lack of defenses and insufficient medical supplies ahead of the attack in Kuwait at the beginning of the war with Iran.
Abdul El-Sayed says "there's a lot of healing to do" after Senate primary
Abdul El-Sayed is now projected to win Michigan's Democratic Senate primary against Rep. Haley Stevens.
Disney partners with TikTok to offer creator content on its app
Disney and TikTok are teaming up to let users create short-form videos that draw on the entertainment giant's large stable of movies and TV shows.
Perez Hilton hospitalized after livestreaming acts of self-harm, officials say
In the livestream, which has since been taken down, Hilton appears to be bloodied and in a distressed mental state.
Live
Trump says Strait of Hormuz deal could happen as soon as today amid talks
President Trump told reporters Tuesday evening that an announcement on the Strait of Hormuz could happen today or tomorrow, following talks between Iran and Oman.
MoneyWatch
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Disney partners with TikTok to offer creator content on its app
Disney and TikTok are teaming up to let users create short-form videos that draw on the entertainment giant's large stable of movies and TV shows.
SpaceX shows strong growth in its first earnings report since IPO
Elon Musk's rocket, satellite and AI provider reported quarterly revenue of $7.8 billion, topping Wall Street forecasts.
Chipotle removes jalapeños linked to Minnesota salmonella outbreak
The restaurant chain said it pulled the peppers and replaced them with product from another grower amid a food-poisoning probe.
Dow soars 900 points on strong corporate profits, hopes of Iran deal
Stocks notched new record highs on Tuesday as oil prices dipped and companies reported healthy profits.
More adult children live at home now than during the pandemic
One woman in her mid-30s said her $60,000 annual income wasn't enough to cover all her bills after a breakup, leading her to move back home.
Politics
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First on CBS
Senator pushes DoD to release probe of Iranian attack that killed 6 U.S. troops
A CBS News investigation found troops had flagged military leaders about the lack of defenses and insufficient medical supplies ahead of the attack in Kuwait at the beginning of the war with Iran.
Progressive Abdul El-Sayed projected to win Michigan Democratic Senate primary
Former state health official Abdul El-Sayed faced Rep. Haley Stevens in the Democratic Senate primary in Michigan in a closely watched contest that represented the latest test of the party's divisions.
Abdul El-Sayed says "there's a lot of healing to do" after Senate primary
Abdul El-Sayed is now projected to win Michigan's Democratic Senate primary against Rep. Haley Stevens.
Rep. Chuck Edwards drops reelection bid after sexual harassment allegations
The House Ethics Committee said there is "substantial reason to believe" Rep. Chuck Edwards violated House rules related to sexual harassment and hostile workplaces. Edwards denied any wrongdoing.
Former Virginia Gov. Youngkin launches new conservative policy group
The group, called Empowering America's Parents, will focus on expanding awareness about the Education Freedom Tax Credit.
HealthWatch
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Norah O'Donnell: 7 things I learned from trainer Kira Stokes
Kira Stokes, who has been in the fitness industry for three decades, taught me to treat movement as medicine for both your body and mind.
Exercise: Your Insurance Policy for the Future
In this episode of Healthful, Norah O'Donnell is joined by her personal trainer and fitness expert, Kira Stokes. Since they started exercising together 12 years ago, Kira pushed Norah to lift heavier weights - something Norah initially resisted. Norah has since learned that you lose up to 8-percent of your muscle mass every decade after the age of 30. The two discuss the emotional connection between movement and mental health, how to get started exercising, and what about those weighted vests! Plus - Norah answers what her favorite and least favorite exercises are. We'd love to hear what topics you want to hear covered on Healthful. Text Norah at 202-217-1107.
Chipotle suspected in salmonella outbreak
At least 110 people have fallen ill from salmonella in Minnesota, the vast majority of whom reported having eaten at the Mexican chain Chipotle. Tom Hanson has the story.
Michigan reports 2 cyclosporiasis deaths
Two people have died of cyclosporiasis in Michigan, officials said Monday, as the state battles the worst outbreak of the disease in the country. Carter Evans has the details.
Michigan health officials report 2 deaths among cyclosporiasis cases
Two Michigan residents who had "significant underlying health conditions" have died after contracting cyclosporiasis, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services said.
World
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Record-low Danube River levels threaten shutdown of Hungary's nuclear plant
Three of four units of Hungary's Paks nuclear power plant were not in operation and the fourth was operating at about 50%, as of Wednesday morning.
Russian drone factory director seriously injured in car explosion
Vladimir Tkachuk has been pictured showcasing his drones to President Vladimir Putin.
First on CBS
Senator pushes DoD to release probe of Iranian attack that killed 6 U.S. troops
A CBS News investigation found troops had flagged military leaders about the lack of defenses and insufficient medical supplies ahead of the attack in Kuwait at the beginning of the war with Iran.
Popular influencer shot dead during livestream outside restaurant
Cesar Gastelum, who had more than 600,000 followers on TikTok, was broadcasting with two friends when he was killed.
Live
Trump says Strait of Hormuz deal could happen as soon as today amid talks
President Trump told reporters Tuesday evening that an announcement on the Strait of Hormuz could happen today or tomorrow, following talks between Iran and Oman.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Aaron Pierre talks new series, "Lanterns"
Actor Aaron Pierre is starring as John Stewart in the new series "Lanterns." He tells "CBS Mornings" why this character is special to him, what it's like to join the DC Universe and how he managed undergoing surgery during the audition process.
