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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 turns homelessness response toward forced treatment
The Trump administration is moving to end the "Housing First" approach despite warnings from providers and homelessness experts that the shift won't work.
Senate confirms Marty Makary to lead FDA, Jay Bhattacharya to head NIH
Both agencies are part of the Department of Health and Human Services, which like much of the federal government, has seen mass layoffs as part of the Trump administration's ongoing efforts to implement budget cuts.
What we know about the death of Miller Gardner, Brett Gardner's son
Miller Gardner, the youngest son of former New York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner, died at the age of 14 while on vacation with his family.
3 Phoenix officers disciplined for violent arrest of deaf Black man
Bodycam video showed Tyron McAlpin, who is deaf and suffers from cerebral palsy, being repeatedly tased and punched by Phoenix police officers.
Democrat Dan Goughnour wins election in Pennsylvania, keeping party in control of the state House
Democrat Dan Goughnour has won a special election in western Pennsylvania.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Consumer confidence falls to 12-year low as Americans fret over economy
Consumer confidence continues to wane as Americans worry about the economy, jobs and their income.
What to know about Signal, app used by Trump officials for war plans
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and other Trump officials allegedly used Signal for a group chat to discuss a highly sensitive operation.
Many with disabilities risk losing Medicaid if they work too much
Disability rights advocates say income and asset caps for Medicaid buy-in programs are a "poverty trap" for millions of Americans.
Social Security chief nominee vows to run agency "in the right fashion"
President Trump's nominee to oversee the Social Security Administration faced lawmakers' questions about his plans for the retirement program.
U.S. infrastructure's "C" grade from engineers comes with a warning
A once-every-four-year report card on the upkeep of America's infrastructure gave it a "C" grade in 2025, up slightly from previous reports.
Politics
More Politics
Trump administration doubles down on stand on deportations to El Salvador
The Trump administration continues to insist it didn't defy a federal judge's order when it failed to turn around planes carrying Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador.
Spy chiefs to testify to House lawmakers amid Signal leak fallout
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and CIA Director John Ratcliffe will return to Capitol Hill to testify before the House Intelligence Committee on Wednesday.
Trump turns homelessness response toward forced treatment
The Trump administration is moving to end the "Housing First" approach despite warnings from providers and homelessness experts that the shift won't work.
Senate confirms Marty Makary to lead FDA, Jay Bhattacharya to head NIH
Both agencies are part of the Department of Health and Human Services, which like much of the federal government, has seen mass layoffs as part of the Trump administration's ongoing efforts to implement budget cuts.
Democrat Dan Goughnour wins election in Pennsylvania, keeping party in control of the state House
Democrat Dan Goughnour has won a special election in western Pennsylvania.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Trump turns homelessness response toward forced treatment
The Trump administration is moving to end the "Housing First" approach despite warnings from providers and homelessness experts that the shift won't work.
Senate confirms Marty Makary to lead FDA, Jay Bhattacharya to head NIH
Both agencies are part of the Department of Health and Human Services, which like much of the federal government, has seen mass layoffs as part of the Trump administration's ongoing efforts to implement budget cuts.
5 high-level CDC officials leaving in latest turmoil for public health agency
The latest departures from the CDC mean close to a third of the agency's top management is leaving or left recently.
Health officials confirm measles case in person who rode Amtrak to D.C.
Health officials in Washington, D.C., are investigating after an Amtrak passenger who rode the train into Union Station was confirmed to have measles.
Many with disabilities risk losing Medicaid if they work too much
Disability rights advocates say income and asset caps for Medicaid buy-in programs are a "poverty trap" for millions of Americans.
World
More World
Spy chiefs to testify to House lawmakers amid Signal leak fallout
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and CIA Director John Ratcliffe will return to Capitol Hill to testify before the House Intelligence Committee on Wednesday.
Vance joining wife Usha on upcoming trip to Greenland
Vice President JD Vance said he "didn't want her to have all that fun by herself."
Oscar-winning Palestinian director released by Israeli army after being attacked
Hamdan Ballal said Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank beat him in front of his home while filming the assault.
