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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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Trump admin set to launch tariff refund portal. Here's what to know.
A federal agency will open a portal on April 20 that lets businesses apply for a refund for Trump tariffs struck down by the Supreme Court.
3 killed in latest U.S. strike on alleged drug boat in eastern Pacific, Pentagon says
President Trump has said the U.S. is in "armed conflict" with cartels in Latin America and has justified the attacks as a necessary escalation to stem the flow of drugs into the U.S.
Mother wants justice for 17-year-old son fatally shot by St. Louis police
Nearly two years after Emeshyon Wilkins was shot and killed by a St. Louis police officer, Shaina Wilkins says she is still searching for answers and accountability.
Sotomayor apologizes for criticizing Kavanaugh over ICE arrests
Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor apologized Wednesday for publicly criticizing Justice Brett Kavanaugh, comments she said were "hurtful" and "inappropriate."
FDA will consider easing restrictions on peptides as RFK Jr. calls himself a "big fan"
The FDA meeting announcement follows repeated pledges by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to loosen regulations on peptides, which are often pitched as a quick way to build muscle, heal injuries or appear younger.
MoneyWatch
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Trump admin set to launch tariff refund portal. Here's what to know.
A federal agency will open a portal on April 20 that lets businesses apply for a refund for Trump tariffs struck down by the Supreme Court.
S&P 500, Nasdaq hit record highs as investors shrug off Iran war fears
With another round of U.S.-Iran peace talks on the horizon, investors are optimistic that the war will wind down.
Live Nation and Ticketmaster illegally monopolized big concert venues, jury rules
The lawsuit involved dozens of states that alleged Live Nation undermined competition and drove up ticket prices.
Why Jerome Powell — not Trump — will decide when the Fed chief steps down
President Trump would love to be finally rid of Fed Chair Jerome Powell. But firing him would kick up a legal firestorm and roil financial markets, experts said.
Allbirds's pivot from footwear to AI sends its shares soaring 600%
The sneaker maker is selling its footwear assets and rebranding as "NewBird AI," betting on booming demand for AI computing power.
Politics
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As U.S. birth rate falls, Trump officials downplay contraception in Title X program
According to new CDC data, there were 3.6 million U.S. births in 2025, a 1% decline from 2024 and down 23% since 2007. The Trump administration has said it wants to reverse this trend.
3 killed in latest U.S. strike on alleged drug boat in eastern Pacific, Pentagon says
President Trump has said the U.S. is in "armed conflict" with cartels in Latin America and has justified the attacks as a necessary escalation to stem the flow of drugs into the U.S.
Gabbard sends criminal referrals to DOJ for 2 officials linked to Trump impeachment
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has sent criminal referrals to the Justice Department related to a government watchdog and a whistleblower whose complaint helped trigger President Trump's first impeachment.
Sotomayor apologizes for criticizing Kavanaugh over ICE arrests
Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor apologized Wednesday for publicly criticizing Justice Brett Kavanaugh, comments she said were "hurtful" and "inappropriate."
FDA will consider easing restrictions on peptides as RFK Jr. calls himself a "big fan"
The FDA meeting announcement follows repeated pledges by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to loosen regulations on peptides, which are often pitched as a quick way to build muscle, heal injuries or appear younger.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
As U.S. birth rate falls, Trump officials downplay contraception in Title X program
According to new CDC data, there were 3.6 million U.S. births in 2025, a 1% decline from 2024 and down 23% since 2007. The Trump administration has said it wants to reverse this trend.
FDA will consider easing restrictions on peptides as RFK Jr. calls himself a "big fan"
The FDA meeting announcement follows repeated pledges by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to loosen regulations on peptides, which are often pitched as a quick way to build muscle, heal injuries or appear younger.
New federal Medicaid rules require 1 month of work. Some states demand more.
Starting next year, about 18.5 million adults will be subject to new Medicaid work rules in 42 states and Washington, D.C. Some Republican-controlled states want to triple the required work period.
Florida doctor indicted after allegedly removing patient's liver instead of spleen
Dr. Thomas Shaknovsky, 44, was arrested Monday after a two-year investigation by local, state and medical authorities.
Pennsylvania town faces fallout from Trump's environmental rule rollback
The Trump administration is ratcheting up attacks on environmental protections that Make America Healthy Again followers hold dear.
World
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Can Hungary's new leader wean his country off cheap Russian energy?
Hungary's politics have shifted definitively away from Russia and toward Europe, but quitting a cheap Russian energy habit could be painful.
Woman among 4 more Iranians sentenced to death over protests
Bita Hemmati is believed to be the first woman to be sentenced to death over the protests.
U.K. police hunt for 2 suspects in attempted arson attack on synagogue
London police are looking for two people who threw bottles likely containing gasoline at a North London synagogue in what's being treating as an "antisemitic hate crime."
U.S. YouTuber gets 6 months in South Korean prison for offensive stunts
A Seoul court found Ramsey Khalid Ismael, a self-proclaimed online "troll" known as Johnny Somali, guilty of multiple charges.
Iran claims oil tanker transits Strait of Hormuz amid blockade
Iran's Fars News Agency says a supertanker sailed through international waters and the Strait of Hormuz with its tracking system switched on, "without any concealment."
