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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.
Steve Madden says it will cut production in China to avoid Trump tariffs
The footwear- and accessory-maker says it already has a plan in place to reduce its reliance on imports from China.
Supreme Court unlikely to see justices retire before Trump takes office
Justice Sonia Sotomayor is the first Hispanic justice and at 70, is not the oldest member of the Supreme Court.
Trump says he won't sell DJT stock and calls for probe into short sellers
Donald Trump reiterated he doesn't intend to sell his stock in Trump Media, and called for an investigation into short sellers.
Maps show drought and fire conditions in Northeast states
Parts of the East Coast are under drought conditions and red flag warnings, from Massachusetts to the northern edge of Virginia and West Virginia.
Iranian operative charged in scheme to assassinate Trump, other targets
An Iranian operative told investigators that he was tasked in September with assassinating Trump, according to court records unsealed Friday.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Steve Madden says it will cut production in China to avoid Trump tariffs
The footwear- and accessory-maker says it already has a plan in place to reduce its reliance on imports from China.
Trump says he won't sell DJT stock and calls for probe into short sellers
Donald Trump reiterated he doesn't intend to sell his stock in Trump Media, and called for an investigation into short sellers.
Cheese sold at Aldi, Market Basket and more recalled due to listeria worries
Cheese processed at plant in Lena, Illinois, may be tainted by bacteria that can cause serious and fatal infections.
Trump win boosts book sales from "The Handmaid's Tale" to "Hillbilly Elegy"
Dystopian classic "The Handmaid's Tale" was popular throughout Trump's first term, along with George Orwell's "1984."
Starbucks app goes down, customers complain
The app crashed the same day Starbucks introduced its holiday menu, preventing customers from placing mobile orders.
Politics
More Politics
Election 2024: Trump celebrates win, Biden gives speech
Following the 2024 presidential election results, President Biden has invited President-elect Donald Trump to discuss the transition of power.
Supreme Court unlikely to see justices retire before Trump takes office
Justice Sonia Sotomayor is the first Hispanic justice and at 70, is not the oldest member of the Supreme Court.
Trump says he won't sell DJT stock and calls for probe into short sellers
Donald Trump reiterated he doesn't intend to sell his stock in Trump Media, and called for an investigation into short sellers.
Iranian operative charged in scheme to assassinate Trump, other targets
An Iranian operative told investigators that he was tasked in September with assassinating Trump, according to court records unsealed Friday.
Judge cancels court deadlines in Trump's 2020 election case
President-elect Donald Trump is facing four federal charges in the case arising from the 2020 presidential election.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Cheese sold at Aldi, Market Basket and more recalled due to listeria worries
Cheese processed at plant in Lena, Illinois, may be tainted by bacteria that can cause serious and fatal infections.
How to build a "dopamine menu" to combat the fall and winter blues
Worried about slipping into the winter blues? A "dopamine menu" could help. Experts explain how, along with ideas to get started.
Counterfeit weight loss drugs feed demand for cheaper options
Record demand for Ozempic, Wegovy and other weight loss drugs is fueling a surge of dangerous knockoffs.
Space heaters sold on Amazon, TikTok recalled after 7 fires
More than half a million smart electric space heaters recalled after 113 reports of overheating, federal agency says.
FDA to pull common but ineffective cold medicine from market
The FDA says oral phenylephrine, used in many over-the-counter cough and cold medicines, "is not effective as a nasal decongestant."
World
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Research vessel to scan seafloor for flood victims in Spain
Spain is sending a marine research vessel to scan the seafloor off Valencia's coast in hopes of finding vehicles and people missing after devastating flash floods.
New Canadian councilors refuse to swear allegiance to King Charles
Five newly elected councilors in Dawson City, Canada, have refused to swear a mandatory oath of allegiance to Britain's King Charles III.
Photos show damage aboard Royal Caribbean cruise rocked by rough winds
The Explorer of the Seas was traveling from Barcelona, Spain to Miami, Florida, when it was struck by a strong wind gust.
Russia soldiers who massacred Ukraine family get life in prison
The case marks a rare example of Russia admitting to a crime committed by its troops in Ukraine.
Qantas plane makes emergency landing due to engine failure soon after takeoff
A Qantas plane made an emergency landing after returning to Sydney Airport in Australia shortly after taking off after an engine failed, the airline said.
Entertainment
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"Yellowstone" star Kelly Reilly on possible Beth and Rip spin-off series
Kelly Reilly opens up about the possibility of a spin-off featuring her "Yellowstone" character Beth Dutton and fan favorite Rip Wheeler as the series nears its end.
Grammy Awards announce 2025 nominations. Here's the list.
The nominations for the 67th Grammy Awards have been announced, and the nominees include a long list of top music stars.
Wes Bentley on Jamie Dutton's family
"Yellowstone" actor Wes Bentley joins "CBS Mornings Plus: to discuss Jamie Dutton's strained relationships with his adoptive family.
Trump win boosts book sales from "The Handmaid's Tale" to "Hillbilly Elegy"
Dystopian classic "The Handmaid's Tale" was popular throughout Trump's first term, along with George Orwell's "1984."
