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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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Cyberattack shutters Canvas learning platform for schools across the U.S.
A system that thousands of schools and universities use was offline due to a cyberattack.
USPS proposal would allow handguns to be sent through the mail
The Justice Department argues the patchwork of state laws around guns makes it difficult to take them across state lines for lawful purposes like target shooting, hunting and self-defense.
Exclusive
Spencer Pratt compares his fledgling political career to Obama's national rise
Spencer Pratt has said he was compelled to launch his unlikely mayoral run after his home was destroyed in last year's devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
Federal judge finds DOGE's elimination of humanities grants "unlawful"
Three of the nation's major scholarly groups challenged the Trump administration's cuts to humanities grants.
U.S. trade court rules against Trump's 10% tariffs
The tariffs were put in place in February, days after the Supreme Court struck down President Trump's previous round of sweeping "Liberation Day" tariffs.
MoneyWatch
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U.S. trade court rules against Trump's 10% tariffs
The tariffs were put in place in February, days after the Supreme Court struck down President Trump's previous round of sweeping "Liberation Day" tariffs.
Can AI help you figure out how much money you need to retire?
As more people turn to chatbots for financial advice, experts say AI offers both pros and cons for retirement planning. Here's what to know.
AI is as a top cause of layoffs, accounting for 26% of April's job cuts
New data shows artificial intelligence is the most cited reason for layoffs, even as economists debate whether it is truly displacing workers.
Snack mixes recalled due to possible Salmonella contamination
Mexican street corn-inspired trail mix made by Illinois food company was sold at Target and other retailers, as well as online.
Trump promised cheaper drugs. Some prices dropped. Many others shot up.
Since his second term started, President Trump has introduced a flurry of initiatives aimed at taming the excesses of the pharmaceutical industry.
Politics
More Politics
Accused WHCD shooter seeks to disqualify Pirro, Blanche because they attended event
Attorneys for accused White House Correspondents' Dinner shooter Cole Allen asked a judge to disqualify Jeanine Pirro and other senior Justice Department leaders from the case because they were present during the incident.
USPS proposal would allow handguns to be sent through the mail
The Justice Department argues the patchwork of state laws around guns makes it difficult to take them across state lines for lawful purposes like target shooting, hunting and self-defense.
Exclusive
Spencer Pratt compares his fledgling political career to Obama's national rise
Spencer Pratt has said he was compelled to launch his unlikely mayoral run after his home was destroyed in last year's devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
Federal judge finds DOGE's elimination of humanities grants "unlawful"
Three of the nation's major scholarly groups challenged the Trump administration's cuts to humanities grants.
U.S. trade court rules against Trump's 10% tariffs
The tariffs were put in place in February, days after the Supreme Court struck down President Trump's previous round of sweeping "Liberation Day" tariffs.
HealthWatch
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HealthWatch
5 states monitoring hantavirus ship passengers
After almost a full day of sailing, the hantavirus-stricken cruise ship is slowly closing in on its destination, about 600 nautical miles away from Spain's Canary Islands. Tom Hanson has more details, and Dr. Jon LaPook has more about the virus.
What we know about hantavirus cases tied to deadly cruise ship outbreak
Health officials have identified at least eight confirmed or suspected cases of hantavirus tied to an outbreak on the M/V Hondius cruise ship.
5 states monitoring passengers who departed ship stricken by hantavirus
American passengers who left the MV Hondius cruise ship in April are being monitored for hantavirus in at least five states, health officials said.
Snack mixes recalled due to possible Salmonella contamination
Mexican street corn-inspired trail mix made by Illinois food company was sold at Target and other retailers, as well as online.
Trump promised cheaper drugs. Some prices dropped. Many others shot up.
Since his second term started, President Trump has introduced a flurry of initiatives aimed at taming the excesses of the pharmaceutical industry.
World
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U.S. strikes 2 Iranian ports as American warships come under fire
Three U.S. Navy destroyers transiting the Strait of Hormuz came under attack on Thursday, and the U.S. struck on two Iranian ports abutting the strait, putting into question an increasingly fragile U.S.-Iran ceasefire.
What we know about hantavirus cases tied to deadly cruise ship outbreak
Health officials have identified at least eight confirmed or suspected cases of hantavirus tied to an outbreak on the M/V Hondius cruise ship.
Is the Iranian regime really in a "state of collapse" as Trump claims?
As Trump pushes for a deal with an Iranian regime he portrays as deeply fractured, analysts say power in Tehran may be shifting, but that doesn't mean disarray.
5 states monitoring passengers who departed ship stricken by hantavirus
American passengers who left the MV Hondius cruise ship in April are being monitored for hantavirus in at least five states, health officials said.
Dozens of cocaine packages seized in Pacific, 11 rescued from shipwreck
The Mexican navy helped rescue shipwrecked sailors and retrieve bales of illicit drugs that had been dumped into the ocean.
Entertainment
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Exclusive
Spencer Pratt compares his fledgling political career to Obama's national rise
Spencer Pratt has said he was compelled to launch his unlikely mayoral run after his home was destroyed in last year's devastating Los Angeles wildfires.
Surprising "Survivor" tribal council ceremony
(Warning: Spoilers ahead!) "CBS Mornings" reveals details of the latest "Survivor 50" episode and elimination ceremony, which had another surprise for the castaways.
Exclusive preview of "I Will Find You"
"CBS Mornings" has an exclusive preview of the new Netflix series "I Will Find You," which is based on Harlan Coben's 2023 novel. Coben, who is also an executive producer on the series, talks about what inspired the story and how closely he worked on the Netflix adaptation.
