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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.
OMB seeks list of federal funding for 14 blue states and D.C., documents show
The Office of Management and Budget is seeking data about federal funding to 14 states and localities led by Democrats, including information from universities, and nonprofits within those states.
General Motors to move Buick Envision SUV production from China to U.S.
GM and other automakers have committed to expand their U.S. manufacturing since the Trump administration imposed tariffs on foreign-made vehicles.
Sen. Klobuchar takes first step in run for Minn. governor, source says
Sen. Amy Klobuchar has made the first steps in a Minnesota gubernatorial campaign, a source close to the senator tells WCCO.
Exclusive
Magistrate judge rejects charges against Don Lemon over church protest
The Justice Dept. suggested independent journalist Don Lemon could be charged after he was seen in video of a protest inside a church in St. Paul on Sunday.
House votes to repeal law allowing senators to sue for $500k, jamming Senate
The House approved an amendment to a must-pass funding package that would repeal a controversial provision that allows senators to sue for $500,000.
MoneyWatch
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General Motors to move Buick Envision SUV production from China to U.S.
GM and other automakers have committed to expand their U.S. manufacturing since the Trump administration imposed tariffs on foreign-made vehicles.
Trump sues JPMorgan Chase, Jamie Dimon for $5B, alleging "political" debanking
JPMorgan Chase says President Trump's lawsuit "has no merit."
Airlines issue travel waivers ahead of winter storm
Airlines are waiving change fees, but passengers are limited in terms of when and where they can rebook travel.
Elon Musk says at Davos that robots will one day outnumber people
The billionaire CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, in his first appearance at Davos, said Tesla could start selling its Optimus robots next year.
Trump officials predict a 2026 economic boom. Here's what experts say.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick predicts that first-quarter economic growth will heat up to 5%. But sustaining that pace won't be easy, economists say.
Politics
More Politics
OMB seeks list of federal funding for 14 blue states and D.C., documents show
The Office of Management and Budget is seeking data about federal funding to 14 states and localities led by Democrats, including information from universities, and nonprofits within those states.
Trump sues JPMorgan Chase, Jamie Dimon for $5B, alleging "political" debanking
JPMorgan Chase says President Trump's lawsuit "has no merit."
Sen. Klobuchar takes first step in run for Minn. governor, source says
Sen. Amy Klobuchar has made the first steps in a Minnesota gubernatorial campaign, a source close to the senator tells WCCO.
Exclusive
Magistrate judge rejects charges against Don Lemon over church protest
The Justice Dept. suggested independent journalist Don Lemon could be charged after he was seen in video of a protest inside a church in St. Paul on Sunday.
House votes to repeal law allowing senators to sue for $500k, jamming Senate
The House approved an amendment to a must-pass funding package that would repeal a controversial provision that allows senators to sue for $500,000.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
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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Accused crime boss "El Botox" arrested in murder of lime growers' leader
Officials said there were 11 arrest orders for "El Botox" for extortion and homicide. He was accused of attacking authorities with explosives.
Elon Musk says at Davos that robots will one day outnumber people
The billionaire CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, in his first appearance at Davos, said Tesla could start selling its Optimus robots next year.
House takes up latest war powers resolution to block Trump in Venezuela
The vote comes a week after the White House peeled off GOP support for a similar measure in the Senate.
What's in Trump's "ultimate long-term deal" on Greenland?
Trump dropped threats to seize Greenland by force and hit allies who oppose a U.S. takeover with tariffs, claiming a deal will give the U.S. what it needs.
Body of swimmer found months after vanishing during race
Five months after Nikolai Svechnikov went missing, authorities confirmed a body was found with "no head, no feet and no arms."
Entertainment
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Entertainment
Jessica Williams talks new "Shrinking" season
Jessica Williams joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss the upcoming season of "Shrinking," which follows a therapist as he navigates life after the loss of his wife. She talks about her character, how her own mental health helps shape the role, and working with Michael J. Fox and Harrison Ford.
Breaking down Oscar nominations
The nominees for the 98th Academy Awards have been revealed. Fandango and Rotten Tomatoes correspondent Erik Davis breaks down the major Oscar categories.
