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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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Can taking weight-loss drugs help you get hired? Yes, if you're a woman.
Going on GLP-1 drugs significantly boosted unemployed women's chances of finding a job, according to a Harvard economist.
DOJ leaves in place ruling that deregulates silencers, shotguns
A Texas judge earlier this month issued a ruling that deregulated silencers, shotguns and certain rifles.
Floodwaters submerge Midwest neighborhoods bracing for more severe storms
Muddy floodwaters seeped into the homes of Indiana and Ohio residents this week, as severe storms struck the Midwest. Now, some areas are bracing for even more rain.
Reese's Halloween pumpkins hit shelves unchanged after lawsuit victory
Hershey said the Halloween-shaped candy, which had sparked a lawsuit over the product's lack of detail, will return in its familiar oval shape.
Robert Gilman was on "death's door" before Russia freed him, advocate says
Robert Gilman, a U.S. Marine veteran, was imprisoned in Russia for over four years and now faces a long road to recovery, says a hostage crisis expert who advocated for Gilman's release.
MoneyWatch
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Can taking weight-loss drugs help you get hired? Yes, if you're a woman.
Going on GLP-1 drugs significantly boosted unemployed women's chances of finding a job, according to a Harvard economist.
Reese's Halloween pumpkins hit shelves unchanged after lawsuit victory
Hershey said the Halloween-shaped candy, which had sparked a lawsuit over the product's lack of detail, will return in its familiar oval shape.
Whole Foods recalls some jalapeño products over salmonella risk
Certain salsas, guacamole, pico de gallo and prepared jalapeño products at Whole Foods are among the products recalled over possible salmonella risk.
How much time does AI save at work? New Census Bureau data breaks it down.
New Census data shows how much faster workers can complete tasks when they enlist artificial intelligence for help.
Here's how much Social Security's 2027 COLA could rise under new estimates
Social Security's cost-of-living adjustment for 2027 is projected to be lower than previously forecast, according to new estimates.
Politics
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DOJ leaves in place ruling that deregulates silencers, shotguns
A Texas judge earlier this month issued a ruling that deregulated silencers, shotguns and certain rifles.
Robert Gilman was on "death's door" before Russia freed him, advocate says
Robert Gilman, a U.S. Marine veteran, was imprisoned in Russia for over four years and now faces a long road to recovery, says a hostage crisis expert who advocated for Gilman's release.
Live
Tehran says Strait of Hormuz "under Iran's control" after Trump threat
Tehran has asserted that the Strait of Hormuz is "under Iran's control and management" after President Trump said the U.S. might "keep it."
Democratic senators demand answers about conditions aboard USS Abraham Lincoln
Senate Democrats are demanding answers about conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln during the aircraft carrier's record-setting deployment.
Trump's secret plane switch took place within a day of credible missile threat
President Trump secretly moved from Air Force One to another plane within a day of U.S. and Turkish intelligence picking up on an Iranian plot to fire a missile at the jet, CBS News has learned.
HealthWatch
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My husband was kicked out of hospice. Here's what I learned.
Some seriously ill patients improve on hospice. About 1 in 16 patients enrolled in hospice care lose eligibility as a result. Here's how to get appropriate care.
Texas steps into surrogate fight with parents
California parents wanted to end a surrogate pregnancy when doctors diagnosed the baby with a severe heart defect at 20 weeks. The surrogate refused and went to Texas, where the state has now stepped in. The baby was born on Wednesday. Jason Allen reports.
Whole Foods recalls some jalapeño products over salmonella risk
Certain salsas, guacamole, pico de gallo and prepared jalapeño products at Whole Foods are among the products recalled over possible salmonella risk.
Maps and charts show record number of measles cases in U.S. this year
CBS News has been tracking a record number of measles cases and outbreaks around the country. The majority of cases are among those who haven't been vaccinated.
Norah O'Donnell: I take testosterone. Here's why.
Norah O'Donnell sat down with her own doctor, Rachel Rubin, to tackle the important topic of menopause: How your body changes, why women may be needlessly suffering, and what you can actually do about it.
World
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Poland says it thwarted Russian plot to kill an American citizen
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said the suspect was allegedly recruited by Russia's secret services.
They've survived 2 major earthquakes in Colombia: "A sense of powerlessness"
Colombia earthquake survivors are facing major loss and a yearslong road to recovery filled with grief and uncertainty. Here's what responders say will happen next.
Robert Gilman was on "death's door" before Russia freed him, advocate says
Robert Gilman, a U.S. Marine veteran, was imprisoned in Russia for over four years and now faces a long road to recovery, says a hostage crisis expert who advocated for Gilman's release.
Search for survivors of Colombia earthquake enters "final phase"
Rescuers in Colombia were making last-ditch efforts to locate earthquake survivors early Thursday as the critical 72-hour window for rescue operations neared its end.
$5,255 fine issued after foghorn wakes up sleeping polar bear
Under local regulations, "it is forbidden to needlessly disturb, attract or pursue a polar bear," which was declared a protected species in 1972.
Entertainment
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Exclusive
Becky G reflects on advocacy in new music, rise to fame
Becky G spoke exclusively with "CBS Mornings" co-host Gayle King about her rise to fame, being the breadwinner of the family at a young age and her new music.
Becky G on her rise to fame, new music
Singer Becky G was signed to a record label at just 14 years old. She spoke exclusively to "CBS Mornings" co-host Gayle King about her rise to fame, advocacy in her new music and major collaborations.
Becky G on her friendship with Karol G
Singer Becky G speaks with Gayle King about her tour with Karol G and the bond the two pop stars have formed. "We have a beautiful friendship," Becky G says, "one I'm really, really thankful for and one that I think throughout the years we've really earned with one another."
