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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.
Iran war has cost Americans $1,000 per household, economist estimates
The Iran war has significantly driven up the cost of fuel, airfare and other U.S. goods, according to Moody's Analytics chief economist Mark Zandi.
Senate Ethics Committee dismisses misconduct complaint against Gallego
The bipartisan committee said it "did not find evidence that your actions violated federal law, Senate rules or related standards of conduct."
The Trump administration says SNAP is rife with fraud and waste. Is it?
The USDA says almost 11% of SNAP payments contain errors, almost double the threshold set by Congress. Here's what is going on.
Ex-NBA players Malik Beasley, Ed Davis indicted in gambling probe
Former NBA players Malik Beasley and Ed Davis have been indicted on illegal sports gambling charges, authorities announced Monday.
Supreme Court expands presidential firing power, overturning 90-year-old ruling
The Supreme Court overturned a 90-year-old decision that allowed Congress to shield members of certain independent agencies from being fired by the president at will.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Iran war has cost Americans $1,000 per household, economist estimates
The Iran war has significantly driven up the cost of fuel, airfare and other U.S. goods, according to Moody's Analytics chief economist Mark Zandi.
The Trump administration says SNAP is rife with fraud and waste. Is it?
The USDA says almost 11% of SNAP payments contain errors, almost double the threshold set by Congress. Here's what is going on.
Supreme Court expands presidential firing power, overturning 90-year-old ruling
The Supreme Court overturned a 90-year-old decision that allowed Congress to shield members of certain independent agencies from being fired by the president at will.
Supreme Court rejects Trump bid to fire Fed's Lisa Cook as legal case continues
The Supreme Court allowed Lisa Cook to continue in her post as a member of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors while legal proceedings over President Trump's attempt to fire her continue.
Comcast plans to split into 2 companies, spinning off NBCUniversal
Current shareholders would receive shares in both companies under the planned split, Comcast said Monday.
Politics
More Politics
Senate Ethics Committee dismisses misconduct complaint against Gallego
The bipartisan committee said it "did not find evidence that your actions violated federal law, Senate rules or related standards of conduct."
Supreme Court expands presidential firing power, overturning 90-year-old ruling
The Supreme Court overturned a 90-year-old decision that allowed Congress to shield members of certain independent agencies from being fired by the president at will.
Supreme Court rejects Trump bid to fire Fed's Lisa Cook as legal case continues
The Supreme Court allowed Lisa Cook to continue in her post as a member of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors while legal proceedings over President Trump's attempt to fire her continue.
Supreme Court says states can count mail ballots that arrive after Election Day
The Supreme Court on Monday ruled that states can count mail ballots that are cast by Election Day but arrive later, rejecting a GOP challenge to a Mississippi law.
Supreme Court rejects case over COVID-19 vaccine mandate for healthcare workers
The dispute arose after New York's Department of Health issued an emergency rule that required healthcare workers to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
HealthWatch
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Former NFL star Chris Johnson says he's been diagnosed with ALS
Former NFL running back Chris Johnson announced that he was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, in a "Good Morning America" interview.
Mom gets answers after fighting for diagnosis: "Something's wrong"
Michelle Williams struggled with high blood pressure and swelling for years before she was finally diagnosed with an unusual condition.
Internal emails show how RFK Jr.'s team sought to sway the CDC
A trove of emails offers a new look at how the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention navigated some of the most controversial decisions of President Trump's second term.
Chris Evert announces her ovarian cancer has returned
American tennis legend Chris Evert announced that her ovarian cancer had returned in a social media post Thursday.
Democrats to propose bill capping out-of-pocket Medicare costs for enrollees
Some Senate Democrats want to cap the amount beneficiaries in traditional Medicare have to pay toward care, but the move is expected to draw GOP opposition for potentially adding billions to Medicare costs.
World
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Putin says Ukrainian strikes on infrastructure causing "problems" for Russia
Ukraine has intensified strikes on Russia recently, targeting energy and logistics infrastructure.
Rescue teams continue to find survivors of Venezuela earthquakes
Tens of thousands of people are still presumed to be missing after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela last week.
6 killed, suspect arrested in shooting at German youth center, police say
German police say a suspect was in custody and six were killed in a rare shooting that took place at a youth center in Stade, near Hamburg.
Soccer star's wife and 2 children killed in Venezuela earthquakes, team says
The wife and two children of Argentine soccer star Lucas Trejo died after powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela, his team said.
Live
Path forward for U.S.-Iran talks unclear after weekend strikes
Iran denied its negotiators would be meeting with U.S. officials in Qatar after President Trump announced the talks would resume at Tehran's request.
Entertainment
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Aide who planned JFK Jr.'s secret wedding weighs in on Swift-Kelce rumors
RoseMarie Terenzio, who was JFK Jr.'s former chief of staff and planned his secret wedding to Carolyn Bessette, said she doesn't think Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are getting married at Madison Square Garden.
Olivia Wilde, Edward Norton on "The Invite"
Olivia Wilde and Edward Norton, stars of "The Invite" preview the film, which explores the unraveling and evolution of two very different marriages over the course of an unforgettable evening. The two discuss if they brought any of their own experiences to the movie and Wilde, who also directed the film, shares why she was initially reluctant to star in it.
Preview of "The Angry Birds Movie 3"
"CBS Mornings" exclusively reveals the trailer for "The Angry Birds Movie 3." The film stars Jason Sudeikis and debuts in theaters on Dec. 23.
