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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.
Zuckerberg meets with Trump at Mar-a-Lago
The tech CEO has been seeking to change his company's perception on the right following a rocky relationship with President-elect Donald Trump.
Stowaway caught after getting aboard Delta flight from New York City to Paris
The woman boarded Delta Flight No. 264 from John F. Kennedy International Airport to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, CBS News learned. She was discovered while the plane was in midair and was taken into custody in Paris.
New Jersey farmers struggle amid drought conditions
Before temperatures dip to single digits, the cranberry bogs at the Lee Brothers Cranberry Farm will have to be flooded to keep the fragile buds from drying out.
Has tipping reached a tipping point?
A November 2023 survey from the Pew Research Center found that 72% of people think tipping is expected in more places than it was five years ago.
Arizona executions to resume, attorney general says
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes said that she will soon seek an execution warrant for Aaron Brian Gunches, who is on death row for killing his girlfriend's ex-husband.
MoneyWatch
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Has tipping reached a tipping point?
A November 2023 survey from the Pew Research Center found that 72% of people think tipping is expected in more places than it was five years ago.
How Trump's economic agenda could affect mortgage rates in 2025
Here's what a noted housing expert thinks will happen to mortgage rates next year as Donald Trump outlines his priorities.
Trump tariffs on Canada imports could bring sharply higher gas prices
Donald Trump's proposed tariffs on Canada could increase U.S. gas prices by up to 70 cents a gallon, energy experts say.
What's hot in kids toys this holiday season — and what to avoid
Consumers are expected to open their wallets this holiday season, with these children's toys high on the list.
A toddler got a nasal swab test. So why was the bill $445?
An Illinois mom got stuck with a big bill after taking her 3-year-old to the ER but never seeing a doctor. "It's mind-blowing," she said.
Politics
More Politics
Zuckerberg meets with Trump at Mar-a-Lago
The tech CEO has been seeking to change his company's perception on the right following a rocky relationship with President-elect Donald Trump.
Ex-Sen. Bob Menendez seeks new trial
Former Sen. Bob Menendez, a Democrat from New Jersey, was convicted of 16 felony counts in July.
Trump taps retired Gen. Keith Kellogg for Ukraine envoy
Keith Kellogg, a retired lieutenant general, served as national security adviser to former Vice President Mike Pence.
Trump team says threats, swatting incidents against multiple Cabinet picks being investigated
President Biden has been briefed on the incidents and "unequivocally" condemns threats of political violence, the White House said.
Trump team signs some, but not all, critical transition documents
The Trump transition team has yet to sign key agreements with the Justice Department or General Services Administration, White House officials say.
HealthWatch
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A toddler got a nasal swab test. So why was the bill $445?
An Illinois mom got stuck with a big bill after taking her 3-year-old to the ER but never seeing a doctor. "It's mind-blowing," she said.
Why we eat turkey on Thanksgiving, according to history
Why is Thanksgiving traditionally associated with turkey and other specific foods? We asked a history expert why we eat what we do on the holiday.
How to safely cook your turkey — and how long to keep leftovers
If you're looking forward to a delicious — and safe — Thanksgiving dinner with loved ones, here's how to cook your turkey and keep your leftovers safely.
Biden administration set to miss chance to lock in new food guidelines
A federal panel has been meeting for months to draft recommendations.
Trump taps Jay Bhattacharya as director of the National Institutes of Health
Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, who has faced restrictions on social media platforms because of his views, was a critic of pandemic lockdowns and vaccine mandates.
World
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Russia bombs Ukraine's energy sector as temperatures plummet
Ukraine's Zelenskyy says Russian "tactics of terror" are clear with the latest massive attack on energy infrastructure as temperatures plummet.
Stowaway caught after getting aboard Delta flight from New York City to Paris
The woman boarded Delta Flight No. 264 from John F. Kennedy International Airport to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, CBS News learned. She was discovered while the plane was in midair and was taken into custody in Paris.
Trump taps retired Gen. Keith Kellogg for Ukraine envoy
Keith Kellogg, a retired lieutenant general, served as national security adviser to former Vice President Mike Pence.
Accused "Pink Panthers" member among 11 nabbed in cocaine bust
Police in the Balkans arrested 11 alleged members of a criminal syndicate responsible for smuggling cocaine from South America to Europe, officials said.
NASA shows off image of U.S. military's abandoned "city under the ice"
Scientists now have a clearer picture of Camp Century, an abandoned U.S. military base long hidden under the ice in Greenland, thanks to a NASA research team's good luck.
Entertainment
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Sean "Diddy" Combs denied bail again ahead of sex trafficking trial
Sean "Diddy" Combs' lawyers again asked the rapper be released on bond ahead of his trial, but the request was denied.
