. >> reporter: florida resident chad kisch's medical debt story began with severe pain from herniated disks in his neck last year. >> i really couldn't get out of bed for more than a few minutes. >> reporter: doctors told the 39-year-old, who runs his own small pest control business, that he would need surgery. insurance would cover it, and then went ahead. >> the pain was excruciating. that is probably the most pain i've ever been through. >> reporter: but afterwards, he got stuck with a bill for a facility charge he says the insurance company refused to pay, $145,000. he says the hospital then demanded payments of $1500 a month. >> i told them that can't happen. can we go with something lower. and they said no. so i just stopped answering their calls. >> reporter: when he couldn't pay, the hospital sued him. >> it's just one of those things that hits you in the gut, and oh, boy, now what do i do. and why it is happening to me? >> reporter: he is not alone. a new jama study finds medical bills are the largest source of american debt, with a record $140 billion in collections owed las

. >> reporter: florida resident chad kisch's medical debt story began with severe pain from herniated