Entertainment
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Entertainment
What happened to influencer Clavicular?
Controversial influencer Clavicular said he is home from the hospital after his livestream abruptly ended on Tuesday night. CBS News' Matt Gutman reports and The Free Press' River Page has more.
Jury: Live Nation, Ticketmaster act as monopoly
A jury on Wednesday found that Live Nation and Ticketmaster operated as an illegal monopoly over big concert venues. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson breaks down the case.
Ramy Youssef on new comedy special
Golden Globe-winning actor and comedian Ramy Youssef talks about his new comedy special, "Ramy Youssef: In Love," which tackles topics like AI and religion but through a "lens of love." He explains his inspiration and how he includes personal stories about his family and marriage.
Ronda Rousey on return to MMA
After nearly a decade away from MMA, Ronda Rousey talks to "CBS Mornings" about her return and upcoming fight against another trailblazer, Gina Carano.
Inside the creation of "Front Porch Freestyles"
What started off as a simple way to promote music with some impromptu freestyling back in 2017 has turned into a critically acclaimed series showcasing artists big and small. Photojournalist Parrish Smith met the Washington, D.C., artist and crew behind the increasingly popular musical showcase "Front Porch Freestyles."
Technology
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Technology
New report on utility companies and AI
U.S. utility companies are planning to invest $1.4 trillion over the next five years to help strengthen the nation's power grid, according to a new report released Tuesday by the nonpartisan nonprofit consumer education organization PowerLines. CBS News MoneyWatch reporter Megan Cerullo has more details.
Maine lawmakers pass rule on data centers
Lawmakers in Maine passed a temporary ban on new, large data centers in the state this week. If Gov. Janet Mills signs the legislation, the state will become the first to ban data centers. Daniel Kool, a cost-of-living reporter for the Portland Press Herald, joins CBS News 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.
Sneaker company Allbirds pivots to AI
Footwear company Allbirds announced Wednesday it will stop making fabric sneakers and become an artificial intelligence company, sending its stock price soaring by more than 600%. Yahoo Finance senior reporter Brooke DiPalma joins CBS News to discuss.
New study researches AI and medical questions
A new study found that a substantial amount of medical information provided by five popular artificial intelligence-driven chatbots is inaccurate and incomplete. One of the authors of the study, Nick Tiller joins "The Daily Report" 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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Crime
Mamdani bomb attempt suspects plead not guilty
The men suspected of throwing homemade bombs into a crowd of New York City protesters in March pleaded not guilty to terrorism charges on Wednesday. CBS News' Anna Schecter has the latest.
Suspect in shooting of 7-month-old in court
The suspect accused of fatally shooting a 7-month-old Brooklyn girl is in court Wednesday for arraignment. CBS News New York's Christina Fan has the latest.
U.K. police hunt for 2 suspects in attempted arson attack on synagogue
London police are looking for two people who threw bottles likely containing gasoline at a North London synagogue in what's being treating as an "antisemitic hate crime."
New video shows Oklahoma high school principal tackling gunman
Seconds after a gunman opened fire at an Oklahoma high school, the school's principal was seen racing into the hallway, pushing the suspect onto a bench and holding him down.
U.S. YouTuber gets 6 months in South Korean prison for offensive stunts
A Seoul court found Ramsey Khalid Ismael, a self-proclaimed online "troll" known as Johnny Somali, guilty of multiple charges.
Space
More Space
"God of chaos" asteroid will pass close to Earth in 3 years, NASA says
People on the ground in the Eastern Hemisphere will be able to observe the asteroid with their own eyes, weather permitting, according to NASA.
Artemis II astronauts welcomed home to Houston after historic moonshot
The Artemis II astronauts flew back to the Johnson Space Center in Houston Saturday to cheers and applause from family members and hundreds of NASA workers.
9 highlights from Artemis II's epic journey around the moon
The Artemis II crew's nine-day moon mission set a record for the farthest any human has ever traveled from Earth. Here's a look at the key moments.
Artemis II crew splashes down to end historic moon mission
NASA's Artemis II astronauts returned to Earth with a splashdown landing in the Pacific Ocean after making a high-speed reentry through the atmosphere.
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.
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
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Latest CBS News Videos
Mom of teen killed by St. Louis police speaks out
Emeshyon Wilkins was shot and killed by a St. Louis police officer nearly two years ago. His mother, Shaina, says she's still searching for answers and accountability.
Harry and Meghan face some Australian backlash
Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, are facing some backlash in Australia over their visit to the continent. CBS News royal contributor Amanda Foreman joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
New report on utility companies and AI
U.S. utility companies are planning to invest $1.4 trillion over the next five years to help strengthen the nation's power grid, according to a new report released Tuesday by the nonpartisan nonprofit consumer education organization PowerLines. CBS News MoneyWatch reporter Megan Cerullo has more details.
What happened to influencer Clavicular?
Controversial influencer Clavicular said he is home from the hospital after his livestream abruptly ended on Tuesday night. CBS News' Matt Gutman reports and The Free Press' River Page has more.
Trump: China agreed not to send Iran weapons
President Trump said Wednesday that China has agreed not to send weapons to Iran. Phelim Kine, the China and Indo-Pacific Affairs correspondent at Politico, joins "The Daily Report" with more.