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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.
Trump announces "warrior dividend" for military. Here's what to know.
The president announced the one-time payments during his White House address on Wednesday. Here's what to know about timing, taxes and more.
Trump administration unveils proposals to cut off transgender care for minors
The proposals run counter to the recommendations of most major U.S. medical organizations.
Person of interest identified in Brown University shooting, sources say
A person of interest has been identified in the shooting at Brown University that killed two students and wounded nine others, multiple sources told CBS News.
Kennedy Center Board votes for new name to be Trump-Kennedy Center, White House says
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the Kennedy Center's Board of Trustees voted unanimously to change its name.
Democrats push for last-minute vote on expiring health care subsidies
House Democrats called for GOP leaders to hold a last-minute vote on extending the enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits Thursday.
MoneyWatch
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Trump announces "warrior dividend" for military. Here's what to know.
The president announced the one-time payments during his White House address on Wednesday. Here's what to know about timing, taxes and more.
Small businesses face affordability crunch as tariff and other costs rise
Some small business owners say they're struggling to stay afloat because of higher tariff, health insurance and energy costs.
CPI report shows the inflation rate rose at a 2.7% pace in November
Economists had expected CPI to rise at an annual rate of 3% last month.
Trump Media to merge with fusion energy company TAE in $6 billion deal
President Trump's media company is joining forces with a company working to commercialize fusion energy.
Recalled salad dressings could contain "foreign objects," FDA warns
Onions used to make the salad dressings could contain "black plastic planting material," according to food regulators.
Politics
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Trump administration unveils proposals to cut off transgender care for minors
The proposals run counter to the recommendations of most major U.S. medical organizations.
Kennedy Center Board votes for new name to be Trump-Kennedy Center, White House says
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the Kennedy Center's Board of Trustees voted unanimously to change its name.
Democrats push for last-minute vote on expiring health care subsidies
House Democrats called for GOP leaders to hold a last-minute vote on extending the enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits Thursday.
Witkoff to meet with Kremlin envoy in Miami on U.S. peace plan for Ukraine
A U.S. official says a Kremlin envoy will travel to Florida to discuss a U.S.-proposed plan to end the war in Ukraine.
House Democrats release 68 more photos from Epstein estate
Democrats on the House Oversight Committee have released a new batch of 68 photos obtained from Jeffrey Epstein's estate. Follow live updates here.
HealthWatch
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Trump administration unveils proposals to cut off transgender care for minors
The proposals run counter to the recommendations of most major U.S. medical organizations.
Measles outbreaks worsen in South Carolina, Arizona and Utah
Nationally, the measles case count is nearing 2,000 for a disease that has been considered eliminated in the U.S. since 2000, a result of routine childhood vaccinations.
He made his brothers see a cardiologist. Each had advanced heart disease.
Kevin Murray was his family's health watchdog. His vigilance helped his brothers "avoid a real catastrophe."
Millions of Americans could see health plan costs double as ACA credits vanish
"I don't know how I'm going to pay for this," said one person with an Affordable Care Act plan that will cost her $1,100 a month starting in January.
Vaccine vote signals turbulence for immunization policy, public trust
Clinicians and epidemiologists warn the decision could unravel decades of progress and expose newborns to a deadly, preventable disease.
World
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Witkoff to meet with Kremlin envoy in Miami on U.S. peace plan for Ukraine
A U.S. official says a Kremlin envoy will travel to Florida to discuss a U.S.-proposed plan to end the war in Ukraine.
Texas rabbi shot trying to help faces long recovery after Australia attack
As the youngest Bondi Beach shooting victim is mourned, a Texas couple tell CBS News about their "quick thinking" son's bid to intervene, and his road to recovery.
Teen inmate captured weeks after escaping prison with bedsheets
The inmate and another detainee fled an overcrowded jail after sawing through their cell bars with blades that investigators suspect were delivered by drone.
China fumes as White House announces record $10B in arms sales to Taiwan
The Trump administration's announcement of plan to sell Taiwan a record $10 billion worth of weapons draws an angry response from China.
Philippine hotel says Bondi Beach suspects spent every night in their room
The father and son suspects in the Bondi Beach terror attack spent most of November in a hotel in the Philippines, but the reason for their visit remains unclear.
Entertainment
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Gloria Gaynor on how "I Will Survive" empowered her through a dark time
Gloria Gaynor told "CBS Mornings" her hit 1978 song gave her hope during one of the most difficult periods of her life.
Neil Patrick Harris talks new game show
Neil Patrick Harris says he's always loved game shows. He talks to "CBS Mornings" about how his passion started during his childhood and what it's like now hosting his own game show, "What's in the Box."
How Gloria Gaynor became the queen of disco
Gloria Gaynor's 1978 hit "I Will Survive" has been a motivational anthem for decades. The "Queen of Disco," a 2025 Kennedy Center Honoree, spoke to "CBS Mornings" about how the iconic song changed her outlook on life.
What the Oscars' move to YouTube means for TV
Starting in 2029, the Oscars ceremony is moving to YouTube, representing a new era for the awards show, which has seen a steep decline in viewership in recent years. Kelly O'Grady has more.