Russia, Ukraine agree to stop fighting in Black Sea to enable shipping
Russia and Ukraine have agreed to "ensure safe navigation" and "eliminate the use of force" in the Black Sea, in a deal announced by the Trump administration.
Flight data show Steve Witkoff was in Russia during group chat on Signal
As top Trump Cabinet members sent texts in a Signal group chat, CBS News analysis shows one of them, Steve Witkoff, was in Russia.
Entertainment
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Oscar-winning Palestinian director released by Israeli army after being attacked
Hamdan Ballal said Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank beat him in front of his home while filming the assault.
Oscar-winning Palestinian director detained by Israeli army
Israeli settlers have beaten up one of the Palestinian co-directors of the Oscar-winning documentary film "No Other Land."
"American Idol" contestant's song for late dad brings judges to tears
"American Idol" contestant Freddie McClendon shared the devastating story of his late father Davis McClendon through a powerful original song, leaving all three judges in awe.
Conan O'Brien honored at Kennedy Center
Comedian Conan O'Brien accepted this year's Mark Twain Prize for American Humor on Sunday at the Kennedy Center. Some comics took jabs at the night's honoree and President Trump, who took over as chair of the Kennedy Center in January.
Krysten Ritter on new thriller, "Retreat"
Known for her role as Marvel's "Jessica Jones" and her appearances in "Breaking Bad," Krysten Ritter is also making her mark as an author. Her second novel, "Retreat," follows a con artist navigating high society and hidden danger in an exclusive Mexican beach town. She joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss the twist-filled story.
Technology
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Technology
What is Signal, the app used by Trump's team
The Senate Intelligence Committee heard testimony on Tuesday from key players involved in a group chat on the messaging app Signal, in which the U.S.'s highly sensitive plans to bomb Houthi targets in Yemen were discussed inadvertently with a journalist. President Trump said that his administration would investigate the government's use of Signal. CBS News contributor and former CIA official Andrew Boyd has more on what it is and how it's used.
NSA warned of vulnerabilities in Signal app a month before Houthi strike chat
The National Security Agency sent a bulletin in February warning of Russian hackers trying to access encrypted conversations on Signal.
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.
What to know about Signal, app used by Trump officials for war plans
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and other Trump officials allegedly used Signal for a group chat to discuss a highly sensitive operation.
Inside the AI gold rush
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Gary Rivlin dives into the fierce competition between tech giants in his new book "AI Valley," exploring how companies like Microsoft and Google are battling for control over the future of artificial intelligence. He joins "CBS Mornings Plus" to talk about how AI is already reshaping everyday life—and where it's headed next.
Science
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Is carbon capture a solution to the climate crisis?
Carbon capture chemically removes CO2 from the air, to store or recycle into products. But is this technology – underwritten by the fossil fuel industry – an effective means to address climate change?
Is carbon capture a solution to the climate crisis?
As a tool to address rising greenhouse gas emissions, carbon capture chemically removes carbon dioxide from the air, to store or recycle into products. The company behind a new plant to be opened this summer claims the facility will remove 500,000 tons of CO2 a year. But is this form of carbon capture – underwritten by the fossil fuel industry – an effective means to address climate change? Correspondent David Pogue looks at the technology behind this initiative, and the controversy it has raised.
Bones of mammoths butchered for their tusks unearthed by archaeologists
Remains of five mammoths were found archaeologists from the Austrian Academy of Sciences said Thursday in a news statement.
Venus will pass between the Earth and sun on Saturday
Our planet's closest and brightest neighbor will pass approximately between the Earth and sun this week, in what's called an inferior conjunction.
New evidence about dark energy may be "cusp of a major discovery"
The new findings come from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI), which sits on a telescope at the Kitt Peak National Observatory in Arizona.
Crime
More Crime
Gunman who killed 23 at El Paso Walmart offered plea deal to avoid death penalty
The gunman who killed 23 people in a racist attack at an El Paso Walmart in 2019 in one of the the deadliest mass shootings in U.S. history has been offered a plea deal to avoid the death penalty.
