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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.
Amazon workers in more than 20 countries plan Black Friday strikes
Workers at Amazon warehouses around the world plan to strike between Black Friday and Cyber Monday this week.
Biden's legacy bookended by two Trump victories
Biden said four years of Trump would become an "aberrant moment in time." Now his presidency is wedged between his rival's time in power.
Macy's says an employee hid up to $154 million in delivery expenses
Macy's delays its quarterly earnings report after discovering that an accounting unit employee concealed delivery expenses.
Illegal border crossings on track to reach new Biden-era low
President-elect Donald Trump, who ran on mass deportation and harsher immigration policies, could inherit a border that is relatively quiet.
Biden participates in his final White House turkey pardon
President Biden pardoned two turkeys, Peach and Blossom that hail from Minnesota, where they will return.
MoneyWatch
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Amazon workers in more than 20 countries plan Black Friday strikes
Workers at Amazon warehouses around the world plan to strike between Black Friday and Cyber Monday this week.
Macy's says an employee hid up to $154 million in delivery expenses
Macy's delays its quarterly earnings report after discovering that an accounting unit employee concealed delivery expenses.
Microsoft 365 is experiencing an outage. Here's what to know.
Microsoft said it's investigating an issue impacting access to Microsoft 365 and its Teams app.
Charlotte airport workers walk off job at start of busy holiday travel week
Service workers at Charlotte Douglas International Airport have gone on strike at the start of a busy week of Thanksgiving travel to protest what they say are unlivable wages.
Hyundai, Kia recall more than 208,000 electric vehicles over power loss issue
Car dealers will inspect and replace the control unit and a fuse if needed, as well as update software.
Politics
More Politics
Biden's legacy bookended by two Trump victories
Biden said four years of Trump would become an "aberrant moment in time." Now his presidency is wedged between his rival's time in power.
Illegal border crossings on track to reach new Biden-era low
President-elect Donald Trump, who ran on mass deportation and harsher immigration policies, could inherit a border that is relatively quiet.
Biden participates in his final White House turkey pardon
President Biden pardoned two turkeys, Peach and Blossom that hail from Minnesota, where they will return.
Congress stalemate causing backlog in aid applications after Helene
Helene ransacked western North Carolina on Sept. 27, leaving a path of devastation, death and an economic calamity from which the state will need years to recover.
H.R. McMaster says coming months are "really critical" for Ukraine
Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster said that Russia and Ukraine are both incentivized to make "as many gains on the battlefield as they can before the new Trump administration comes in."
HealthWatch
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As many as 1 in 5 people won't lose weight with GLP-1 drugs, experts say
About 20% of patients — as many as 1 in 5 — may not respond well to medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy, according to several obesity experts.
A study to devise nutritional guidance just for you
When it comes to eating healthy, all of us respond to foods differently. The National Institutes of Health's new nutrition study hopes to finally provide Americans a personalized answer to the question: "What should I eat?"
A study to personalize nutrition guidance just for you
From the four food groups to the Food Pyramid, the U.S. government has long offered guidance to Americans hoping to eat a healthier diet. But there's growing scientific consensus that when it comes to eating healthy, all of us respond to foods differently. And to prove it, the National Institutes of Health has embarked on the most ambitious nutrition study ever, hoping to finally provide Americans a personalized answer to the question: "What should I eat?" Correspondent Lee Cowan reports.
New treatments offer hope for older patients with a deadly cancer diagnosis
Glioblastoma typically kills within 18 months, but a new type of treatment has kept Nadya El-Afandi's scans clear 17 months after diagnosis.
1 infant dead in California, 9 hospitalized in latest listeria outbreak
Laboratory findings show that Yu-Shang Food ready-to-eat meat and poultry products were making people sick, the CDC said.
World
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Lawmakers brawl over deadly train station roof collapse in Serbia
Scuffles and fistfights broke out weeks after a deadly rail station roof collapse that ignited tensions in the Balkan state.
Mystery of serial shoe robber solved when camera catches culprit
Police thought a shoe thief was on the loose at a kindergarten, until a security camera caught the furry culprit in action.