Kelly Reilly on final season of "Yellowstone"
"Yellowstone" star Kelly Reilly joins "CBS Mornings" to share what lies ahead for her character Beth Dutton in the final episodes of season five.
Technology
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Technology
Robots replace sculptors in Italy
In Carrara, Italy, a studio is using robots to create sculptures, a move that has traditional sculptors concerned about the future of Italian art. Bill Whitaker explores the clash between technology and heritage on "60 Minutes."
Starbucks app goes down, customers complain
The app crashed the same day Starbucks introduced its holiday menu, preventing customers from placing mobile orders.
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 plans "world-leading" social media ban for children under 16
"Social media is doing harm to our kids and I'm calling time on it," says Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanse.
Officials sound alarm over fake election videos
Three top government agencies are calling out two fabricated videos spreading lies about early voting, and they say a familiar foe is to blame. Nicole Sganga has more.
Science
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DNA reveals surprises about Pompeii eruption victims
Victims thought to be female were male and not related to one another, showing "the story that was long spun around these individuals" was wrong, researchers said.
How 2024 races may affect U.S. climate policy
The presidential race and high-profile congressional contests may be dominating election coverage and fundraising, but many local and state elections are poised to affect the nation's progress on climate action and the shift toward clean energy. CBS News national correspondent Dave Malkoff has more.
Halloween weather breaks records
East Coast and southern U.S. states experienced high temperatures this Halloween, with the heat forecast set to break records. CBS News 24/7 anchor Lana Zak reports on the weather and how New Yorkers celebrated the festivities.
New research on climate and extreme weather
A new report from the World Weather Attribution group has found that the 10 deadliest weather events of the last 20 years were intensified by manmade climate change. CBS News climate correspondent David Schecter has more.
The Climate Election: Transportation, explained
Transportation is a lifeline, but experts say it's aging, underfunded and unable to withstand more frequent and intense extreme weather events. And if changes aren't made quickly, the EPA says the costs will be "steep," with hundreds of billions of dollars of damage every year.
Crime
More Crime
Crime
Delphi murders trial jury deliberations
The jury has received the case in the murder trial against Richard Allen, the man accused of killing Abby Williams and Libby German in 2017. CBS News' Ian Lee reports.
DNA links man to Texas teacher's 1995 murder
The 1995 murder of beloved teacher Mary Catherine Edwards has always haunted the city of Beaumont, Texas. This week's "48 Hours" has the remarkable story of how a husband and wife detective team and genealogist were able to track down the suspect in Ohio decades later.
Police-style handcuffs on murder victim made police fear killer was among them
Beloved schoolteacher Mary Catherine Edwards was found murdered wearing police-grade Smith & Wesson handcuffs — sending ripples through the Beaumont, Texas, Police Department.
Idaho murders suspect "deserves to die," victim's mom says after hearing
Bryan Kohberger is accused of the Nov. 13, 2022, killings of Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves.
Brad Simpson charged with murder, a month after wife goes missing in Texas
Suzanne Simpson went missing in San Antonio on Oct. 6 and has not been found.
Space
More Space
Cargo ship brings science gear, holiday treats to space station crew
With an Election Day docking, the cargo ship delivered 3 tons of supplies and equipment, including an unusual wooden satellite.
The Taurid meteor showers will peak a week apart in November
Two sister meteor showers are already flashing across night skies — and will peak a week apart.
"Halloween comet" disintegrates after flying close to the sun, video shows
NASA confirmed its sun-observing spacecraft captured the moment when the comet Atlas broke into chunks this week as it passed close to the sun.
Chinese space station gets new crew
A Chinese spacecraft carrying a three-person crew, including the country's first female space engineer, has successfully docked with China's orbiting space station. The launch comes as Beijing works to expand its space exploration and put a person on the moon by 2030.
China's space station gets new crew as Beijing advances Xi's "space dream"
A new crew of three Chinese astronauts, including the country's only woman spaceflight engineer, entered the Tiangong space station following an early morning launch into orbit.
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
Project 2025 and Trump's second term
Questions are emerging about the proposed changes in the Project 2025 conservative agenda after former President Donald Trump beat Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election. Philip Bump, a national columnist for The Washington Post, has more.
Delphi murders trial jury deliberations
The jury has received the case in the murder trial against Richard Allen, the man accused of killing Abby Williams and Libby German in 2017. CBS News' Ian Lee reports.
Iranian-linked plot to kill Donald Trump
Three individuals living in the U.S. have been charged in connection to an apparent plan to assassinate President-elect Donald Trump, unsealed court records show. Jon Alterman, senior vice president and Middle East program director for the Center for Strategic and International Studies, joins CBS News with more on Iran's efforts.
Massive fires in both U.S coasts
Brush fires in New Jersey's Palisades area spread smoke across the Hudson River. CBS News New York's Christine Sloan has the latest. In the West, California's Mountain Fire is still roaring after weather conditions contributed to its growth. CBS News Los Angeles' Kara Finnstrom reports. Also, CBS News Bay Area's Jessica Burch has the latest weather forecast.
Biden's immigration spouse program news
A federal judge ruled President Biden's program to provide unauthorized immigrants married to American citizens legal status and a path to U.S. citizenship is illegal. CBS News chief White House correspondent Nancy Cordes breaks down what's next for the initiative.