Documentary explores maternal healthcare
Christy Turlington Burns, the founder and president of the nonprofit "Every Mother Counts," speaks about her new documentary, which explores the state of maternal healthcare following the end of Roe v. Wade. She discusses the different risks for women and why this is personal for her.
How Ted Turner transformed media
Ted Turner, who died on Wednesday at age 87, was a global media titan. Amol Sharma, a financial editor for The Wall Street Journal, joins CBS News with more insight.
Technology
More Technology
Cyberattack shutters Canvas learning platform for schools across the U.S.
A system that thousands of schools and universities use was offline due to a cyberattack.
Can AI help you figure out how much money you need to retire?
As more people turn to chatbots for financial advice, experts say AI offers both pros and cons for retirement planning. Here's what to know.
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.
Google unveils screenless Fitbit
Fitness trackers started as devices for measuring workouts, but now they are designed for 24/7 monitoring and the passive collection of health data. Fitbit announced its latest device, called the Fitbit Air, to compete with other screenless trackers like the Whoop. Tech journalist Lexi Savvides joins CBS News with more.
Former OpenAI board members testify in trial
The high-stakes OpenAI trial pitting tech giants Elon Musk and Sam Altman against each other is wrapping up its second week with testimony from former board members. Ashley Gold, Axios senior tech policy reporter, joins CBS News to discuss.
Science
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Mysterious world beyond Pluto may have atmosphere, study says
If confirmed, the rock would become just the second world past Neptune in our solar system to host an atmosphere.
Bill Nye on the Artemis II moon mission
Bill Nye The Science Guy, the chief ambassador of The Planetary Society, joins CBS News 24/7 Mornings with more after meeting the Artemis II crew in person after their successful mission around the moon.
Trump administration fires board overseeing National Science Foundation
The Trump administration has fired all 22 current members of an independent board that oversees the National Science Foundation, one dismissed member says.
AI used to reveal face of victim fleeing Mount Vesuvius eruption
Archaeologists found the victim holding a terracotta mortar, which they interpret as an improvised attempt to shield his head.
In a first, endangered orangutan seen using canopy bridge to cross road
Rapid development has been shrinking the jungle habitat of the critically endangered species, and fatal conflicts with people have been increasing.
Crime
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Crime
Mother of missing woman in Bahamas speaks out
The search for Michigan mother Lynette Hooker headed into a fifth week as Coast Guard investigators seek to question the owners of a sailboat that was moored near the Hooker's vessel when she went missing. Cristian Benavides reports.
CBS News finds security gaps at Hilton Hotel
CBS News homeland security correspondent Nicole Sganga returned to the Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C., to better understand the security surrounding the White House Correspondents' Dinner. What she found was a 13-minute gap in security camera coverage in the moments leading up to the shooting.
DOJ yet to authenticate possible Epstein note
A federal judge has made public an apparent suicide note written by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. CBS News' Anna Schecter reports.
Correspondents' dinner shooting analysis
A CBS News team analyzed the security footage of the White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting. Nicole Sganga breaks down what we learned.
Investigation of correspondents' dinner attack
A CBS News visual investigation reveals new details in an alleged assassination attempt on President Trump at this year's White House Correspondents' Dinner.
Space
More Space
Mysterious world beyond Pluto may have atmosphere, study says
If confirmed, the rock would become just the second world past Neptune in our solar system to host an atmosphere.
Artemis crew surprises 5-year-old aspiring astronaut with special gift
The Artemis II team gained a new member, and the crew made sure their youngest teammate had the right stuff for space.
Artemis II crew reveals what snack they ate right after splashdown
The Artemis II astronauts said they actually really enjoyed the space food, but it was a familiar candy they enjoyed after splashing down in the Pacific Ocean.
Artemis II astronauts talk mission toilet troubles: "We made do"
The plumbing issues aboard the Orion capsule became headline news in the early days of the historic Artemis II mission.
Only on CBS
Artemis crew tells kids moon flight was "the best roller coaster ride"
The Artemis II astronauts joined "CBS Mornings" for a live town hall where they took questions from kids just weeks after returning from their historic moon mission.
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
New study on AAPIs and Trump changes
According to a new study from the Asian American Foundation, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are more likely than other Americans to say that recent federal policy changes have negatively impacted their communities. Norman Chen, its CEO, joins "The Daily Report" with more.
Analyzing Trump's efforts to lower drug costs
President Trump has made cutting drug prices a centerpiece of his second term. He's announced deals with major drug companies and launched TrumpRx, where cash-paying patients could find discounted medicines. But a new analysis finds that the reality is more complicated. CBS News medical correspondent Dr. Céline Gounder has more.
Spencer Pratt on his chances of becoming L.A. mayor
The race for Los Angeles mayor is heating up following a spirited first debate on Wednesday night. Spencer Pratt, a registered Republican, spoke with CBS News correspondent Adam Yamaguchi about his campaign in the non-partisan race.
U.S. intercepts Iran attack: CENTCOM
The U.S. confirmed that three of its military vessels came under Iranian fire in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday. According to CENTCOM, no U.S. assets were struck and forces were able to intercept the attack. CBS News national security contributor Sam Vinograd has more.
Man shows how a mistake can become a lesson
Guy Goma walked into a BBC interview for an IT job, but was mistaken for an expert and was rushed on air. Twenty years later, he reflects on how a screw-up can turn into a moment of grace.