Chinese trans woman awarded thousands over forced electroshock therapy
Trans performance artist Ling'er says she was forced to undergo electroshock treatments at a hospital in China that left her with a heart condition.
Best-selling novelist Barbara Taylor Bradford dies at 91
Barbara Taylor Bradford was one of the world's most popular and wealthiest writers, her net worth estimated at more than $200 million.
17 people missing after Egyptian tour boat sinks on Red Sea diving trip
Authorities in Egypt say a luxury yacht that set off with 45 people from the Red Sea port of Ghalib for a week-long diving trip sank, with 28 rescued and 17 still missing.
Entertainment
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Entertainment
"Glicked" sweeps box office
"Wicked" lead the box office with $114 million, while "Gladiator II" earned $55 million in a record-setting pre-Thanksgiving weekend. The combined success marks the biggest pre-Thanksgiving weekend opening since the COVID-19 pandemic. Rebecca Rubin, a senior film and media reporter with Variety, has more.
"Wicked," "Gladiator II" soar at box office
While "Gladiator II" earned $55 million at the box office domestically, "Wicked" soared with $114 million. It was the biggest pre-Thanksgiving weekend opening since the COVID-19 pandemic, with the two movies earning the nickname "Glicked."
Best-selling novelist Barbara Taylor Bradford dies at 91
Barbara Taylor Bradford was one of the world's most popular and wealthiest writers, her net worth estimated at more than $200 million.
"Oregon Trail" computer game is now being developed as a movie
One of the most successful computer games of all time is currently being developed by Apple as a forthcoming movie.
Chuck Woolery, host of "Love Connection" and "Scrabble," dies at 83
Chuck Woolery was inducted into the American TV Game Show Hall of Fame in 2007 and earned a daytime Emmy nomination in 1978.
Technology
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Technology
How AI can help to plan your next vacation
More than one third of travelers says they've incorporated artificial intelligence into their travel planning, according to a recent survey. CBS News compared how efficient booking a trip with the help of AI is compared to doing the research yourself.
Microsoft 365 is experiencing an outage. Here's what to know.
Microsoft said it's investigating an issue impacting access to Microsoft 365 and its Teams app.
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.
A new generation of shopping cart, with GPS and AI
At a Price Chopper outside Kansas City, shoppers are test driving the new Caper Cart, featuring digital screens, GPS, cameras equipped with artificial intelligence, and packaging scanners that spit out coupons. Correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti looks at the technology used to "reinvent the wheel" of the shopping cart.
Who has the best Black Friday tech prices?
Black Friday is almost here, but some of the hottest tech items are already on sale. CNET senior editor Lisa Eadicicco joins CBS News to discuss high-demand gifts and what retailers offer the best prices.
Science
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Science
Dishing up space food
At the Johnson Space Food Systems Laboratory in Houston, NASA scientists develop dishes – freeze-dried, heat-stabilized, or irradiated – to serve on the International Space Station. Correspondent David Pogue checks out what's on the menu in Earth orbit.
How are U.S. winters permanently changing?
This winter, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted above-average temperatures throughout the U.S. because of a "slowly developing" La Niña pattern. CBS News Sacramento meteorologist Tracy Humphrey reports on the changing winter conditions.
Emperor penguin found on Australian beach released at sea after 20 days of care
The only emperor penguin known to have swum from Antarctica to Australia was released at sea 20 days after he waddled ashore on a popular tourist beach.
Iceland volcano flares in region's 7th eruption in one year
A volcano erupted in southern Iceland, near the town of Grindavík and the Blue Lagoon spa, marking the region's seventh eruption in a year.
How collecting pine cones helps renew Oregon forests after wildfires
Conservationists are teaming up with the U.S. Forest Service and logging companies to clear scorched land and make room for new reforestation projects.
Crime
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Arrest made after woman, baby shot dead in car in Connecticut
A suspect in the fatal shooting of a woman and her 4-month-old son inside a car in Hartford, Connecticut, was arrested in Puerto Rico, officials said.
