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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.
Men's retreats offer participants a safe space amid loneliness epidemic
Last year, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy declared loneliness a national health epidemic, saying it poses risks as deadly as smoking.
Ana Orsini, Arizona news anchor, dies at 28
Ana Orsini, an anchor at CBS affiliate KOLD-TV in Tucson, Arizona, died last week of a brain aneurysm, her colleagues announced on air.
Boeing Starliner crew's return to Earth delayed yet again
NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams have been stuck in space for months longer than expected, and will not return to Earth until at least March 2025 at the earliest, NASA indicated.
What to know about Frontier Airlines' $299 "GoWild!" annual pass
Here's what to know about Frontier's "GoWild!" unlimited flight deal, an "all you can fly" offer that costs $299.
Japan's Honda and Nissan to begin merger talks, report says
The automakers are reportedly considering a merger to compete against large EV makers.
MoneyWatch
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Social Security Fairness Act could restore benefits, but policies still cause hardship
"In essence, this money has been stolen from all of us for all these years," said an 84-year-old woman whose late husband's Social Security benefits were slashed. "It's not fair."
What to know about Frontier Airlines' $299 "GoWild!" annual pass
Here's what to know about Frontier's "GoWild!" unlimited flight deal, an "all you can fly" offer that costs $299.
Japan's Honda and Nissan to begin merger talks, report says
The automakers are reportedly considering a merger to compete against large EV makers.
How TikTok could avoid being banned in the U.S.
The TikTok ban is set to go into effect next month barring a last-minute sale or Supreme Court action.
Walmart says it's testing body cameras on some store employees
Walmart says retailing giant is testing pilot in one market, and no longer-term decisions have been made.
Politics
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Trump lawyers allege juror misconduct in New York criminal case
Heavy redactions obscured almost all information about the accusations themselves.
How TikTok could avoid being banned in the U.S.
The TikTok ban is set to go into effect next month barring a last-minute sale or Supreme Court action.
New federal rule bans "junk fees" on hotels and live event tickets
"People deserve to know upfront what they're being asked to pay," FTC Chair Lina Khan said in announcing crackdown on certain consumer fees.
AOC loses bid to become top Democrat on Oversight Committee
Rep. Gerry Connolly of Virginia won election to serve as the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, defeating Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
Congressional leaders unveil bill to avoid government shutdown
Leaders in Congress unveiled a measure to keep the government funded, facing a Friday night deadline to avert a government shutdown.
HealthWatch
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Trump could target Affordable Care Act, Medicaid for cuts, experts say
Republicans wants to extend 2017 tax cuts that expire next year and could let ACA subsidies lapse to help pay the tab, according to analysts.
Alabama woman doing well after gene-edited pig kidney transplant
Towana Looney, a 53-year-old Alabama woman, is now free from years of dialysis after receiving an experimental pig kidney transplant last month.
A look at sugar and its impact on kids
Author Emily Oster talks about new research linking early sugar exposure to chronic diseases.
Trump's picks for top health jobs not just team of rivals but "team of opponents"
The president-elect's choices to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, as well as agencies such as the National Institutes of Health, FDA and CDC, hold positions on issues including abortion and vaccination that are often at odds.
Teenager's mild symptoms were signs of an alarming condition
Lizzie Clark was 13 when she started hearing a constant ringing in her ear. Doctors found a tumor on her facial nerve.
World
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Bronze-Age Britons were cannibalized after massacre, research shows
Researchers determined that dozens of men, women and children were violently killed and cannibalized in Bronze Age-era England.
Argentinian President Javier Milei plans to attend Trump inauguration
Milei is the first world leader expected to be in Washington, D.C. for President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration, though arrangements are underway for others to join.
DNA evidence leads to suspect 28 years after deadly stabbing
Police in the Canadian capital of Ottawa say they have arrested and charged a suspect in the deadly stabbing of Christopher Smith in 1996.
Dad and stepmom jailed for "campaign of abuse" that killed U.K. girl
The stepmother and father of Sara Sharif have been sentenced to life in prison for horrific abuse that ended up killing the 10-year-old British girl.
Man stopped at border crossing with dead woman in passenger seat
The officers became suspicious after noticing the female passenger "was not conscious and was not communicating."
Entertainment
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How Nikki Glaser is preparing for Golden Globes hosting gig
Comedian Nikki Glaser, known for her honest style, is gearing up to host the 82nd Annual Golden Globes.
Nikki Glaser on being Golden Globes host
The New York Times called comedian Nikki Glaser "comedian of the year" for her knockout HBO special, "Someday You'll Die." It received Emmy, Grammy and Golden Globe nominations. And now, Glaser is taking on a new project — hosting the Golden Globes. She joins "CBS Mornings."
Idris Elba on "Sonic the Hedgehog 3"
The highly anticipated "Sonic the Hedgehog 3" hits theaters this Friday, introducing a fierce new enemy, Shadow. Six-time Emmy nominee Idris Elba reprises his role as Knuckles and shares how he got back up to speed for the action-packed sequel.
"Star Trek II," "Dirty Dancing" among films named to National Film Registry
Among the 25 films selected by the Library of Congress to be preserved for future generations are the Coen Brothers' "No Country for Old Men," "The Social Network," Cheech & Chong's "Up in Smoke," and "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre."
Backstage with Ketanji Brown Jackson as she made her Broadway debut
Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson made her Broadway debut Saturday night in a one-time performance in the hit musical comedy "& Juliet."
