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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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USPS halts contributions to pension plan after warning of "cash crisis"
The U.S. Postal Service, which lost $9 billion in 2025, recently warned that it could run out of money within 12 months.
Acting AG Todd Blanche gives go-ahead to pursue death penalty in MS-13 murder case
Blanche said the top federal prosecutor in California can seek the death penalty for three alleged MS-13 members charged with killing a victim who was cooperating with authorities, according to a memo.
First major forecast for 2026 Atlantic hurricane season is released
Colorado State University has released its annual Atlantic hurricane forecast, predicting 13 named storms and six hurricanes may develop during the 2026 season.
Exclusive
Army survivors of deadly attack in Kuwait dispute Pentagon's account
Survivors of an Iranian attack that killed six U.S. service members have disputed the Pentagon's description of events and said their unit in Kuwait was left dangerously exposed.
Inflation was cooling. The Iran war could send it racing higher again.
Economic forecasts show that this week's March Consumer Price Index could show prices climbing at their fastest pace in nearly two years.
MoneyWatch
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USPS halts contributions to pension plan after warning of "cash crisis"
The U.S. Postal Service, which lost $9 billion in 2025, recently warned that it could run out of money within 12 months.
Inflation was cooling. The Iran war could send it racing higher again.
Economic forecasts show that this week's March Consumer Price Index could show prices climbing at their fastest pace in nearly two years.
Will the Iran ceasefire ease U.S. gas prices? Here's what experts think.
Gas prices in the U.S. continued to edge up on Wednesday even as oil prices fell. Here's how long it could take for fuel costs to recede.
This male model sporting a crisp summer shirt isn't real. Will consumers care?
Many brands are turning to AI to advertise their products. Others are rejecting the technology, pledging to lean into "real" images.
GM recalls more than 270,000 cars in U.S. over rearview camera risk
Cameras on some Chevrolet Malibus can display blank or distorted images, posing a risk to drivers, according to safety regulators.
Politics
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USPS halts contributions to pension plan after warning of "cash crisis"
The U.S. Postal Service, which lost $9 billion in 2025, recently warned that it could run out of money within 12 months.
Acting AG Todd Blanche gives go-ahead to pursue death penalty in MS-13 murder case
Blanche said the top federal prosecutor in California can seek the death penalty for three alleged MS-13 members charged with killing a victim who was cooperating with authorities, according to a memo.
Medicaid work rules will stress states' staffing capacity
Some states already don't have enough staff to quickly process Medicaid applications and answer enrollees' phone calls. Researchers say they may not be prepared to handle new Medicaid work rules, predicting people will lose coverage as a result.
Ex-Army employee charged with leaking classified military information to reporter
Federal prosecutors say Courtney Williams divulged classified information to a reporter about her time in Delta Force, according to newly unsealed court documents.
Democratic candidate's events with Hasan Piker exposes party rift in Michigan
Abdul El-Sayed's decision to campaign with Hasan Piker has drawn scrutiny from across the political spectrum given comments the popular streamer has made on the Israel-Hamas war.
HealthWatch
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Medicaid work rules will stress states' staffing capacity
Some states already don't have enough staff to quickly process Medicaid applications and answer enrollees' phone calls. Researchers say they may not be prepared to handle new Medicaid work rules, predicting people will lose coverage as a result.
Exclusive
2 more drug companies to officially launch on TrumpRx
Two more drug-making giants, Abbvie and Genentech, will start selling popular medications on the White House's discounted pharmaceutical site as soon as Monday.
Social media driving teens toward steroids, extreme body transformations
Behind some of the viral physiques lies a troubling trend: the use of a powerful drug never approved for humans.
Scientist with rare ALS genetic mutation looks to experimental treatment
Every few months for the past three years, Jeff Vierstra has been receiving infusions in his spine that target and disable a mutated gene that made it likely he would develop ALS.
New ALS treatment brings hope to patients
"CBS Saturday Morning" looks at an experimental treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig's disease, that is bringing hope to some patients suffering from the neurodegenerative disease. To inquire about possible participation in Silence ALS, an initiative to develop individualized gene-based therapies for patients with other rare genetic forms of ALS, please write to silenceals@cumc.columbia.edu.
World
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Creature thought to be world's oldest octopus isn't an octopus after all
Scientists have found evidence that a 300-million-year-old sea creature previously thought to be the world's oldest octopus is actually a nautilus relative.
March smashed heat records in several ways, federal data shows
Last month was the hottest March on record for the Lower 48 states, by the most for any month ever, federal data shows. And a forecast El Niño could heat Earth even more.
Exclusive
Army survivors of deadly attack in Kuwait dispute Pentagon's account
Survivors of an Iranian attack that killed six U.S. service members have disputed the Pentagon's description of events and said their unit in Kuwait was left dangerously exposed.
Military operation conducted to deter Russian submarines in North Atlantic
British and Norwegian militaries led a weekslong operation to deter Russian submarines in the North Atlantic, the U.K. military said.
Live
Trump's ceasefire with Iran mired in dispute over Israel's war in Lebanon
As Trump issues a new warning to Iran to comply with a tenuous two-week ceasefire, the two sides don't even seem to agree on the terms of the deal.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
"Survivor 50" castaway talks elimination
(Spoilers ahead) The latest castaway voted off "Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans" joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss being eliminated from the game, this season's challenges and being the first member of the jury.
NASA drops Artemis II moon mission playlist with astronauts' wake-up songs
The moon music tradition started more than 50 years ago, NASA said as it shared the Artemis II crew's playlist this week.
