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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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Jet donated by Qatar could start serving as Trump's new Air Force One this summer
President Trump could start flying in a plane donated by Qatar as early as this summer, as the U.S. Air Force confirms it will deliver the refurbished jumbo jet for use as Air Force One within months.
Death of Cuban immigrant in ICE custody in Texas ruled a homicide, autopsy finds
Geraldo Lunas Campos died following an altercation with guards at Camp East Montana, a tent facility on the grounds of Fort Bliss.
FCC says TV talk shows must offer equal time to political candidates
The FCC is warning that daytime talk shows and late-night programs must give equal time to opposing political candidates, taking aim at a genre of TV that has long drawn President Trump's ire.
Minnesota official denies DHS claim that the state is releasing dangerous criminals
Paul Schnell, Minnesota's corrections commissioner, rejects DHS' claims that state authorities have been releasing hundreds of dangerous criminals, rather than turning them over to ICE.
St. Paul mayor says city's Hmong community "afraid to leave their homes" due to ICE
St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her, a Hmong American who represents the city with the largest concentration of Hmong in the U.S., says fear of immigration enforcement has driven naturalized U.S. citizens to hide in their homes.
MoneyWatch
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Wealth inequality in America just hit its widest gap in 3 decades
Nearly one-third of U.S. household wealth was held by the top 1% in the third quarter of 2025.
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.
Politics
More Politics
Jet donated by Qatar could start serving as Trump's new Air Force One this summer
President Trump could start flying in a plane donated by Qatar as early as this summer, as the U.S. Air Force confirms it will deliver the refurbished jumbo jet for use as Air Force One within months.
Death of Cuban immigrant in ICE custody in Texas ruled a homicide, autopsy finds
Geraldo Lunas Campos died following an altercation with guards at Camp East Montana, a tent facility on the grounds of Fort Bliss.
FCC says TV talk shows must offer equal time to political candidates
The FCC is warning that daytime talk shows and late-night programs must give equal time to opposing political candidates, taking aim at a genre of TV that has long drawn President Trump's ire.
Minnesota official denies DHS claim that the state is releasing dangerous criminals
Paul Schnell, Minnesota's corrections commissioner, rejects DHS' claims that state authorities have been releasing hundreds of dangerous criminals, rather than turning them over to ICE.
Loss of measles-free status would be "cost of doing business," new CDC deputy says
After a year of ongoing measles outbreaks that have sickened more than 2,400 people, the United States is poised to lose its status as a measles-free country.
HealthWatch
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Loss of measles-free status would be "cost of doing business," new CDC deputy says
After a year of ongoing measles outbreaks that have sickened more than 2,400 people, the United States is poised to lose its status as a measles-free country.
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.
World
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Trump repeats false or exaggerated claims about Greenland as he pushes for U.S. ownership
President Trump has exaggerated threats to Greenland from Russia and China and downplayed the country's current defenses, according to local officials and experts on the Arctic.
3 journalists killed in Gaza, including cameraman who worked with CBS News
An Israeli airstrike killed three journalists in Gaza on Wednesday, the territory's civil defense agency said. One of those killed, Abed Shaat, had worked for years as a cameraman for CBS News and other outlets.
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.
Entertainment
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FCC says TV talk shows must offer equal time to political candidates
The FCC is warning that daytime talk shows and late-night programs must give equal time to opposing political candidates, taking aim at a genre of TV that has long drawn President Trump's ire.
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.
Technology
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Technology
Tech leaders discuss future of AI in Davos
Tech leaders have taken the stage this week at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, to discuss how AI will impact jobs. Bloomberg News reporter Sarah Frier joins CBS News with more.
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.
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.
Almanac: January 18
"Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.
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.
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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Crime
Suspect in murder of Ohio couple extradited
A Chicago man accused of murdering his ex-wife and her husband arrived in Ohio on Wednesday to face charges. CBS News correspondent Nicole Valdes has the latest on the investigation.
Jury deliberates in former Uvalde cop's case
A Texas jury began deliberations on Wednesday in the trial of the former police officer who is charged over his response to the 2022 Uvalde school shooting. CBS News correspondent Omar Villafranca reports.
Internal memo authorizes ICE to enter homes without judicial warrants in some cases
ICE authorized its officers to enter homes without judicial warrants in the cases of people with deportation orders, a sweeping reversal of longstanding rules, according to a whistleblower complaint.
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."
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
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
100-year-old joins grandkid's 100th day of school
With many kindergarteners celebrating the 100th day of school by bringing 100 things to class, one little girl in Georgia brought just one very special thing -- her 100-year-old great-grandfather. Tony Dokoupil has the story.
Prince Harry testifies against Daily Mail
Prince Harry testified for hours in a London courtroom as part of his yearslong battle with British tabloids. Elizabeth Palmer has more.
Cameraman who worked for CBS News killed in Gaza
An Israeli airstrike killed three journalists in Gaza, the territory's civil defense agency said. One of those killed, Abed Shaat, had worked for years as a cameraman for CBS News and other outlets.
Justices appear skeptical of Lisa Cook firing
Embattled Federal Reserve Board Governor Lisa Cook's fight to stay on the job got a boost as Supreme Court justices appeared skeptical of President Trump's efforts to fire her. Jan Crawford has the latest.
Trump backs off tariff threats over Greenland
President Trump said he will not be imposing tariffs against European countries over their objections to his efforts to acquire Greenland, revealing he and the secretary-general of NATO reached "the framework of a future deal" regarding the island. Ed O'Keefe reports and Margaret Brennan has analysis.