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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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Should fans sing along in theaters during the "Wicked" movie?
Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, AMC and fans react to the debate over in-theater singing during "Wicked."
Alice Brock, inspiration of Arlo Guthrie's "Alice's Restaurant," dead at 83
Alice Brock, whose Massachusetts-based eatery helped inspire Arlo Guthrie's deadpan Thanksgiving standard, "Alice's Restaurant," has died at age 83.
Trump nominates Marty Makary, who opposed COVID vaccine mandates, to head FDA
President-elect Donald Trump has nominated a critic of COVID-19 health measures to lead the Food and Drug Administration.
Ernie Johnson, wife found healing by "unlocking" their late son's key collection
Ernie and Cheryl Johnson had planned to hold onto their late son Michael's quirky key collection forever. But then they met 6-year-old Cooper Kivett.
Fearing deportation, some Haitian migrants leaving Springfield, Ohio
Most Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio, live there legally through Temporary Protected Status, which President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to end.
MoneyWatch
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Who is Scott Bessent? What to know about Trump's Treasury secretary pick.
If confirmed, Bessent would runn the department that manages the nation's finances as well as its tax agency, the Internal Revenue Service.
Trump selects Scott Bessent for Treasury secretary
Scott Bessent, the founder of the Connecticut-based hedge fund Key Square Group, had been making a full-court press for the post.
Walmart must pay driver it accused of fraud $35 million, jury says
A jury ruled that Walmart must pay a former employee almost $35 million after finding that the retailer defamed him.
Eggs are getting scarcer and pricier ahead of the holidays. Here's why.
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza — also known as bird flu — is killing layer hens and reducing the nation's egg supply.
Supreme Court takes up FCC fund dispute over subsidies for rural telecom services
The Universal Service Fund was created by Congress in 1996.
Politics
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Trump meets with NATO head in Florida for talks on global security
In a brief statement, NATO said Trump and its secretary general, Mark Rutte, met on Friday in Palm Beach, Florida.
Trump nominates Marty Makary, who opposed COVID vaccine mandates, to head FDA
President-elect Donald Trump has nominated a critic of COVID-19 health measures to lead the Food and Drug Administration.
Trump selects Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer as Labor secretary
Republican Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer of Oregon, who narrowly lost her reelection bid earlier this month, received strong backing from union members in her district.
Who is Scott Bessent? What to know about Trump's Treasury secretary pick.
If confirmed, Bessent would runn the department that manages the nation's finances as well as its tax agency, the Internal Revenue Service.
Trump selects Scott Bessent for Treasury secretary
Scott Bessent, the founder of the Connecticut-based hedge fund Key Square Group, had been making a full-court press for the post.
HealthWatch
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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.
E. coli outbreak in St. Louis sickens 106, hospitalizes 2
More than half of the cases involve students, parents and guests of Rockwood Summit High School who attended events where food from Andre's Banquets and Catering was served.
What to know about the newly identified chemical in U.S. drinking water
Researchers have identified a chemical in certain tap water across the United States as chloronitramide anion. Here's what to know.
Whole Foods organic carrots and celery recalled amid E. coli outbreak
Whole Foods Market stores in five states sold recalled carrots and celery sticks that could contain E. coli.
World
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Trump meets with NATO head in Florida for talks on global security
In a brief statement, NATO said Trump and its secretary general, Mark Rutte, met on Friday in Palm Beach, Florida.
Philippines vice president threatens to have nation's president killed
Under the Philippine penal code, such public remarks may constitute a crime and can be punishable by a jail term and fine.
Police chief kills himself as troops close in to arrest him in Mexico
The police chief killed himself with his own weapon as marines, National Guard and soldiers closed in to try to arrest him, prosecutors said.
The new missile Russia is using in Ukraine and why it has NATO on edge
Russia's new intermediate-range ballistic missile has NATO members on edge after the missiles were used in a strike on Ukraine early Thursday morning.
AI grandma fights back against scammers
Daisy's mission is two-fold: To waste scammers' time so they can't speak to real people and to draw attention to fraud by warning consumers to be vigilant.
