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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.
Navy identifies missing sailor after Arabian Sea emergency landing
Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao said in a statement that he has directed that Edwards be posthumously promoted to his selected rank of captain.
U.S. launches strikes against Iran over attacks on 3 ships in Strait of Hormuz
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has over the past two days attacked three commercial vessels that were traveling through the Strait of Hormuz.
Ford recalls 177,000 vehicles over faulty wiper, drivetrain and other issues
A slew of Ford recalls affects some new and used Mustang, Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid and Explorer Hybrid vehicles, according to a federal safety watchdog.
Charlie Kirk murder suspect changed clothes before shooting, agent says
An investigator testified that a video shows Tyler Robinson going over a railing onto a rooftop, crouching down and running to a site overlooking where Charlie Kirk was speaking.
Senate GOP leaders say they've talked with McConnell by phone
The top Republicans in the Senate spoke with the Kentucky Republican by phone this week, according to their spokespeople.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Ford recalls 177,000 vehicles over faulty wiper, drivetrain and other issues
A slew of Ford recalls affects some new and used Mustang, Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid and Explorer Hybrid vehicles, according to a federal safety watchdog.
USPS raising the price of a Forever stamp starting on Sunday
The cost of a first-class Forever stamp has climbed 41% since 2021, and postal officials have signaled they want prices to rise even more.
Nara Organics infant formula linked to another case of botulism
The FDA is urging parents and caregivers to immediately stop using a Nara Organics-brand formula after several infants contracted botulism.
Walmart cuts prices on thousands of items, including beef and soda
President Trump praised Walmart and said the lower prices are the result of "my Administration's request to celebrate our great Country's 250th birthday."
Toyota, in $3.6 billion move, shifting Tacoma production to Texas from Mexico
Toyota is shifting most production of its midsize Tacoma pickup truck from Mexico to the U.S. as part of a $3.6 billion investment in its Texas plant.
Politics
More Politics
U.S. launches strikes against Iran over attacks on 3 ships in Strait of Hormuz
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has over the past two days attacked three commercial vessels that were traveling through the Strait of Hormuz.
Here's how Democrats could pick a new Maine Senate nominee if Platner drops out
Democrats have a brief window of time to replace Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner on the ballot if he drops out of the race amid a sexual assault allegation.
Senate GOP leaders say they've talked with McConnell by phone
The top Republicans in the Senate spoke with the Kentucky Republican by phone this week, according to their spokespeople.
Prosecutors in LA announce charges against Indian syndicate "Bishnoi"
An indictment announced in Los Angeles accuses Lawrence Bishnoi and another defendant of ordering the killing of "H.S.N." — the apparent initials for Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was gunned down on June 18, 2023, near a Sikh temple in Surrey, British Columbia.
Sen. Bernie Sanders says he encouraged Graham Platner to step aside
Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont said Tuesday that he spoke with Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner and recommended that he exit the Senate race.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Nara Organics infant formula linked to another case of botulism
The FDA is urging parents and caregivers to immediately stop using a Nara Organics-brand formula after several infants contracted botulism.
Switching to a cheaper health plan delayed a man's access to vital medicine
A Florida man thought he had carefully planned for a seamless switch between health plans. It was anything but.
"Very unhealthy" pollution levels recorded in D.C. after July 4th fireworks
A "purple" air quality alert was issued for Washington, D.C., and surrounding areas, on Sunday, meaning pollution reached levels considered "very unhealthy."
1 symptom leads to dad's cancer diagnosis: "I was like, 'Wait, what?'"
Eric Dillon thought the pain in his shoulder was a minor injury. It took two years to get the real answer.
Why tick season is expected to be worse than normal
The CDC is reporting the highest rate of emergency room visits from tick bites since 2017 in many parts of the U.S.
World
More World
Navy identifies missing sailor after Arabian Sea emergency landing
Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao said in a statement that he has directed that Edwards be posthumously promoted to his selected rank of captain.
U.S. launches strikes against Iran over attacks on 3 ships in Strait of Hormuz
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has over the past two days attacked three commercial vessels that were traveling through the Strait of Hormuz.
Mexico probing possible U.S. violation in drug lord capture: "Someone lied"
Mexico said it is investigating whether its sovereignty was violated by the United States in the 2024 capture of drug lord Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada.
Rahm Emanuel expected to say Israel needs "significant changes" in speech
Rahm Emanuel is viewed as a potential Democratic presidential candidate and has been a longtime defender of Israel.
U.K. far-right leader Nigel Farage resigns as lawmaker in risky gamble
Populist British lawmaker Nigel Farage has resigned amid a financial scandal, but says he'll run in a snap election to reclaim his seat.
Entertainment
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Prince Harry loses long legal battle against U.K. tabloid publisher
Prince Harry has lost his case against the publisher of the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday tabloids, with the top U.K. court dismissing claims of illegal information gathering.
Common on starring in "Silo" series
Common speaks to "CBS Mornings" about starring in the series "Silo," which is back for a third season. The Oscar, Emmy and Grammy Award winner reveals what drew him to his character. He also discusses recent performances, including at the BET Awards and the opening of the Obama Presidential Center.
Sophie Chen Keller reads "Little Wonder"
Oprah Winfrey selected "Little Wonder" by acclaimed author Sophie Chen Keller as her latest book club pick. Keller reads an excerpt from her novel about an extraordinary journey of hope and love.
Details emerge of Swift-Kelce wedding
The highly anticipated wedding between pop superstar Taylor Swift and Kansas City Chiefs Pro Bowler Travis Kelce took place at Madison Square Garden on Friday. Page Six senior reporter Carlos Greer joins with the emerging details.
