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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.
Kia recalling almost 463,000 Tellurides that may catch fire in motion or parked
Kia America is recalling almost 463,000 Telluride SUVs from the 2020-2024 model years that could catch fire while being driven or parked, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says.
Analysis: Some of largest ICE facilities haven't been inspected in over a year
Detention facilities are now inspected every year or every other year rather than twice a year, a CBS News analysis of inspection reports found.
1 year after Supreme Court limited broad injunctions, groups see shifting landscape
More than one year after the Supreme Court restricted the use of nationwide injunctions, groups challenging President Trump's agenda have relied on other mechanisms to broadly block his policies.
Second Memphis fatal shooting in 4 days by federal task force, officials say
A member of a federal crime-fighting task force in Memphis shot and killed a man there on Wednesday, the second fatal shooting by a task force member in four days.
What to know about "explosive" diarrhea-causing parasite reported in several states
Michigan is experiencing its largest outbreak of a parasitic infection, called cyclosporiasis, that causes severe diarrhea.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Kia recalling almost 463,000 Tellurides that may catch fire in motion or parked
Kia America is recalling almost 463,000 Telluride SUVs from the 2020-2024 model years that could catch fire while being driven or parked, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says.
A Florida airport is now named after Trump, with old airport code still used for now
Palm Beach International Airport officially became Donald J. Trump International Airport on Thursday, but the airport's code won't change for another 40 days.
Judge orders release of over $5 million due to E. Jean Carroll in Trump case
The damages were awarded to Carroll, a writer, by a 2023 jury in a civil sexual abuse and defamation case.
White House announces "Freedom Fuel" gas station selling $3.47 gasoline
The Freedom Fuel Network is offering gasoline for more than 30 cents a gallon below the national average.
Stocks slide, oil surges after Trump says Iran ceasefire is over
Oil prices jumped 6% while U.S. stocks fell as renewed Middle East conflict threatens crude shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.
Politics
More Politics
A Florida airport is now named after Trump, with old airport code still used for now
Palm Beach International Airport officially became Donald J. Trump International Airport on Thursday, but the airport's code won't change for another 40 days.
1 year after Supreme Court limited broad injunctions, groups see shifting landscape
More than one year after the Supreme Court restricted the use of nationwide injunctions, groups challenging President Trump's agenda have relied on other mechanisms to broadly block his policies.
Graham Platner suspends Maine Senate campaign after sexual assault allegation
Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner is suspending his campaign against GOP Sen. Susan Collins, after a woman accused him of sexually assaulting her five years ago.
NASA chief flew private military jets over D.C. for July 4th despite FAA disapproval
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman flew private military jets over D.C. in a flyover Saturday — with Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche as a passenger — despite safety objections from the FAA.
Suspect's roommate in Charlie Kirk killing given immunity for recorded statements
Prosecutors revealed that the roommate of the man accused of assassinating Charlie Kirk was given "use immunity" in exchange for providing recorded video statements to investigators about the case.
HealthWatch
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What to know about "explosive" diarrhea-causing parasite reported in several states
Michigan is experiencing its largest outbreak of a parasitic infection, called cyclosporiasis, that causes severe diarrhea.
What to know about infant botulism
A fourth infant was hospitalized for botulism linked to Nara Organics baby formula, and the FDA is now expanding its investigation. Dr. Céline Gounder has the latest.
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."
World
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Ex-commander convicted over submarine implosion that killed 44
Claudio Villamide was convicted over the 2017 implosion of the ARA San Juan in the South Atlantic.
Live
Iran, U.S. ramp up tit-for-tat strikes ahead of slain leader's burial
Iran's former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is being buried amid an escalating exchange of fire on the 132nd day of the war.
Cartel violence hits World Cup despite warnings: "Getting massacred"
The attacks came as Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has spent months grappling with how to address endemic criminal violence in Mexico.
June was the hottest on record for Western Europe, second hottest globally
A new report by the Copernicus Climate Change Service also found that June temperatures in Western Europe were nearly 5.5 degrees above average.
U.S. military launches second night of strikes against Iran
The U.S. military launched another round of strikes against Iran late Wednesday night, U.S. Central Command said, in the second night of attacks as diplomacy between the two countries appears to collapse.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
The War and Treaty performs "Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay"
The War and Treaty performs their cover of "Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay" at the historic Woolworth Theatre in Nashville.
Zac Brown Band performs "Free"
The Zac Brown Band performs "Free" as America rings in its 250th birthday.
Bonnie Tyler, who sang "Total Eclipse of the Heart," dies at 75
Bonnie Tyler, the Welsh pop star best known for singing the chart-topping power ballad "Total Eclipse of the Heart" in 1983, has died. She was 75.
Goo Goo Dolls perform "Slide"
The Goo Goo Dolls perform their hit song "Slide" as America rings in its 250th birthday
The War and Treaty performs "Litty"
The War and Treaty performs "Litty" from their new album "The Story of Michael and Tanya" at the historic Woolworth Theatre in Nashville.
Technology
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China warns of "security backdoor" in Anthropic AI coding tool
A Chinese industry regulator warned users of a "security backdoor" embedded in versions of U.S. artificial intelligence company Anthropic's coding tool, Claude Code.
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.
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.
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."
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.
Science
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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
Crime
Details emerge on Houston man shot by ICE
More details are emerging on the shooting of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a Mexican national who was killed by ICE on his way to work Tuesday. The agency said Salgado Araujo, who his family said has lived and worked in the U.S. for decades, rammed a car while attempting to evade arrest. Jason Allen has the latest.
Ex-commander convicted over submarine implosion that killed 44
Claudio Villamide was convicted over the 2017 implosion of the ARA San Juan in the South Atlantic.
Cartel violence hits World Cup despite warnings: "Getting massacred"
The attacks came as Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has spent months grappling with how to address endemic criminal violence in Mexico.
Lawyers battle over evidence in Kirk case
In Utah, a judge is weighing whether 23-year-old Tyler Robinson should face trial for the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, and whether a recorded interview with Robinson's former roommate and romantic partner should be made public. Carter Evans reports.
Person of interest in custody after stray bullet hits 5-year-old in Detroit
Kaizer, 5, is expected to make a full recovery after a stray bullet struck him while he rode his bicycle near his west side Detroit home Tuesday evening, his family said.
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
Details emerge on Houston man shot by ICE
More details are emerging on the shooting of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a Mexican national who was killed by ICE on his way to work Tuesday. The agency said Salgado Araujo, who his family said has lived and worked in the U.S. for decades, rammed a car while attempting to evade arrest. Jason Allen has the latest.
Dangerous heat scorches southern U.S.
States in the southern U.S. are battling extreme heat. Kris Van Cleave has more.
Platner drops out of Senate race
Maine Democrat Graham Platner announced Wednesday he was dropping his Senate bid after a new sexual assault allegation by a woman he dated five years ago. Caitlin Huey-Burns and Joel Payne have the latest.
U.S. strikes Iran for a second night
The U.S. struck Iran for a second night following President Trump's announcement the ceasefire had ended. Meanwhile, Iran struck back at U.S. allies in the Middle East. Weijia Jiang and Aaron MacLean have more.
The War and Treaty performs "Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay"
The War and Treaty performs their cover of "Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay" at the historic Woolworth Theatre in Nashville.