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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.
Democratic lawmakers ask watchdogs to probe ex-lobbyists serving in Trump admin.
Four congressional Democrats are asking inspectors general to probe whether ex-lobbyists in the administration broke ethics rules to benefit former clients.
Stephen Colbert slams CBS again amid controversy over Talarico interview
"The Late Show" host Stephen Colbert slammed CBS again on Tuesday night after the network issued a statement about his interview with Texas Democrat James Talarico.
U.S. military strikes 3 more alleged drug boats, killing 11 people
The series of strikes brought the death toll to at least 145 people since the administration began targeting the small vessels since September.
How "signal sniffer" technology is being used in the search for Nancy Guthrie
The "signal sniffer" being used in the Nancy Guthrie investigation was mounted on a helicopter on Monday.
FBI, St. Paul police probing ICE arrest that resulted in skull fractures
Minnesota and federal authorities are investigating claims that immigration officers shattered a Mexican man's skull while taking him into custody last month.
MoneyWatch
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Tesla robotaxis involved in 14 crashes since launching in Austin, Texas
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has said the electric vehicle maker plans this year to greatly expand its self-driving taxi business.
FDA investigating Salmonella outbreak connected to moringa powder
Rosabella-brand moringa capsules could be linked to Salmonella cases in seven U.S. states, health officials said.
20% of U.S. jobs are highly vulnerable to automation, economists say
More than half of jobs in manufacturing and transportation could be automated over the next 20 years, according to Oxford Economics.
Bayer proposes $7.2 billion settlement to resolve weedkiller cases
Germany's Bayer has faced thousands of lawsuits after buying Roundup maker Monsanto in 2018 for $63 billion.
Warner Bros. Discovery restarts takeover talks with Paramount Skydance
Warner Bros. Discovery said that Paramount Skydance is considering enhancing its buyout offer for the entertainment company.
Politics
More Politics
Democratic lawmakers ask watchdogs to probe ex-lobbyists serving in Trump admin.
Four congressional Democrats are asking inspectors general to probe whether ex-lobbyists in the administration broke ethics rules to benefit former clients.
Stephen Colbert slams CBS again amid controversy over Talarico interview
"The Late Show" host Stephen Colbert slammed CBS again on Tuesday night after the network issued a statement about his interview with Texas Democrat James Talarico.
U.S. military strikes 3 more alleged drug boats, killing 11 people
The series of strikes brought the death toll to at least 145 people since the administration began targeting the small vessels since September.
Judge blocks deportation of Palestinian activist who led protests at Columbia
An immigration judge has dismissed the Trump administration's deportation case against Mohsen Mahdawi, a Palestinian graduate student and Columbia protest leader.
Trump blames D.C., Maryland and Virginia for massive Potomac River sewage spill
President Trump and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore are feuding over who's responsible for addressing one of the largest sewage spills in U.S. history.
HealthWatch
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FDA investigating Salmonella outbreak connected to moringa powder
Rosabella-brand moringa capsules could be linked to Salmonella cases in seven U.S. states, health officials said.
Measles cases at university in Florida soar to nearly 60
Twenty one states in the U.S. have confirmed cases of measles.
Can TrumpRx help you save money on drugs? Here's what experts say.
The Trump administration's new discounted drug platform, TrumpRx, isn't a game-changer for consumers, health care experts said.
Moderna says FDA refuses its application for new mRNA flu vaccine
The Food and Drug Administration is refusing to consider Moderna's application for a new flu vaccine made with mRNA technology, the company said.
What to know about a new study on coffee, tea and dementia risk
CBS News medical contributor Dr. Céline Gounder said the results of the study on coffee drinkers having lower risk of dementia should be taken "with a massive grain of salt."
World
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Mikaela Shiffrin wins gold in women's slalom, breaking Olympic drought
Mikaela Shiffrin, the most decorated skier of all time, last won a medal at the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang.
