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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.
U.S. faces an air traffic controller shortage. It's turning to gamers for help
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy pointed out that gamers "have many of the hard skills it takes to be a successful controller."
Kamala Harris says she might run for president in 2028: "I'm thinking about it"
Former Vice President Kamala Harris said that she might run for president in 2028, telling a gathering in New York that she is considering mounting a third bid for the White House.
Bessent, Fed's Powell met with bank CEOs over potent new Anthropic AI
Financial industry leaders met to discuss potential cyber risks posed by Anthropic's latest AI model, which has found weaknesses in every major computer operating system.
DOJ argues D.C. pipe bomb defendant not covered by Trump's Jan. 6 pardons
The DOJ said in a court filing that the D.C. pipe bomb defendant's case should not be dismissed and that his actions were not covered by Trump's sweeping pardons of the Jan. 6 rioters.
How an 8-year-old designed a zero-gravity indicator for Artemis II
The development of the mission mascot and viral sensation Rise began over a year before Artemis II blasted off.
MoneyWatch
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Bessent, Fed's Powell met with bank CEOs over potent new Anthropic AI
Financial industry leaders met to discuss potential cyber risks posed by Anthropic's latest AI model, which has found weaknesses in every major computer operating system.
Why a Strait of Hormuz "toll" would pose economic and geopolitical risks
Energy industry experts warn that allowing Iran to charge ships to ensure safe passage through the strait would raise energy costs.
Inflation surged in March as Iran war drove up energy costs
Inflation rose at an annual rate of 3.3% in March, driven by the sharpest monthly increase in gas prices since 1967.
Strait of Hormuz still seeing significantly lower traffic despite ceasefire
Few ships passed through the waterway Wednesday and Thursday despite a ceasefire agreement that was supposed to open the waterway key to transiting oil across the globe.
Property taxes are surging. See what homeowners pay by state and county.
The average U.S. property tax bill rose 3.7% last year to $4,427, outpacing inflation even as the typical home lost value.
Politics
More Politics
U.S. faces an air traffic controller shortage. It's turning to gamers for help
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy pointed out that gamers "have many of the hard skills it takes to be a successful controller."
Kamala Harris says she might run for president in 2028: "I'm thinking about it"
Former Vice President Kamala Harris said that she might run for president in 2028, telling a gathering in New York that she is considering mounting a third bid for the White House.
Bessent, Fed's Powell met with bank CEOs over potent new Anthropic AI
Financial industry leaders met to discuss potential cyber risks posed by Anthropic's latest AI model, which has found weaknesses in every major computer operating system.
DOJ argues D.C. pipe bomb defendant not covered by Trump's Jan. 6 pardons
The DOJ said in a court filing that the D.C. pipe bomb defendant's case should not be dismissed and that his actions were not covered by Trump's sweeping pardons of the Jan. 6 rioters.
White House staff received email warning not to place bets on prediction markets
White House aides got an email last month telling them not to place bets on prediction markets with nonpublic information, multiple administration officials told CBS News.
HealthWatch
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Medicaid work rules will stress states' staffing capacity
Some states already don't have enough staff to quickly process Medicaid applications and answer enrollees' phone calls. Researchers say they may not be prepared to handle new Medicaid work rules, predicting people will lose coverage as a result.
Exclusive
2 more drug companies to officially launch on TrumpRx
Two more drug-making giants, Abbvie and Genentech, will start selling popular medications on the White House's discounted pharmaceutical site as soon as Monday.
Social media driving teens toward steroids, extreme body transformations
Behind some of the viral physiques lies a troubling trend: the use of a powerful drug never approved for humans.
Scientist with rare ALS genetic mutation looks to experimental treatment
Every few months for the past three years, Jeff Vierstra has been receiving infusions in his spine that target and disable a mutated gene that made it likely he would develop ALS.
New ALS treatment brings hope to patients
"CBS Saturday Morning" looks at an experimental treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease, that is bringing hope to some patients suffering from the neurodegenerative disease. To inquire about possible participation in Silence ALS, an initiative to develop individualized gene-based therapies for patients with other rare genetic forms of ALS, please write to silenceals@cumc.columbia.edu.
World
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Why a Strait of Hormuz "toll" would pose economic and geopolitical risks
Energy industry experts warn that allowing Iran to charge ships to ensure safe passage through the strait would raise energy costs.
Abusive husband gets 8 years in prison for wife's death by suicide
Lee Milne, 40, was sentenced to eight years in prison following his conviction in Glasgow's High Court for culpable homicide and engaging in abusive behavior.
Bodies of at least 11 people found in hidden graves in western Mexico
The discovery of the grave site adds to dozens of similar cases in Jalisco, the state hardest hit by Mexico's missing persons crisis.
Live
Live Updates: U.S., Iran prepare for talks as shaky ceasefire holds
The U.S. and Iran are getting ready for talks Saturday in Islamabad, Pakistan, as their tenuous ceasefire held despite key sticking points.
Strait of Hormuz still seeing significantly lower traffic despite ceasefire
Few ships passed through the waterway Wednesday and Thursday despite a ceasefire agreement that was supposed to open the waterway key to transiting oil across the globe.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Do you care in Gen Z likes you?
Comedian Bridget Phetasy joins CBS News with her take on gaining the favor of Generation Z members. Phetasy explores the matter for The Free Press, a Paramount Skydance publication.
Dan Levy on new crime-comedy series
Dan Levy talks to "CBS Mornings" about the comedy series "Big Mistakes," which is about organized crime. Levy explains how he used his own life to help shape his character's relationships and reflects on the beloved series "Schitt's Creek."