Menendez Brothers to appear in court
Erik and Lyle Menendez, who are serving life sentences for the 1989 murder of their parents, will appear virtually in court Monday for a hearing addressing the brothers' habeas corpus petition that seeks to vacate their murder convictions for lesser charges like manslaughter. CBS News correspondent Elise Preston has the latest.
Venezuelan gangs trying to recruit kids from migrant families, NYPD says
There is growing concern among the police over an increase in Venezuelan gang activity across New York City.
Law enforcement raises warning over "pink cocaine"
Law enforcement is raising alarm bells over a drug called pink cocaine. It doesn't actually contain cocaine, but is instead a combination of other substances. Tom Hanson has more on the spread of the potentially deadly drug.
Connecticut couple charged in $1 million Lululemon theft operation
A couple from Connecticut is charged with allegedly orchestrating a retail theft operation that may have cost Lululemon as much as $1 million.
Space
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Blue Origin launches 6 tourists to the edge of space
Marc and Sharon Hagle, both making their second space flight, were among the passengers for the NS-28 mission.
Blue Origin launches 9th space tourism flight
The ninth Blue Origin space tourism flight launched from West Texas Friday morning. CBS News space consultant Bill Harwood and space expert Scott Heidler offered analysis of the flight.
Trump, Musk attend SpaceX launch
President-elect Donald Trump attended SpaceX's sixth flight test of its Super Heavy-Starship on Tuesday with CEO Elon Musk. The burgeoning friendship between the two men played a key role in Trump's reelection, with Musk now set to run a government efficiency agency in the coming months. CBS News political reporter Jake Rosen and Politico aviation reporter Oriana Pawlyk join "America Decides" with more.
SpaceX launches Super Heavy-Starship, with Trump there to watch
President-elect Donald Trump was on hand with Elon Musk for the sixth test flight of SpaceX's huge Super Heavy-Starship rocket.
Far side of the moon once had erupting volcanoes, lunar soil shows
Researchers analyzed lunar soil brought back by China's Chang'e-6, the first spacecraft to return with a haul of rocks and dirt from the little-explored far side.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2024
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
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.
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.
Evidence in "The Dexter Killer" case
A look at the evidence in "The Dexter Killer" case; plus, newly revealed letters from the man police say wanted to be like fictional serial killer Dexter Morgan.
Summer music heats up 2024
Live performances are in full swing this summer. Scroll through our concert gallery, featuring pictures by CBS News photojournalist Jake Barlow and photographers Ed Spinelli and Kirstine Walton.
Latest CBS News Videos
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Latest CBS News Videos
Judge to hear arguments over Infowars sale
Alex Jones will be back in court Monday as he tries to block satirical news outlet The Onion from buying Infowars. The Onion acquired Infowars in a bankruptcy auction that Jones says was rigged. CBS News correspondent Janet Shamlian has the latest.
Menendez Brothers back in court: What to know
Lyle and Erik Menendez will appear virtually at a status hearing Monday with calls growing for the brothers to have their sentences reduced for the 1989 killings of their parents. CBS News correspondent Elise Preston has more.
Report: Russia captures U.K. national
A British national fighting with Ukrainian forces has reportedly been captured by the Russian military. If confirmed, it would be the first publicly known case of a Western national captured on Russian soil while fighting for Kyiv. CBS News senior national security correspondent Charlie D'Agata has the latest on the war.
Biden carries out annual turkey pardon
President Biden pardoned two turkeys from Northfield, Minnesota, Monday at the White House in an annual Thanksgiving tradition. See the full ceremony with context from CBS News senior White House and political correspondent Ed O'Keefe.
Trump makes more top administration picks
With fewer than three weeks since the election, President-elect Donald Trump has now chosen all of his Cabinet secretaries. He recently announced his pick for Treasury secretary as hedge fund manager Scott Bessent and Congresswoman Lori Chavez-DeRemer as labor secretary. His picks will now need to be confirmed by the Senate.