Behind the scenes of the movie "Tony"
Actor Dominic Sessa and renowned chef Eric Ripert talk with "CBS Mornings" about the new movie "Tony," which is loosely based on Anthony Bourdain's stories of his first experience working in a kitchen restaurant before he found fame. Sessa describes how he got involved and Ripert, who one of Bourdain's best friends, talks about his relationship with the beloved chef.
Becky G on being family's breadwinner
"CBS Mornings" co-host Gayle King speaks exclusively with pop superstar Becky G about feeling the pressure of becoming her family's breadwinner at a young age.
Technology
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Technology
Google unveils new tech, centered around AI
Google is officially unveiling its latest line of Pixel phones and other new devices at its 2026 Made By Google event in New York. AI is at the center of its newest offerings. Matt Binder, a senior reporter at Mashable, joins CBS News to discuss.
Meta on trial for social media addiction suit
Tech giant Meta is being accused of designing social media platforms that violate privacy and enable social media addiction in children. Jury selection in the trial begins today. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson has more on the case.
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.
Duffy on new tech for air travel safety
Top transportation officials were at Newark Airport on Tuesday for the installation of a new radar system designed to help controllers prevent runway incidents. CBS News senior transportation correspondent Kris Van Cleave spoke with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy about the new technology.
Wall Street targets $500B for AI
Nvidia scored an astounding $500 billion in financing for artificial intelligence, backed by Wall Street's top power brokers and firms. Puck founding partner and industry journalist William D. Cohan weighs in on the AI boom and data center construction.
Science
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Science
Views of the total solar eclipse in Europe
A total solar eclipse was visible in parts of Europe for the first time since 1912. Rob Marciano reports.
Europe sees total solar eclipse
A total solar eclipse turned day into night across a slice of Europe and North America on Wednesday, and put millions in unique contact with the heavens above. Meteorologist Rob Marciano reports from Spain.
Astronomy professor on how eclipses work
Janna Levin, professor of physics and astronomy at Barnard College, joins CBS News to discuss Wednesday's total solar eclipse.
How a total solar eclipse stopped a war
Columbia University astronomy professor Dr. Janna Levin joins CBS News to discuss Wednesday's total solar eclipse, saying it's a reminder that humans share this Earth together and "we're all part of something larger."
New space object called "black hole star" discovered by astronomers
The newly discovered object looks like a star the size of our solar system, but produces 100 billion times more energy than any star.
Crime
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Cities propose new tactics to crack down on so-called "teen takeovers"
Large gatherings of young people, often spurred by online invites, can lead to violence and injuries, even death.
Mangione may discuss a plea deal, sources say
Luigi Mangione is expected in federal court for a hearing on Friday. This comes as sources tell CBS News that his defense team may discuss a potential plea deal with prosecutors. CBS News' Caroline Polisi has more.
New development in Luigi Mangione case
Federal prosecutors and defense attorneys in the Luigi Mangione case have requested a special hearing on Friday. Sources involved in the federal case say both sides will likely discuss a possible plea deal for the 28-year-old who is accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. CBS News legal contributor Caroline Polisi breaks down the case.
DHS defends agent who pointed gun at woman
The Department of Homeland Security is reacting after a video emerged of a federal agent pointing a gun at a Virginia woman while she was inside her car. CBS News' Michael George reports.
Police seize 1,000 pounds of cocaine with stickers of soccer star
Police released a video showing the packages spilling out from the truck's false bottom, with the stickers of Norway's soccer star Erling Haaland.
Space
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New space object called "black hole star" discovered by astronomers
The newly discovered object looks like a star the size of our solar system, but produces 100 billion times more energy than any star.
Stunning photos show total solar eclipse over Europe
The only total solar eclipse of 2026 crossed the Northern Hemisphere Wednesday, with a path of totality across parts of Greenland, Iceland and northern Spain. See photos and video from the best viewing locations.
Perseid meteor shower reaches peak viewing on Wednesday night
The Perseid meteor shower is the best viewing all year, according to NASA.
Most detailed images taken of sun's surface revealed
Researchers were able to peek at the sun's scorching surface with the help of the National Science Foundation's Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope, located on the island of Maui in Hawaii.
SpaceX rocket booster slams into moon, creating crater that could be 16 feet deep
The impact wasn't visible to the naked eye, but photos are expected to come from a lunar satellite at a later time.
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.
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.
Investigating the death of designer Sylvie Cachay
Sylvie Cachay was found dead in an overflowing bathtub at the exclusive Soho House in New York City on Dec. 9, 2010. A water leak at the hotel gave away a timeline that may have revealed her killer.
Photos show 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.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
MLB plays ball in the "Field of Dreams"
The Philadelphia Phillies and the Minnesota Twins will face off tonight at the Iowa corn patch made famous in "Field of Dreams." Actor and movie dad Dwier Brown joins "CBS News 24/7 Mornings" with more.
Backlash over ICE's electric shock glove plan
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement plans to equip its agents with electric-shock gloves manufactured by Compliant Technologies, according to a Department of Homeland Security notice. Critics call the gloves overly aggressive and say they have the potential for abuse. CBS News' Lesley Marin reports.
Sponsored
Social Security tips to save money
When is the best time to claim your Social Security retirement benefits? CBS News financial analyst Jill Schlesinger breaks it down. (Sponsored by AT&T Business)
Latest updates on Colombia earthquake efforts
Rescue and relief efforts are underway in Colombia in the aftermath of a horrific 7.4-magnitude earthquake. CBS News' Lilia Luciano reports from Pereira, Colombia.
Becky G on her rise to fame, new music
Singer Becky G was signed to a record label at just 14 years old. She spoke exclusively to "CBS Mornings" co-host Gayle King about her rise to fame, advocacy in her new music and major collaborations.