Medical examiner releases causes of death for Rob and Michele Reiner
Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner died of "multiple sharp force injuries," the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office said Wednesday.
Technology
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Technology
Helping teens develop healthy phone habits
Helping teens develop healthy habits around social media use and screen time is important when they first receive a smartphone. Pediatric psychologist Ann-Louise Lockhart, an Instagram brand spokesperson and author of the new book "Love the Teen You Have," joins "CBS Mornings" to share some advice and tools, such as Instagram Teen Accounts, that parents can use to help their teens. For more information on Instagram Teen Accounts, visit familycenter.meta.com. (Sponsored by Instagram)
How artificial intelligence grew in 2025
In 2025, the integration of artificial intelligence into the U.S. economy and people's everyday lives grew to historic levels. CBS News senior business and technology correspondent Jo Ling Kent joins to recap how the transformative technology expanded over the past year, and what we can expect in 2026.
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.
OpenAI, Amazon in talks over $10B investment
OpenAI, the developer for ChatGPT, and Amazon are in talks over a possible $10 billion investment. Mark DeCambre, editor-in-chief for MarketWatch, joins with more.
Local pushback grows against AI data centers
A frenzy of development to support the artificial intelligence boom is prompting pushback from communities who say they don't want data centers in their backyards. Technology journalist Jacob Ward joins CBS News to discuss.
Science
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Major climate research center on Trump administration chopping block
The Trump administration intends to dismantle one of the world's leading climate research institutions, in Boulder, Colorado, over what it said were concerns about "climate alarmism."
Researchers capture video of rare polar bear adoption
The footage of a bear caring for an adopted cub was captured during the annual polar bear migration along the Western Hudson Bay in Churchill, Manitoba.
Dinosaur tracks showing "herds moving in synchrony" found in Italy
Most of the footprints are elongated and made by bipeds. The best-preserved ones bear traces of at least four toes.
Interstellar comet is making its closest approach to Earth
NASA continues to aim its space telescopes at the visiting ice ball, estimated to be up to 3.5 miles in size.
Fossil footprints in Bolivia reveal dinosaurs' awkward attempts to swim
Paleontologists have discovered and documented 16,600 footprints left by theropods, the dinosaur group that includes the Tyrannosaurus rex.
Crime
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Person of interest identified in Brown University shooting, sources say
A person of interest has been identified in the shooting at Brown University that killed two students and wounded nine others, multiple sources told CBS News.
New indictments in Minnesota fraud scandal
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Thompson announced new charges against two Philadelphia-based men accused of traveling to Minneapolis to siphon millions of dollars from federally funded programs.
Ukrainians children missing in Russia
Ukrainian parents are seeking their children, who they say were taken into Russia during the war. The Free Press' Aidan Stretch joins CBS News 24/7 with more.
Brian Walshe sentenced to life in prison
Brian Walshe, the Massachusetts man convicted of killing his wife on New Year's Day in 2023, has been sentenced to life in prison. CBS News Boston's Penny Kmitt reports.
More photos from Jeffrey Epstein's estate
House Oversight Democrats released 60 photos from Jeffrey Epstein's estate a day before the deadline for case files to be released. CBS News' Scott MacFarlane reports.
Space
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Jared Isaacman, billionaire who's flown with SpaceX, confirmed to lead NASA
President Trump withdrew Isaacman's nomination for NASA administrator in April, before nominating him again in November.
Interstellar comet is making its closest approach to Earth
NASA continues to aim its space telescopes at the visiting ice ball, estimated to be up to 3.5 miles in size.
"Wet lava ball" exoplanet may have an atmosphere, evidence shows
Super-Earth TOI-561b is about 40 times closer to its host star than Mercury is to the sun.
NASA says Maven spacecraft that was orbiting Mars has gone silent
NASA has lost contact with a spacecraft that's been orbiting Mars for more than a decade.
Black hole spotted blasting winds at 130 million miles per hour
The European Space Agency said that the black hole inside the spiral galaxy NGC 3783 has the mass of 30 million suns.
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.
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.
"Son of Sam": A serial killer's reign of terror
Calling himself the "Son of Sam" in a letter left at one of the crime scenes, David Berkowitz claimed voices were ordering him to kill -- starting in the summer of 1976, he went on a 13-month spree of impulse killings in New York City that left six dead and seven injured
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
The Uplift: Made with love
Visit a Uyghur restaurant in Southern California, where culture is shared and the food is made with love. Plus, a man who wanted to save his friends life by donating a kidney ends up saving his own life.
Person of interest ID'd in Brown shooting
Multiple sources tell CBS News a person of interest has been identified in the mass shooting at Brown University. CBS News' Tom Hanson reports.
Trump signs order reclassifying marijuana
President Trump signed an executive order Thursday reclassifying marijuana to a schedule three drug, effectively easing federal restrictions. CBS News White House reporter Willie James Inman has more.
Judge to decide in May on Mangione evidence
Testimony ended Thursday in Luigi Mangione's pretrial evidence suppression hearing in his New York murder case. Mangione is accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in 2024. CBS News' Lilia Luciano has more.
New indictments in Minnesota fraud scandal
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Thompson announced new charges against two Philadelphia-based men accused of traveling to Minneapolis to siphon millions of dollars from federally funded programs.