Top moments from BET Awards
The 2026 BET Awards included star-studded performances, a tribute to Lauryn Hill and more. Nate Burleson reports on the night's biggest moments.
Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce wedding rumors
RoseMarie Terenzio, John F. Kennedy Jr.'s former chief of staff, talks with "CBS Mornings" about planning his secret wedding to Carolyn Bessette nearly 30 years ago, and if Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce could pull off a secret wedding as rumors swirl about their big day.
Technology
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Technology
How trains drove American history
The transcontinental railroad changed just about everything in America: transportation, communications, commerce, cities, politics, even our perception of time. Correspondent David Pogue visits Steamtown National Historic Site, in Scranton, Pa., home to Big Boy, the biggest functioning steam train in the world, to learn how trains helped define an expansive America.
California creates AI job trend tracker
California now has the nation's first dashboard to publicly track artificial intelligence-related job trends, ones created and ones lost. As of now, early findings show no evidence of rising statewide unemployment from jobs exposed to AI. Till von Wachter, a faculty director of the California Policy Lab at UCLA, joins "The Takeout" to discuss.
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.
Gadget prices have fallen for decades. Then AI happened.
The race to build AI data centers is leading to a global shortage of memory chips, driving up the cost of personal electronics.
Apple, Microsoft announce price hikes
Apple and Microsoft announced they're hiking prices for some electronic products, including computers and XBOX consoles, citing a shortage of memory chips. CNET editor-at-large Scott Stein weighs in.
Science
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Astronomers find 2 gigantic planets lighter than cotton candy
The featherweight pair — orbiting a star 1,110 light-years away — are the biggest exoplanets found to have less density than cotton candy.
Ancient Egyptian burial site reveals centuries of changing traditions
Human and animal remains unearthed in Egypt's Nile Delta reveal changing funerary practices over some 600 years, and the evolution of a key site itself.
Telescope snaps most detailed photo yet of Milky Way's heart
Euclid is on a mission to chart one-third of the sky in the hopes of shedding light on the enduring mysteries of dark matter and dark energy.
Interstellar comet may be oldest object ever seen in solar system
Exactly where the comet 3I/ATLAS came from within the Milky Way remains a mystery.
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.
Crime
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6 killed, suspect arrested in shooting at German youth center, police say
German police say a suspect was in custody and six were killed in a rare shooting that took place at a youth center in Stade, near Hamburg.
Alex Murdaugh to return to court
Alex Murdaugh is expected back in court in South Carolina on Monday for the first time since the state Supreme Court overturned his convictions for killing his son and wife. Skyler Henry reports.
Detective believes 6-year-old's mother was killed in next room while he slept
For most of his life, Reggie Reed has wondered who murdered his mother Selonia Reed decades ago in Hammond, Louisiana. A fresh look at the evidence ultimately implicated the man he called his "rock" — Reginald Reed Sr., the man who lovingly raised him.
Michigan parents charged with murder after boy found to be 250+ pounds
Two Flint Township, Michigan, parents, are facing several charges, including second-degree murder, in the death of their 7-year-old son, who was 255 pounds and abused and neglected, according to the Genesee County prosecutor.
Billionaire Leon Black testifies on Epstein
Billionaire Leon Black testified before the House Oversight Committee on Friday. After Black ended the interview, the committee issued two subpoenas. Democratic Rep. Suhas Subramanyam of Virginia, a member of the House Oversight Committee, joins "The Takeout" to discuss this and the U.S. strike on Iran.
Space
More Space
NASA prepares to launch rescue to save telescope from falling to Earth
The $30 million salvage operation gets underway as soon as this week with the planned launch of a robotic lifesaver.
Astronomers find 2 gigantic planets lighter than cotton candy
The featherweight pair — orbiting a star 1,110 light-years away — are the biggest exoplanets found to have less density than cotton candy.
Telescope snaps most detailed photo yet of Milky Way's heart
Euclid is on a mission to chart one-third of the sky in the hopes of shedding light on the enduring mysteries of dark matter and dark energy.
Interstellar comet may be oldest object ever seen in solar system
Exactly where the comet 3I/ATLAS came from within the Milky Way remains a mystery.
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."
Latest Galleries
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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.
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.
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
6/27: CBS Weekend News
High winds and heat are fueling Utah's out-of-control wildfires; Iranian drones target Bahrain after U.S. strikes Iran.
SCOTUS rulings on mail-in ballots, presidential firings
The Supreme Court on Monday expanded the president's ability to fire heads of independent agencies, but not the Federal Reserve. It also ruled states can count mail ballots that are cast by Election Day but arrive later. CBS News' Jessica Levinson and Weijia Jiang have more.
Mangione federal trial pushed to Jan. '27
A judge has pushed Luigi Mangione's federal trial date back to January of 2027. Mangione is accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. CBS News' Anna Schecter has more on the Mangione case and the indictment against NBA veteran Malik Beasley on gambling charges.
Trump reacts to Supreme Court firing rulings
President Trump posted his reaction on social media Monday after the Supreme Court ruled that his firing of Federal Trade Commission member Rebecca Slaughter was lawful, but that he is not allowed to fire Federal Reserve Commissioner Lisa Cook, as legal proceedings continue. CBS News' Olivia Rinaldi has more.
Key changes coming to federal student loans
Federal student loan repayment plans are set to change on July 1. Danielle Douglas-Gabriel, a national higher education reporter for The Washington Post, joins with more.