Afrika Bambaataa, hip-hop pioneer, dies at 68
Afrika Bambaataa, a rapper and producer, was best known for breakthrough tracks like 1982's "Planet Rock" and for founding the Universal Zulu Nation art collective.
BTS kicks off comeback world tour
K-pop supergroup BTS hit the stage on Thursday, kicking off their comeback world tour after a four-year hiatus. Nicole Fell, assistant editor at The Hollywood Reporter, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
How realistic is "Project Hail Mary"?
Ryan Gosling's new movie, "Project Hail Mary," is raising questions about the future of the Sun. CBS News contributor Janna Levin joins with more details.
Technology
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Technology
How to stay ahead of AI in your career
A recent CBS News poll found 66% of Americans believe AI will decrease jobs. LinkedIn CEO Ryan Roslansky and chief economic opportunity officer Aneesh Raman share insights on the skills that professionals need to stay ahead of AI at work.
Behind Anthropic's alarming AI model
Anthropic announced its new AI model is too powerful for public release. Puck's Ian Krietzberg joins CBS News with more.
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.
Analysis finds AI will reshape 50-55% of jobs
Researchers at Boston Consulting Group estimate that AI will "reshape" between 50-55% of U.S. jobs over the next three years. They note that while AI integration will likely change the nature of the work, it doesn't necessarily mean job losses in every case. CBS News MoneyWatch reporter Megan Cerullo has more.
Anthropic claims new AI too powerful to release
Anthropic says its newest AI model, Claude Mythos, is too powerful and dangerous to be released to the public. Tech journalist Jacob Ward joins CBS News to discuss.
Science
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First major forecast for 2026 Atlantic hurricane season is released
Colorado State University has released its annual Atlantic hurricane forecast, predicting 13 named storms and six hurricanes may develop during the 2026 season.
Creature thought to be world's oldest octopus isn't an octopus after all
Scientists have found evidence that a 300-million-year-old sea creature previously thought to be the world's oldest octopus is actually a nautilus relative.
March smashed heat records in several ways, federal data shows
Last month was the hottest March on record for the Lower 48 states, by the most for any month ever, federal data shows. And a forecast El Niño could heat Earth even more.
Emperor penguins listed as endangered species
The emperor penguin has been declared an endangered species as climate change pushes the icon of Antarctica a step closer to extinction, the global authority on threatened wildlife says.
Stunning photos from Artemis II show Earth, moon, eclipse from space
The astronauts aboard Artemis II are the first humans to see some parts of the far side of the moon with the naked eye.
Crime
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Abusive husband gets 8 years in prison for wife's death by suicide
Lee Milne, 40, was sentenced to eight years in prison following his conviction in Glasgow's High Court for culpable homicide and engaging in abusive behavior.
DOJ probing NFL over fees, sources say
Sources tell CBS News that the Justice Department is investigating the NFL over subscription fees concerns. Jake Rosen reports.
Breaking down Melania Trump's Epstein remarks
First lady Melania Trump held remarks on Thursday denying any link to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. CBS News' Caitlin Huey-Burns reports.
Police arrest 21 suspects in hospice fraud case
Police file charges against 21 suspects in what's described as a $267 million fraud case with zero legitimate patients. Adam Yamaguchi reports.
A man stole a handbag outside a London pub. Inside was a Faberge egg and watch.
A man who stole a handbag containing a Faberge egg and watch worth at least $2.8 million from a London pub was jailed for more than two years.
Space
More Space
How an 8-year-old designed a zero-gravity indicator for Artemis II
The development of the mission mascot and viral sensation Rise began over a year before Artemis II blasted off.
As Artemis II heads back to Earth, crew is staking their lives on the heat shield
Despite problems during the unpiloted Artemis I reentry, the Artemis II crew is confident their heat shield will protect them during a fiery descent to Earth on Friday.
NASA drops Artemis II moon mission playlist with astronauts' wake-up songs
The moon music tradition started more than 50 years ago, NASA said as it shared the Artemis II crew's playlist this week.
NASA gears up for Artemis II crew's return to Earth
With Artemis II astronauts closing out on-board tests, flight controllers are prepping for reentry and splashdown Friday.
Stunning photos from Artemis II show Earth, moon, eclipse from space
The astronauts aboard Artemis II are the first humans to see some parts of the far side of the moon with the naked eye.
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.
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?
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
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
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Do you care in Gen Z likes you?
Comedian Bridget Phetasy joins CBS News with her take on gaining the favor of Generation Z members. Phetasy explores the matter for The Free Press, a Paramount Skydance publication.
McIlroy, Burns lead after 1st round at Masters
Defending champion Rory McIlroy tied Sam Burns for the first-round lead at the Masters. CBS News' Jim Axelrod has the highlights as round two gets underway.
Dan Levy on new crime-comedy series
Dan Levy talks to "CBS Mornings" about the comedy series "Big Mistakes," which is about organized crime. Levy explains how he used his own life to help shape his character's relationships and reflects on the beloved series "Schitt's Creek."
Harris, Buttigieg to speak at convention
Former Vice President Kamala Harris and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg are set to speak at the National Action Network Convention in New York City. CBS News' Fin Gómez has more.
Vance heads to Pakistan for Iran talks
Vice President JD Vance is headed to Islamabad, Pakistan, for talks with Iranian officials aimed at ending the war. This comes as President Trump continues to blast Tehran over access to the Strait of Hormuz. CBS News' Olivia Rinaldi and Imtiaz Tyab report.