Entertainment
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Should fans sing along in theaters during the "Wicked" movie?
Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, AMC and fans react to the debate over in-theater singing during "Wicked."
Alice Brock, inspiration of Arlo Guthrie's "Alice's Restaurant," dead at 83
Alice Brock, whose Massachusetts-based eatery helped inspire Arlo Guthrie's deadpan Thanksgiving standard, "Alice's Restaurant," has died at age 83.
"Sunday Morning" 2024 "Food Issue" recipe index
Delicious menu suggestions from top chefs, cookbook authors, food writers, restaurateurs, and the editors of Food & Wine magazine.
Ridley Scott on returning for "Gladiator II": "I kept thinking about it"
Ridley Scott returns to ancient Rome with "Gladiator II" nearly 25 years after the Oscar-winning original.
Ridley Scott on his vision for "Gladiator II"
Nearly 25 years after the original "Gladiator" won five Academy Awards, Ridley Scott returns with "Gladiator II," out Nov. 22. Elizabeth Palmer speaks with the director about bringing his epic vision back to life.
Technology
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Technology
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.
AI grandma fights back against scammers
Daisy's mission is two-fold: To waste scammers' time so they can't speak to real people and to draw attention to fraud by warning consumers to be vigilant.
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.
Australia could ban social media for kids
Australian legislators introduced a landmark bill Thursday to ban social media for children under 16. CBS News London's Leigh Kiniry reports on what this could mean for social media companies.
DOJ targets Google's search engine monopoly
The Department of Justice on Wednesday filed a motion calling for Google to sell its Chrome search engine, arguing in court documents that "the playing field is not level." The Justice Department is also recommending dissolving any contracts in which Google is the default search engine on devices such as iPhones. Kelly O'Grady explains.
Science
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Science
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.
Restoring forests decimated by wildfires
Large wildfires fueled by climate change have destroyed tens of millions of acres of forests in the Pacific Northwest in recent years. Jonathan Vigliotti explores a major effort underway to restore those forests.
Crime
More Crime
Police chief kills himself as troops close in to arrest him in Mexico
The police chief killed himself with his own weapon as marines, National Guard and soldiers closed in to try to arrest him, prosecutors said.
U.S. accuses former Colombia general of extrajudicial killings
Former general Mario Montoya and his family are barred from traveling to the U.S., Secretary of State Antony Blinken said.
4.78 tons of cocaine, $193,000 in cash found in shipping containers
Prosecutors said eight people were detained following searches carried out in Belgium and the Netherlands earlier this month.
84-year-old Texas man accused of killing roommate and her dog
The man was arrested on an unrelated carjacking warrant and admitted to killing his roommate and her pet.
Georgia woman convicted of killing her toddler gets life in prison
Leilani Simon was spared the maximum punishment of life without a chance of parole.
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
Where to get the latest CBS Mornings Deals
On this edition of CBS Mornings Deals, we show you items that might just become essentials in your everyday life. Visit cbsdeals.com to take advantage of these exclusive deals today. CBS earns commissions on purchases made through cbsdeals.com.
NFL, NBA warn players after break-ins
Both the NFL and NBA have issued alerts this week warning players that a recent series of break-ins and robberies at the homes of athletes may not be a coincidence.
The Uplift: Stars, stripes and service
Two men form a friendship over their love of the U.S. A group helps make travel more comfortable for kids with autism. Plus, more heartwarming stories.
Cyberattack risk during the holiday season
The holidays are often called the season of giving, but for cybercriminals, it's the season of hacking. This year, corporate giants have suffered paralyzing cyberattacks, and a new study found that 86% of ransomware attacks hit on a holiday or weekend. Here's what to know about staying safe online.
Israel launches deadly strikes on Beirut
Israel is targeting Hezbollah in a new wave of deadly airstrikes in central Beirut. Lebanese civil defense officials say the attacks have killed at least 11 and wounded more than 60. Meanwhile in Gaza, the United Nations said this week that humanitarian aid delivery was "grinding to a halt" in the territory.