2026 Academy Award snubs and surprises: Who did Oscar leave out?
Among the names missing when the 98th Academy Award nominations were announced were Ariana Grande, George Clooney, Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, and anyone associated with "Wicked: For Good."
Sundance Film Festival opens for its final year in Park City
The celebrated Sundance Film Festival, opening Thursday in Park City, Utah, includes films starring Natalie Portman, Olivia Wilde, Seth Rogen and Charli XCX, plus a wide range of documentaries.
Oscar nominations for 2026 announced. See the full list of nominees here.
The nominees for the 98th annual Academy Awards were announced Thursday morning, and though "One Battle After Another," "Marty Supreme," "Frankenstein" and "Hamnet" were all nominated for plenty, it was "Sinners" that broke through with a record-smashing 16 nominations.
Technology
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Technology
Snapchat's parent company settles lawsuit
Snapchat's parent company, Snap Inc., settled a lawsuit surrounding allegations of social media addiction burdening users. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul reports.
Elon Musk says at Davos that robots will one day outnumber people
The billionaire CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, in his first appearance at Davos, said Tesla could start selling its Optimus robots next year.
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.
YouTube looks to get rid of fake AI videos
YouTube says it wants to get rid of fake AI videos flooding social media feeds on its platform. CBS News MoneyWatch correspondent Kelly O'Grady explains what's driving the change.
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.
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
ICE memo on searches without judicial warrant
A whistleblower complaint revealed that an internal ICE memo authorizes officers to enter homes in some instances without a judicial warrant. CBS News' Camilo Montoya-Galvez explains.
Accused crime boss "El Botox" arrested in murder of lime growers' leader
Officials said there were 11 arrest orders for "El Botox" for extortion and homicide. He was accused of attacking authorities with explosives.
Snapchat's parent company settles lawsuit
Snapchat's parent company, Snap Inc., settled a lawsuit surrounding allegations of social media addiction burdening users. CBS News' Shanelle Kaul reports.
Minnesota corrections official on allegations
The commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Corrections, Paul Schnell, is denying allegations from the Trump administration about dangerous criminals. CBS News' Nicole Sganga reports.
Former Uvalde school officer acquitted
Adrian Gonzales, a former Uvalde school police officer, was acquitted of 29 counts of child abandonment or endangerment over his response during the Robb Elementary School shooting in Texas. CBS News' Omar Villafranca reports.
Space
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Space
More on Virgin Galactic all-female space crew
Virgin Galactic is sending an all-female research team 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
Josh Shapiro on "offensive" VP vetting question
Josh Shapiro, the Democratic governor of Pennsylvania, writes in his upcoming memoir, "Where We Keep the Light," that he was asked during the vetting process to be Kamala Harris' running mate if he had ever been an agent for the Israeli government. He says the questions felt offensive and questioned his loyalty to the country, telling Norah O'Donnell he still does not know whether Harris was aware he was asked — or that he later withdrew himself from consideration. See more of O'Donnell's conversation with Gov. Shapiro on "CBS Sunday Morning" January 25.
U.S. withdrawing from WHO
A year ago this week, President Trump signed an executive order signaling his intention for the U.S. to leave the World Health Organization. Thursday marks the withdrawal date outlined in that order. Dr. Judd Walson, professor at Johns Hopkins University, joined CBS News to discuss.
Vance speaks in Minneapolis amid ICE surge
Vice President JD Vance spoke in Minneapolis on Thursday after attending a roundtable with local leaders and community members about the surge of immigration enforcement officers in the area. Vance defended the administration's actions in the Twin Cities and accused local authorities of noncooperation.
Lawmakers spar during Jack Smith hearing
At a House hearing with former special counsel Jack Smith on Thursday, lawmakers sparred over President Trump's actions during the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
Jack Smith gives opening statement
Former special counsel Jack Smith is testifying before the House Judiciary Committee about his investigations into President Trump under the Biden administration. Smith stood by his actions during the probes and lauded the members of his special counsel team.