Ex-UPMC doctor allegedly tried to push wife off Hawaii hiking trail
A former UPMC doctor was arrested after police in Hawaii say he tried to push his wife off a hiking trail and hit her in the head with a rock.
Forensic genetic genealogy helps identify "John Doe" killed in 1986
An investigation into the death of David Clary, who was killed in 1986, remains ongoing, police said.
Luigi Mangione wants laptop in jail in UnitedHealthcare CEO murder case
Luigi Mangione is asking for a laptop in jail to view material as he awaits trial in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
FBI creates task force to probe Tesla threats
The FBI says it has created a task force to investigate threats and attacks against Tesla locations and vehicles. It comes after police said incendiary devices were found at a Tesla dealership in Austin, Texas, on Monday. CBS News national reporter Karen Hua has more from the Lone Star State.
Space
More Space
Space
Data on dark energy, universe collapse
Data on dark energy weakening over time may signal that if the trend continues it could eventually cause the universe to collapse, according to a new study. Mustapha Ishak-Boushaki, a physics professor and Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) researcher, joins CBS News with more.
Venus will pass between the Earth and sun on Saturday
Our planet's closest and brightest neighbor will pass approximately between the Earth and sun this week, in what's called an inferior conjunction.
Tom Hanks takes viewers through immersive experience to the moon
"The Moonwalkers: A Journey with Tom Hanks" tells the story of the Apollo missions.
New evidence about dark energy may be "cusp of a major discovery"
The new findings come from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI), which sits on a telescope at the Kitt Peak National Observatory in Arizona.
Sunset on the moon seen in stunning images taken by lunar lander
Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost Mission 1 lander marked the first successful commercial moon landing.
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 Scott Peterson case: New evidence?
Peterson's death sentence for the murder of his pregnant wife Laci has been overturned. Now his supporters are pushing for a complete retrial.
The troubled marriage of Ashley and Doug Benefield
The seesaw marriage between the former ballerina and her much older husband only lasted four years, until she shot him on Sept. 27, 2020.
Texas couple investigates teen daughter's unusual death
Cayley Mandadi's mother and stepfather go to extreme lengths to prove her death was no accident.
Serial killer Rodney Alcala's secret photos
See some of convicted serial killer Rodney Alcala's photographs that were discovered by detectives in a Seattle storage locker.
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Reporter's Notebook: Cost of skipping safeguards
Two-factor authentication can be annoying but is also important -- whether it's protecting email or the principles of democracy. "CBS Evening News" co-anchor John Dickerson contemplates the consequences of forgoing safeguards.
What is Signal, the app used by Trump's team
The Senate Intelligence Committee heard testimony on Tuesday from key players involved in a group chat on the messaging app Signal, in which the U.S.'s highly sensitive plans to bomb Houthi targets in Yemen were discussed inadvertently with a journalist. President Trump said that his administration would investigate the government's use of Signal. CBS News contributor and former CIA official Andrew Boyd has more on what it is and how it's used.
Future of U.S. funding to fight AIDS uncertain
The authorization for the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief -- known as PEPFAR -- expired Tuesday. Launched under President George W. Bush, the program has played a critical role in addressing the AIDS crisis, especially in Africa. Hannah Johnson, senior program manager for global policy at the George W. Bush Institute, joins to discuss.
Scientists explore Antarctic seabed for first time
Over the past two decades, Antarctica has lost 150 billion tons of ice mass on average every year. The thinning ice glaciers have raised alarms about the urgency of climate change, while offering researchers new depths of exploration. Dave Malkoff has more.
Ex-Social Security head on impact of staff cuts
Senators asked President Trump's nominee to head the Social Security Administration -- financial technology executive Frank Bisignano -- about customer service wait times, the system's financial condition and the cuts by Elon Musk's team. "CBS Evening News" co-anchor John Dickerson spoke to the former commissioner, Martin O'Malley, about his concerns about what the agency is facing.