Grateful Dead remembers band member Phil Lesh
Members of the iconic band, the Grateful Dead, reflected on the impact bandmate Phil Lesh had on their lives and said they had hoped to play together again.
Grateful Dead bandmates remember Phil Lesh
Iconic band The Grateful Dead, is remembering one of the band's original members, Phil Lesh, who died in October at 84 years old. The surviving original members of the band credit Lesh for the impact he made in each of their lives and revealed they were hoping to play together one more time.
Harvey Weinstein accuses Rikers Island of substandard medical treatment
Harvey Weinstein's lawyers filed a legal claim alleging that he is receiving substandard medical treatment in unhygienic conditions while in custody at Rikers Island.
The Script on loss, resilience in new album
Irish band The Script continues to inspire with hits like "Hall of Fame," while moving forward after the loss of guitarist Mark Sheehan. Danny O'Donoghue talks to Natalie Morales about the band's journey, and how boxing helps him cope.
Technology
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Zuckerberg meets with Trump at Mar-a-Lago
The tech CEO has been seeking to change his company's perception on the right following a rocky relationship with President-elect Donald Trump.
Australian lawmakers advance bill to bar under-16s from social media
Australia's House of Representatives has passed a bill that would ban children under the age of 16 from using most social media platforms.
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.
AI grandma tool helps fend off phone scams
British phone company Virgin Media O2 has developed an AI-generated grandmother to talk to scammers all day and waste their time so you don't have to. CBS News Confirmed executive producer Melissa Mahtani has more on the "grandma" and how you can protect yourself from phone scams.
Starbucks impacted by ransomware attack on software vendor
Starbucks managers forced to rely on manual systems to handle baristas' pay, but customers unaffected.
Science
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NASA shows off image of U.S. military's abandoned "city under the ice"
Scientists now have a clearer picture of Camp Century, an abandoned U.S. military base long hidden under the ice in Greenland, thanks to a NASA research team's good luck.
Divided U.N. negotiations for plastic treaty
Negotiators are far apart as the United Nations tries to work out the world's first treaty to curb plastic pollution. Issues creating roadblocks include limiting new manufacturing of plastic and the potential phasing out of some chemicals. For more on the talks, CBS News was joined by Erin Simon, vice president and head of plastic waste and business for the World Wildlife Fund in the U.S.
Honolulu hopes to identify long-unclaimed bodies with advanced DNA testing
Forensic pathologists hope advanced DNA testing technology will enable them to attach names to all the unidentified people at the Honolulu Medical Examiner's Office.
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.
Crime
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Sean "Diddy" Combs denied bail again ahead of sex trafficking trial
Sean "Diddy" Combs' lawyers again asked the rapper be released on bond ahead of his trial, but the request was denied.
Accused "Pink Panthers" member among 11 nabbed in cocaine bust
Police in the Balkans arrested 11 alleged members of a criminal syndicate responsible for smuggling cocaine from South America to Europe, officials said.
Bombing suspect on most wanted list arrested
Daniel Andreas San Diego, a suspect in in two 2003 northern California bombings, was arrested in the U.K. this week. San Diego, who had been one of the FBI's most wanted terror suspects, now faces extradition.
Honolulu hopes to identify long-unclaimed bodies with advanced DNA testing
Forensic pathologists hope advanced DNA testing technology will enable them to attach names to all the unidentified people at the Honolulu Medical Examiner's Office.
Drug cartel reeling in huge profits with illegal fishing in Gulf of Mexico
The cartel allegedly uses fishing boats to smuggle drugs and migrants — and catch tons of red snapper, a commercially valuable but vulnerable species.
Space
More Space
Webb telescope captures stunning new image of the "Sombrero galaxy"
The Sombrero galaxy, named for its resemblance to the Mexican hat, is about 30 million light-years from Earth.
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.
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
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Beloved rescue dog on the loose in New Orleans
Scrim the rescue dog has become a familiar sight to some in New Orleans, as his face has been plastered on missing posters more than once. The well-known rescue dog has escaped once again, but recent sightings give people hope he'll be home again soon. Kati Weis has the story.
Threats made against Trump's picks
The FBI is investigating multiple threats made against some of President-elect Donald Trump's administration picks like Susie Wiles, Pam Bondi, Howard Lutnick and others. CBS News political reporter Libby Cathey has more on the attacks and the Trump transition.
Sean "Diddy" Combs' latest bail request denied
Sean "Diddy" Combs will not get out of jail on bail after a federal judge denied his latest request Wednesday.
Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire holds
The fighting between Israeli forces and the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah forced over a million people to leave their homes. Some began returning to Southern Lebanon on Wednesday. CBS News foreign correspondent Debora Patta reports.
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons
Something is in the air in New York City --it's the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons! CBS News New York reporter Alecia Reid has more on the characters to expect and what's behind the fun display.