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Tom Jacobs is a self-employed personal fitness trainer who is in excellent physical condition. However, financial pressures forced him to make choices on his living expenses. Given that he was in physically fit, he took the risk that health insurance was one bill he could do without. However, he developed a heart valve problem that required emergency care. That led to time in a critical care unit, and ultimately heart surgery and several weeks off work for rehabilitation. He was shocked at the bills for his care and has considered bankruptcy as the only way to resolve his debt.

Photo: Donna Terek