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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.
DOJ's call for resources in Minnesota includes military attorneys, auditors
The Justice Dept. is calling for resources to be sent to Minnesota as it expands its fraud investigation in the state.
Trump touts policies aimed at promoting homeownership in Davos speech
President Trump said his plans for boosting home affordability are already helping, but stopped short of providing details.
Trump backs off from tariff threat over Greenland
President Trump said he will not be imposing tariffs against European countries over their objections to his efforts to acquire Greenland.
Ryanair CEO on Elon Musk: "I suspect he's a bigger idiot than me"
Budget airline Ryanair launches "big idiot" fare promotion after CEO Michael O'Leary and Elon Musk trade insults.
Supreme Court seems likely to let Lisa Cook keep job on Fed Board
President Trump moved to fire Lisa Cook from the Federal Reserve Board of Governors last August. Courts have so far allowed her to continue serving in her role while litigation continues.
MoneyWatch
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Trump touts policies aimed at promoting homeownership in Davos speech
President Trump said his plans for boosting home affordability are already helping, but stopped short of providing details.
Ryanair CEO on Elon Musk: "I suspect he's a bigger idiot than me"
Budget airline Ryanair launches "big idiot" fare promotion after CEO Michael O'Leary and Elon Musk trade insults.
Ford recalls some 119,000 vehicles due to engine block heater fire risk, NHTSA says
Ford is recalling roughly 119,000 vehicles because their engine block heaters have a defect that increases the risk of fire, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says.
Ex-flight attendant got hundreds of free flights posing as pilot, DOJ says
A former flight attendant for a Canadian airline posed as a commercial pilot and as a current flight attendant to obtain hundreds of free flights from U.S. airlines, authorities said.
These are the best places to work in 2026, according to Glassdoor
A car wash chain beat out bigger employers such as Google and Nvidia to take the top spot as the best place to work in 2026.
Politics
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DOJ's call for resources in Minnesota includes military attorneys, auditors
The Justice Dept. is calling for resources to be sent to Minnesota as it expands its fraud investigation in the state.
Trump touts policies aimed at promoting homeownership in Davos speech
President Trump said his plans for boosting home affordability are already helping, but stopped short of providing details.
Trump backs off from tariff threat over Greenland
President Trump said he will not be imposing tariffs against European countries over their objections to his efforts to acquire Greenland.
What to know about Trump's "Board of Peace"
The "Board of Peace" was first announced as part of the peace plan for Gaza. President Trump has recently suggested that its work could extend more broadly.
Supreme Court seems likely to let Lisa Cook keep job on Fed Board
President Trump moved to fire Lisa Cook from the Federal Reserve Board of Governors last August. Courts have so far allowed her to continue serving in her role while litigation continues.
HealthWatch
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Measles cases surge in South Carolina as U.S. risks elimination status
An infectious disease physician and former CDC official said he does not "have faith" that the U.S. is "handling measles very well."
Tylenol not linked to autism, new study shows
A review of studies published in The Lancet found no link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism, contradicting the Trump administration's recent claims.
Woman gets her life back after rare transplant: "Prepared for the worst"
Lacy Cornelius Boyd needed IV nutrition and an ileostomy bag after a devastating car crash. A rare transplant was her only option.
Study finds no link between Tylenol and autism
A new analysis of dozens of peer-reviewed medical studies found no link between the use of Tylenol during pregnancy and diagnoses of autism, ADHD or intellectual disabilities in children.
New study: Tylenol in pregnancy is not linked to autism or ADHD
"It's as definitive as we're going to get," CBS News medical contributor Dr. Céline Gounder said of the new research, which found no connection between Tylenol and autism or ADHD.
World
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Trump touts policies aimed at promoting homeownership in Davos speech
President Trump said his plans for boosting home affordability are already helping, but stopped short of providing details.
Trump backs off from tariff threat over Greenland
President Trump said he will not be imposing tariffs against European countries over their objections to his efforts to acquire Greenland.
What to know about Trump's "Board of Peace"
The "Board of Peace" was first announced as part of the peace plan for Gaza. President Trump has recently suggested that its work could extend more broadly.
World is entering era of "water bankruptcy," U.N. report warns
Water sources are being depleted faster than they can be restored, according to a new report from United Nations researchers.
World's oldest cave art — the outline of a hand — found in Indonesia
The fingers of one of the hands were "retouched to become pointed like claws," the study's co-author said.
Entertainment
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Prince Harry says U.K. tabloid court battle is "not just about me"
Prince Harry struck a combative tone as he testified in his lawsuit against the Daily Mail's publisher.
Judge releases Busfield as he awaits trial
An Albuquerque judge denied the state's request to detain actor Timothy Busfield while he awaits trial. Busfield, who has denied the allegations, is accused of inappropriately touching two young boys while directing the TV series, "The Cleaning Lady."
David Beckham responds amid family feud
Brooklyn Beckham, the oldest son of David and Victoria Beckham, accused his parents in a social media statement of trying to undermine his marriage and of valuing "public promotion" over family. David Beckham acknowledged the allegations and responded, saying, "they make mistakes. Children are allowed to make mistakes." Adriana Diaz has more.