Kanye West's upcoming Italy gig sparks debate after U.K. denied rapper entry
The rapper formerly known as Kanye West being denied entry into the U.K. has raised questions over the star's upcoming performance in Italy.
"You, Me & Tuscany" stars talk new movie
Halle Bailey and Regé-Jean Page join "CBS Mornings" to talk about starring in the new romantic comedy "You, Me & Tuscany." The two discuss what it was like to shoot in Italy, preparing for their roles and how it's a renaissance for romantic comedies.
Extended interview: Billy Idol
Billy Idol speaks with Anthony Mason about his music career, his life, his stage persona and more.
Technology
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Technology
Behind Anthropic's alarming AI model
Anthropic announced its new AI model is too powerful for public release. Puck's Ian Krietzberg joins CBS News with more.
Analysis finds AI will reshape 50-55% of jobs
Researchers at Boston Consulting Group estimate that AI will "reshape" between 50-55% of U.S. jobs over the next three years. They note that while AI integration will likely change the nature of the work, it doesn't necessarily mean job losses in every case. CBS News MoneyWatch reporter Megan Cerullo has more.
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.
Anthropic claims new AI too powerful to release
Anthropic says its newest AI model, Claude Mythos, is too powerful and dangerous to be released to the public. Tech journalist Jacob Ward joins CBS News to discuss.
AI will affect more than half of all U.S. jobs, analysis finds
Artificial intelligence is more likely to change the nature of work than to supplant masses of workers, according to researchers.
Science
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First major forecast for 2026 Atlantic hurricane season is released
Colorado State University has released its annual Atlantic hurricane forecast, predicting 13 named storms and six hurricanes may develop during the 2026 season.
Creature thought to be world's oldest octopus isn't an octopus after all
Scientists have found evidence that a 300-million-year-old sea creature previously thought to be the world's oldest octopus is actually a nautilus relative.
March smashed heat records in several ways, federal data shows
Last month was the hottest March on record for the Lower 48 states, by the most for any month ever, federal data shows. And a forecast El Niño could heat Earth even more.
Emperor penguins listed as endangered species
The emperor penguin has been declared an endangered species as climate change pushes the icon of Antarctica a step closer to extinction, the global authority on threatened wildlife says.
Stunning photos from Artemis II show Earth, moon, eclipse from space
The astronauts aboard Artemis II are the first humans to see some parts of the far side of the moon with the naked eye.
Crime
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Crime
"Ketamine Queen" sentenced to 15 years
Jasveen Sangha, the woman described as the "Ketamine Queen," was sentenced Wednesday to 15 years in federal prison for her role in the death of "Friends" co-star Matthew Perry. Carter Evans reports.
Husband arrested after wife falls overboard
Brian Hooker has been arrested by the Royal Bahamas Police Force after his wife, Lynette Hooker, apparently fell overboard from their dinghy and was swept away by currents. Hooker's lawyer denies any wrongdoing. CBS News' Cristian Benavides reports.
Doctor found guilty of attempted manslaughter
Gerhardt Konig, the anesthesiologist accused of trying to kill his wife in Hawaii last year, was found guilty Wednesday of attempted manslaughter based upon extreme mental or emotional disturbance.
Doctor accused of trying to kill wife on hike found guilty of attempted manslaughter
Jurors delivered their verdict Wednesday in the trial of an anesthesiologist accused of trying to kill his wife during a cliffside hike in Hawaii.
Gilgo Beach serial killer admits to 8 murders
Serial killer Rex Heuermann admitted to killing eight women on Long Island over the span of 17 years, ending in 2010. He will now spend the rest of his life in prison. Tom Hanson reports.
Space
More Space
NASA drops Artemis II moon mission playlist with astronauts' wake-up songs
The moon music tradition started more than 50 years ago, NASA said as it shared the Artemis II crew's playlist this week.
NASA gears up for Artemis II crew's return to Earth
With Artemis II astronauts closing out on-board tests, flight controllers are prepping for reentry and splashdown Friday.
Stunning photos from Artemis II show Earth, moon, eclipse from space
The astronauts aboard Artemis II are the first humans to see some parts of the far side of the moon with the naked eye.
Artemis II crew on path back to Earth after historic trip around the moon
The Artemis II crew flew farther from Earth than any humans in history as they passed over the far side of the moon on Monday night.
Artemis II astronauts find hidden Easter eggs as they close in on the moon
The NASA astronauts also sent down Easter messages Sunday while gearing up for a historic pass behind the moon Monday.
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
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Latest CBS News Videos
Oil prices rise as Iran war questions linger
Oil prices are rising again after a brief drop following news of a U.S.-Iran ceasefire. CBS News' Jill Schlesinger has some advice for those watching the markets.
Fighting continues in Lebanon
Israel's military said it hit 100 targets in Lebanon after the Iran ceasefire agreement was announced. Elizabeth Palmer has the latest on the fragile ceasefire.
Suspect arrested in California warehouse fire
Police arrested a suspected arsonist in a massive California warehouse fire. Video from what appears to be the suspect's social media account seems to show the fire as it was set. Investigators say the suspect is an employee of a third party distributor of Kimberly Clark. Jonathan Vigliotti has more.
Latest news on U.S.-Iran ceasefire
The U.S.-Iran ceasefire appears fragile as Tehran denounces Israeli strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon. This comes as President Trump threatens more violence if the agreement is breached. CBS News' Elizabeth Palmer and Olivia Rinaldi report, and Retired U.S. Navy Vice Admiral Robert Murrett joins with more insight.
Mount Rushmore's controversial legacy
In the series "USA to Z," "CBS Mornings" looks at the history and controversial legacy of Mount Rushmore, which depicts four U.S. presidents. Vladimir Duthiers reports.