Team USA curler defends Canadian player accused of cheating
Team USA curler Korey Dropkin defends Canadian player Marc Kennedy amid allegations of an Olympic rule breach on the ice.
Naval shipwreck emerges after being buried underwater for 400 years
A program dubbed "the Lost Navy" is underway to identify the large number of Swedish naval shipwrecks lying on the bottom of the Baltic.
French far-left party linked to activist's killing reports bomb threat
The far-left France Unbowed party says it evacuated its Paris office due to a bomb threat as 2 more people were detained over the killing of a far-right activist.
Lindsey Vonn's Olympic crash rekindles concern over ski bindings design
Lindsey Vonn's devastating injury when her skis didn't come off has put a spotlight on bindings, which hold boots to skis and are some of the oldest technology in the sport.
Entertainment
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Stephen Colbert slams CBS again amid controversy over Talarico interview
"The Late Show" host Stephen Colbert slammed CBS again on Tuesday night after the network issued a statement about his interview with Texas Democrat James Talarico.
Stephen Colbert slams CBS, says network blocked James Talarico interview
"The Late Show" host Stephen Colbert criticized CBS on Monday night, saying the network blocked his interview with U.S. Senate hopeful James Talarico from airing.
Anderson Cooper to depart "60 Minutes" at end of season
Anderson Cooper will report multiple stories for "60 Minutes" before the end of the television season in May.
Oscar-winning actor Robert Duvall dies at 95
Oscar-winning actor Robert Duvall died on Sunday at the age of 95. Duvall starred in classics like "The Godfather" and "Apocalypse Now." Vladimir Duthiers looks back at his career.
Warner Bros. Discovery restarts takeover talks with Paramount Skydance
Warner Bros. Discovery said that Paramount Skydance is considering enhancing its buyout offer for the entertainment company.
Technology
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Technology
"Signal sniffer" inventor on Nancy Guthrie
Investigators in Nancy Guthrie's disappearance are using a device called a "signal sniffer" to try to detect transmissions from her pacemaker. David Kennedy, former NSA hacker and inventor of the pacemaker signal detector, joins CBS News to discuss his work with law enforcement in the search.
Potential impacts of AI
Matt Shumer joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss his now viral article, "Something Big Is Happening." He writes that AI's "capability for massive disruption could be here by the end of this year." Shumer explains why he wrote the article, and his message to concerned readers.
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.
Viral essay urges people to prepare for AI
If you've been on social media this week, you've likely seen an ominous warning about artificial intelligence in your feed: "Something big is happening." An essay from the CEO of an AI company, Matt Shumer, likens the current moment to February 2020, right before the start of COVID. Nate Soares, co-author of "If Anyone Builds It, Everyone Dies," joins to discuss.
Amazon ends Flock partnership after backlash over Super Bowl ad
Amazon's Ring unit touted a "search party" service in its Super Bowl ad, but one critic called the app a "surveillance nightmare."
Science
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In a first, shark seen on camera in Antarctica waters, surprising researchers
A large shark was caught on camera for the first time in Antarctica's waters, surprising researchers. "There's a general rule of thumb that you don't get sharks in Antarctica," one said.
How Washington's crossing of the Delaware presaged a changing world
On the evening of Christmas 1776, Gen. George Washington surprised the King's forces by leading the Continental Army in a surprise crossing of a near-frozen Delaware River - a watershed military maneuver that dramatized a changing America, and a changing climate.
These United States: George Washington and climate change
On the evening of Christmas 1776, Gen. George Washington surprised the King's forces by leading the Continental Army in an unanticipated crossing of a near-frozen Delaware River. Environmental correspondent David Schechter looks at how Washington's watershed military maneuver dramatized both a changing America, and a changing climate.
Impact of climate change on Winter Olympics
The Winter Olympics in Milan need artificial snow due to climate change and warmer weather. Athletes say man-made snow makes terrain more difficult and unpredictable. Rob Marciano reports on its impact.