AI actor Tilly Norwood set to star in first feature film
AI-generated actor Tilly Norwood is set to star in her first feature film, with her creator saying that "art will be imitating life."
Technology
More Technology
Technology
Satellites search for wildfires from space
FireSat satellites, equipped with specialized cameras and imaging software, are helping detect wildfires from space. Muon Space CEO Jonny Dyer explains how the satellites could help firefighting efforts.
Microsoft to cut more than 3,000 jobs from ailing Xbox unit
Microsoft moves to slash costs as the video game industry faces what the tech giant calls the "most severe hardware crisis in its history."
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.
Why U.S. initially restricted Anthropic AI models
The Trump administration has lifted export restrictions on Anthropic's most advanced artificial intelligence models, Fable and Mythos, after weeks of negotiations over national security concerns. CNET Editor-in-Chief David Katzmaier joins to discuss.
White House lifted AI limits, Anthropic says
Tech giant Anthropic says that the federal government has now removed restrictions from its robust Claude Fable 5 and Mythos 5 models. Axios reporter Madison Mills has more on artificial intelligence regulation.
Science
More Science
2,000-year-old gold rings and human bones found by archaeologists
Archaeologists have discovered eight human skeletons, bronze and gold jewelry and other artifacts indicating a ceremonial burial of wealthy people.
Telescope spots most distant quasars ever discovered
Quasars — the brightest objects in the universe — are powered by supermassive black holes at the heart of early galaxies.
The American innovation that made millions of others possible
From the lightbulb to the airplane, to medical breakthroughs and the internet age, the past 250 years have been defined by America's intrepid intellect.
New White House UFO panel chair speaks out
The White House appointed former Harvard University astronomer Avi Loeb to lead its new panel on Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena, also known as UAPs and UFOs. Loeb shares his enthusiasm for his new role.
3 futurists predict what America will be like in the centuries ahead
From space to healthcare and artificial intelligence, what could the next 250 years of the United States look like?
Crime
More Crime
Mexico probing possible U.S. violation in drug lord capture: "Someone lied"
Mexico said it is investigating whether its sovereignty was violated by the United States in the 2024 capture of drug lord Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada.
Charlie Kirk murder suspect in court
Charlie Kirk's alleged killer, Tyler Robinson, is back in a Utah court for a preliminary hearing. CBS News' Katrina Kaufman has more details.
Ex-college hoops star accused of posing as other people in $2.2M scam
Kerr Kriisa posed as other people and falsely claimed he and his family urgently needed money to deal with an emergency, the indictment says.
Democrats tell Platner to leave Senate race
Democratic leadership is pushing Maine's Graham Platner to remove himself from the Senate race after a former partner accused Platner of sexual assault. CBS News' Caitlin Huey-Burns has the latest details.
Prosecutors present case against Kirk suspect
Prosecutors in Utah began presenting their case on Monday against Tyler Robinson, who is accused of killing Charlie Kirk, during a five-day preliminary hearing. Prosecutors are aiming to prove they have enough evidence to move forward with a murder trial against Robinson, who has not yet entered a plea. Carter Evans reports.
Space
More Space
Telescope spots most distant quasars ever discovered
Quasars — the brightest objects in the universe — are powered by supermassive black holes at the heart of early galaxies.
Mission launched to rescue a falling space telescope
Katalyst Space's LINK spacecraft is designed to capture and boost NASA's Swift observatory back to a safe altitude.
NASA astronauts operate on space station's broken robot arm
The orbital surgery on the International Space Station returned the Canadian-built robot arm to full health after its "wrist" joint failed last month.
NASA prepares to launch rescue to save telescope from falling to Earth
The $30 million salvage operation gets underway as soon as this week with the planned launch of a robotic lifesaver.
Astronomers find 2 gigantic planets lighter than cotton candy
The featherweight pair — orbiting a star 1,110 light-years away — are the biggest exoplanets found to have less density than cotton candy.
Latest Galleries
More Latest Galleries
Celebrations at Obama Presidential Center
The Obama Presidential Center, museum and library opens in Chicago with a star-studded grand opening ceremony and public watch party on Midway Plaisance.
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.
Summer music highlights of 2026
Summer is the time to enjoy live music, indoors and out. Scroll through our gallery of some of 2026's leading musical acts, featuring images by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
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
Podcast on N. Korean IT workers in U.S. firms
Award-winning podcast "To Catch a Thief" is returning with a look at how North Korean IT workers are getting hired as remote developers in U.S. companies. Nicole Perlroth, host of the podcast, joins CBS News to discuss her reporting.
U.S. conducting retaliatory strikes against Iran
The U.S. on Tuesday launched retaliatory strikes on Iran in response to attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz. CBS News national security analyst Aaron MacLean joins to discuss.
What we know about unstable Manhattan building
Hundreds of people evacuated a section of Midtown Manhattan on Tuesday morning after firefighters found buckling columns and sagging floor conditions in a 37-story building under construction. Officials said there were no injuries. Here's what we know so far.
Officials: Unstable Manhattan building not moving
People were forced to evacuate several buildings in Midtown Manhattan on Tuesday morning after bricks started falling from the 21st floor of a 37-story building. CBS News correspondent Lilia Luciano has the latest.
Latest on calls for Platner to end campaign
Democrats are urging Graham Platner to drop out of Maine's Senate race over allegations that he raped a woman he dated five years ago while drunk. Platner calls the accusation "categorically false." Dan Merica, anchor of the Washington Post's "Early Brief" newsletter, joins CBS News to discuss.