Technology
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Technology
2024 space exploration and advancements
2024 has been a big year for space exploration, with the shift towards privately financed missions fueling major innovations. CBS News space analyst Bill Harwood discusses the latest on the Boeing Starliner astronauts who have been stuck at the International Space Station for months, the Odysseus moon lander, Space X and NASA.
Could Trump prevent a TikTok ban?
TikTok is asking the Supreme Court to pause a law that could ban the app in the U.S. President-elect Donald Trump said that he has a "warm spot" in his heart for the social media app. CBS News Supreme Court producer Catherine Cole has more.
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.
How TikTok could avoid being banned in the U.S.
The TikTok ban is set to go into effect next month barring a last-minute sale or Supreme Court action.
Nima Momeni guilty of murder in killing of Cash App founder Bob Lee
Nima Momeni has been found guilty of second-degree murder in the fatal stabbing of Cash App founder Bob Lee, a verdict reached by a San Francisco jury after seven days of deliberations.
Science
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Science
How climate change impacted 2024
From record-breaking temperatures to devastating disasters, 2024 brought the world closer to the reality of what climate change looks and feels like. CBS News national environmental correspondent David Schechter reports.
Bronze-Age Britons were cannibalized after massacre, research shows
Researchers determined that dozens of men, women and children were violently killed and cannibalized in Bronze Age-era England.
ClimateWatch: Looking back on 2024’s extreme weather
In this episode of “ClimateWatch,” CBS national environmental correspondent David Schechter looks back at the devastating hurricanes, landslides, flooding and more that impacted the U.S. this year.
Sustainable gift-giving: How to reduce waste
According to the Center for Biological Diversity, the U.S. creates nearly 6 billion tons more waste in December than in other months. The nonprofit says about 25% of returned products end up in landfills. Sandra Goldmark, a circular economy expert and associate dean at the Columbia University Climate School, joins CBS News to share examples of sustainable, environmentally friendly gifts for everyone on your list.
Insurers pull back wildfire coverage
Increasingly intense wildfires have become more common in California, upending the lives of thousands. Many insurers are dwindling coverage options, leaving several homes in danger. Business Insider senior sustainability reporter Catherine Boudreau joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
Crime
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Crime
What to know about Cash App murder verdict
Tech consultant Nima Momeni has been found guilty of second-degree murder in the 2023 stabbing of Cash App founder Bob Lee. CBS News Bay Area reporter Lauren Toms has more details.
Gilgo Beach suspect charged with 7th murder
Accused Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heurmann has been charged with a seventh murder. He has pleaded not guilty in the murders of six other women. CBS News New York reporter Carolyn Gusoff has more.
New charges for CEO murder suspect
A New York grand jury has indicted Luigi Mangione, the man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, with first-degree murder and killing as an act of terrorism. Lilia Luciano has the latest on the case.
Motive unclear in Wisconsin school shooting
Police in Madison, Wisconsin, said a number of factors may have led a 15-year-old student to open fire in a classroom on Monday, killing two people before taking her own life. Two of the injured were still in critical condition on Tuesday. Charlie De Mar reports.
Madison school shooting suspect identified
Authorities said a teen student opened fire at a Christian school in Madison, Wisconsin on Monday, killing one student, a teacher and injuring several others. Police identified the suspect as a 15-year-old girl who seems to have died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. CBS News correspondent Ian Lee reports.
Space
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Space
Starliner astronauts' return delayed again
Two astronauts who have been stuck aboard the International Space Station for months will have to wait even longer to come home. Their planned returned was delayed once again on Tuesday, pushing their earliest return trip back to late March. Manuel Bojorquez has more.
Boeing Starliner crew's return to Earth delayed yet again
NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams have been stuck in space for months longer than expected, and will not return to Earth until at least March 2025 at the earliest, NASA indicated.
Here's when, where the Geminid meteor shower will be visible during peak
One of the best meteor showers of the year is about to peak. Here's how to watch and where you can catch the Geminids.
When you can see the Cold Moon, 2024's final full moon
December's full moon, known as the Cold Moon, is the last full moon of 2024. Here's when it peaks and why it's called the Cold Moon.
Learning from the Ingenuity helicopter's crash landing on Mars
Engineers now say they understand the most likely cause of the Ingenuity helicopter's crash landing on Mars earlier this year.
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.
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.
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
What to know about Cash App murder verdict
Tech consultant Nima Momeni has been found guilty of second-degree murder in the 2023 stabbing of Cash App founder Bob Lee. CBS News Bay Area reporter Lauren Toms has more details.
Gilgo Beach suspect charged with 7th murder
Accused Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heurmann has been charged with a seventh murder. He has pleaded not guilty in the murders of six other women. CBS News New York reporter Carolyn Gusoff has more.
2024 space exploration and advancements
2024 has been a big year for space exploration, with the shift towards privately financed missions fueling major innovations. CBS News space analyst Bill Harwood discusses the latest on the Boeing Starliner astronauts who have been stuck at the International Space Station for months, the Odysseus moon lander, Space X and NASA.
Florida buildings are sinking, study finds
A new study found that 35 South Florida high-rise condominiums and luxury hotels are sinking. Gregor Eberli, co-author of that study and professor of marine geosciences at the University of Miami, joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
How climate change impacted 2024
From record-breaking temperatures to devastating disasters, 2024 brought the world closer to the reality of what climate change looks and feels like. CBS News national environmental correspondent David Schechter reports.