Scientists "quite surprised" to find one polar bear population thriving
After decades monitoring polar bears in Norway's far north, researchers say the animals have proven incredibly adaptable, but there are no guarantees for the future.
Crime
More Crime
Crime
Focus on evidence in Nancy Guthrie search
Officials are still searching for a DNA match from a sample collected after a pair of gloves was found near Nancy Guthrie's home. This comes as the FBI probes gun purchases in the Tucson, Arizona, area. CBS News' Jonathan Vigliotti reports.
New Mexico probing ranch linked to Epstein
New Mexico lawmakers are investigating a ranch that convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein purchased in 1993 after the latest batch of documents released by the Justice Department revealed allegations of potential crimes that occurred on the property. CBS News' Ian Lee reports.
Nancy Guthrie case DNA probe
Investigators in the Nancy Guthrie kidnapping case are attempting to match a DNA profile recovered from a pair of gloves found near her home. CBS News' Jarred Hill reports.
How "signal sniffer" technology is being used in the search for Nancy Guthrie
The "signal sniffer" being used in the Nancy Guthrie investigation was mounted on a helicopter on Monday.
Probe into New Mexico ranch Epstein once owned
State lawmakers in New Mexico have launched an investigation into a ranch once owned by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. CBS News correspondent Ian Lee reports.
Space
More Space
Fresh crew arrives at International Space Station to boost numbers back to 7
The Crew 12 docking came one month after a previous crew had to return to Earth early due to a medical issue.
SpaceX launches crew to ISS
NASA and SpaceX launched a new mission to the International Space Station with four crew members on board to replace the team that returned last month due to a medical issue with one member. Mark Strassmann has more.
SpaceX launches space station crew on 8-month mission
The two-woman, two-man crew is replacing four other station fliers who came home early last month due to a medical issue one was having.
NASA, SpaceX mission prepares for launch
NASA and SpaceX say they have completed their final reviews and are ready to launch a crewed mission to the International Space Station on Friday. Retired NASA astronaut Leroy Chiao joins "The Daily Report" to discuss.
ULA rocket has booster problem while launching classified Space Force payloads
A United Launch Alliance Vulcan rocket carrying classified Space Force payloads suffered a booster problem but apparently made an otherwise "nominal" ascent to space, the company said.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2026
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Evidence in the Barbara Kendhammer case
Does the evidence show a cover-up, or was Todd Kendhammer wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife?
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Who is Alix Tichelman?
Meet the tattooed beauty charged in the death of Google executive Forrest Hayes.
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
Delroy Lindo on being nominated for 1st Oscar
"Sinners" star Delroy Lindo speaks to "CBS Mornings" about being nominated for his first Oscar, saying "it's special. It is a big deal." He also admits he wasn't watching the nominations and explains how he found out.
Olympian on curling cheating allegations
U.S. curler Korey Dropkin, who won a silver medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics, defended Canadian curler Marc Kennedy amid cheating accusations at the Games, saying he's "one of the greatest curlers of all time and plays by the rules." Dropkin also opened up about sharing his love for the sport and its popularity during the Winter Games.
Eye Opener: Skiers missing after avalanche
A search for survivors is underway after skiers were trapped by an avalanche near Lake Tahoe, California. Plus, dangerous wildfires are burning across multiple states. All that and all that matters in today's Eye Opener.
U.S. figure skaters compete in short program
Americans added two silver medals to their count Tuesday — in big air and the men's team speedskating final. Meanwhile, the U.S. women figure skaters competed in the short program, looking to claim an individual medal. Alysa Liu finished in third ahead of Thursday's free skate event.
Students at trial recall deadly shooting
The prosecution in the trial of Colin Gray, whose son is accused of opening fire at Apalachee High School in 2024, called 23 witnesses on Tuesday - many of them children who survived the shooting. The students testified they are still suffering, both physically and mentally, after the deadly shooting. Skyler Henry reports.