Stranger rescues band from car troubles
A kind stranger named Ernie helped rock band The Autumn Kings make it to their tour stop after their car broke down in Wisconsin. Matt Gutman reports.
Ariana Grande on her plans to take break
One day after announcing she'll step back from the spotlight after her tour ends, Ariana Grande spoke directly to fans at Monday night's show in Chicago. The singer said the decision was her own and "was made from a thoughtful and empowered place."
Jordan Roth talks "The Shards"
Tony Award-winning producer Jordan Roth talks about starring in the "The Shards" and describes what it was like to go from behind the scenes on Broadway to making his major on-screen acting debut.
Hollywood on hot streak at the box office
"Spider-Man: Brand New Day" leapt straight to the top of the box office this weekend. Its $360 million opening weekend debut is the biggest in U.S. history. Marlow Stern, chief correspondent at Variety, joins CBS News to discuss all the latest movie news.
Technology
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Disney partners with TikTok to offer creator content on its app
Disney and TikTok are teaming up to let users create short-form videos that draw on the entertainment giant's large stable of movies and TV shows.
Myspace plans relaunch
Y2K nostalgia is in full swing -- and soon, 2000s social media site Myspace may be making a full comeback to the World Wide Web. TechRadar editor-at-large Lance Ulanoff shares his reaction.
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.
SpaceX shows strong growth in its first earnings report since IPO
Elon Musk's rocket, satellite and AI provider reported quarterly revenue of $7.8 billion, topping Wall Street forecasts.
Top AI execs may meet with Trump officials
Top executives from leading artificial intelligence companies are set to meet with White House officials, according to media reports. Ian Krietzberg, an AI correspondent for Puck News, has more.
Science
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Science
Bezos, DiCaprio set up massive wildlife fund
Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos have announced a $200 million fund set to protect species on the brink of extinction. Carter Evans has the story.
Dramatic photos show lava spewing from Fuego volcano in Guatemala
Guatemalan officials on Monday began evacuating two villages near the Fuego volcano due to the ongoing eruption.
Rare footage of humpback whale birth captured on drone video
The footage is believed to be only the fourth complete humpback whale birth ever recorded on film anywhere in the world and the first-ever captured by drone.
Rare video shows humpback whale birth
A photographer operating a drone off the coast of Australia captured a humpback whale giving birth. It's believed to be the first time such a birth has been recorded by a drone.
How plants feel
Science shows us that, even though plants don't have brains, they seem to have a nervous system that responds to touch in remarkable ways. Robert Krulwich and puppeteer Barnaby Dixon explore the science of thigmomorphogenesis (the phenomenon of plants reacting to outside stimulae), a discussion that plants the seeds for a song.
Crime
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Russian drone factory director seriously injured in car explosion
Vladimir Tkachuk has been pictured showcasing his drones to President Vladimir Putin.
What is postpartum psychosis?
Massachusetts mom Lindsay Clancy is on trial for murder after she allegedly killed her three children. Her lawyers say that she was overmedicated during her mental health crisis, which sparked postpartum psychosis. Dr. Veerle Bergink, director of Mount Sinai Women's Mental Health Center, explains more about postpartum mental health.
Lindsay Clancy speaks in court at her trial
In court on Tuesday, Lindsay Clancy spoke for the first time as she agreed to a "stipulation of facts" that would fast-track her trial. Her lawyers claim she was mentally ill and not responsible for her actions when she killed her three young children. Shanelle Kaul reports.
Popular influencer shot dead during livestream outside restaurant
Cesar Gastelum, who had more than 600,000 followers on TikTok, was broadcasting with two friends when he was killed.
Lindsay Clancy speaks in court for first time
Lindsay Clancy, the woman accused of first-degree murder in the deaths of her three children, spoke in court Tuesday. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul reports.
Space
More Space
SpaceX rocket booster slams into moon, expected to leave large crater
The impact wasn't visible to the naked eye, but photos are expected to come from a lunar satellite at a later time.
Russian Soyuz brings three home after 8 months at space station
The Soyuz MS-28 landing in Kazakhstan brought a 241-day stay in space to a successful conclusion.
SpaceX's Super Heavy-Starship blasts off on 13th test flight
An upgraded version of the world's most powerful rocket is key to landing NASA astronauts on the moon in the agency's Artemis program.
Meteorite that hit home contains "alien world chemistry," experts say
When scientists examined the preserved fragments of a meteorite that crashed in 2024, they found brine-like fluids and key molecules.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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Latest CBS News Videos
Danube River drought reveals drowned history
The Danube River is at record-low levels throughout Europe, revealing sunken Nazi warships in Serbia and woolly mammoth bones in Bulgaria.
SpaceX rocket booster crashes into the moon
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket booster crashed into the moon early Wednesday morning and is expected to leave a large crater on its surface. CBS News' Mark Strassmann has more.
Abdul El-Sayed backer on road ahead
Joseph Geevarghese, the executive director of Our Revolution, a progressive political action organization, joins CBS News to discuss his reaction to Abdul El-Sayed's success in Michigan's Democratic Senate primary.
Abdul El-Sayed vs. Mike Rogers race set
Abdul El-Sayed is expected to move on to a general election race against Republican Mike Rogers. CBS News' Fin Gómez looks ahead.
Spokane resident on devastating wildfires
High temperatures are worsening wildfires in Washington as fire crews work to contain to flames. CBS News' Kris Van Cleave reports from Spokane.