Songwriters Hall of Fame inductees announced
"CBS Mornings" exclusively announces the newest inductees to the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Anthony Mason reports.
Exclusive
2026 Songwriters Hall of Fame inductees revealed on "CBS Mornings"
The 2026 Songwriters Hall of Fame inductees were revealed on "CBS Mornings" on Wednesday. See the full list.
Technology
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Technology
Nonprofit helps to cut down on screen time
On average, young people between the ages of 8 and 18 spend about 7.5 hours a day on their screens, not including school work. A growing nonprofit is trying to change that alarming trend. The Balance Project focuses on delaying the use of smartphones for kids and encouraging more time with friends and independent play outside. Meg Oliver shows how.
Almanac: January 18
"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.
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.
Palantir develops app to help ICE: 404 Media
A new investigative report by 404 Media says ICE agents have a new high-tech way to zero in on neighborhoods to raid. The report says it's an app called Elite, powered by Palantir. Joseph Cox, an investigative journalist at 404 Media, discusses his reporting on CBS News.
OpenAI to start testing ads on ChatGPT in the coming weeks
The ads will appear at the bottom of the chat window on the free and low-subscription versions of ChatGPT, OpenAI said Friday in a blog post.
Science
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Science
Almanac: January 18
"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.
Fossils found at Dinosaur National Monument, first excavation in 100 years
The Dinosaur National Monument, which is located on the border between Colorado and Utah, was last excavated in 1924.
Dogs can learn by eavesdropping: study
Have you ever wondered if your dog is eavesdropping on you? A new study published in the Journal of Science found that some dogs are not only listening, but are also learning words. Lead scientist Dr. Shany Dror joins CBS News to discuss.
Fossils found in cave shed light on where our species emerged
Fossilized bones and teeth dating to 773,000 years ago are providing a deeper understanding of the emergence of Homo sapiens.
The history and mystery of kissing
If you rang in the new year with a kiss, you took part in a tradition millions of years in the making. Scientists now say the origins of kissing go back much farther than most think. CBS News' Tina Kraus has more.
Crime
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Florida Keys boat captain accused of selling cocaine found at sea
A charter boat captain in the Florida Keys was arrested for allegedly selling cocaine that was reportedly found at sea, authorities said.
Judge releases Busfield as he awaits trial
An Albuquerque judge denied the state's request to detain actor Timothy Busfield while he awaits trial. Busfield, who has denied the allegations, is accused of inappropriately touching two young boys while directing the TV series, "The Cleaning Lady."
Trump admits ICE may make mistakes
President Trump commented on ICE raids in the U.S. as the Justice Department served subpoenas for multiple Democratic officials in Minnesota. CBS News' Camilo Montoya-Galvez reports.
Suspect in "Colonial Parkway murders" linked to more cold-case killings
The suspect in the "Colonial Parkway murders" that shook Virginia in the 1980s has been linked to 2 more of the killings, investigators announced.
Synthetic drug ring busted in "largest-ever operation" of its kind
Authorities dismantled 24 industrial-scale labs and seized around 1,000 tons of chemicals used to make street drugs such as MDMA, amphetamine and meth.
Space
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Space
More on Virgin Galactic all-female space crew
Virgin Galactic is sending its first all-female crew to space. Kellie Gerardi, who is leading the crew, joins "CBS News 24/7 Mornings" to discuss the goals of the mission.
NASA's Artemis II mission clears big hurdle
Inch by inch, NASA's Artemis II moon rocket lumbered along its four-mile commute from the Vehicle Assembly Building to launch pad 39-B. Mark Strassmann is at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida with more.
NASA hauls Artemis II moon rocket to launch pad for February flight
Four Artemis II astronauts plan to fly around the moon and back next month, traveling farther from Earth than any humans before them.
NASA begins Artemis II rollout to launchpad
NASA is beginning its rollout of its Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft as preparations for the Artemis II mission enter their final stage.
NASA moon rocket ready for trip to launch pad
Depending on the timing, NASA could launch a fresh crew to the space station while four other astronauts are flying around the moon.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2025
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
Trump enacted several pillars of Project 2025
President Trump distanced himself from Project 2025 when he returned to office a year ago, but his administration has rolled out policies that closely align with many of its pillars. Alex Gangitano, White House reporter for Politico, joined CBS News to discuss.
Inside look at SCOTUS arguments on Lisa Cook
The Supreme Court seemed likely to let Lisa Cook keep her job on the Federal Reserve Board of Governors as they heard arguments in the case Wednesday. CBS News chief legal correspondent Jan Crawford has more.
Trump says he has "framework" of Greenland deal
President Trump announced on Wednesday that he has "formed the framework of a future deal" regarding Greenland after speaking with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes has the latest.
Kentucky Gov. Beshear on Trump Davos remarks
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear attended the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, and denounced President Trump's remarks, in which he demanded the U.S. acquisition of Greenland and questioned the NATO alliance and the future of Europe. Beshear spoke to CBS News' Ed O'Keefe about Mr. Trump's comments, which he made before several European leaders.
Glassdoor names best places to work in 2026
An Indiana car wash chain, Crew Carwash, was named by Glassdoor as the best place to work in 2026. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul has more on the rankings.