According to a Kaiser Foundation employee health benefits survey* released in 2007, employment-based health insurance premiums have increased by 100 percent since 2000. Further, a Mercer health and benefits survey** conducted in 2007 predicts that in 2008 the average health plan costs per employee will rise to $8,500, up from $7,523 in 2006, giving companies pause to drop or reduce employee benefits. Aflac's new campaign shows how employers can help provide solutions by making Aflac insurance policies available -- including accident, short-term disability, hospital confinement indemnity and long-term care -- at no direct charge to the business. "As rising costs are forcing companies to clamp down on spending, Aflac helps employers provide more benefits with no direct cost to businesses," said Paul Amos II, president and chief operating officer, Aflac U.S. "Aflac insurance can help businesses retain valued employees and market themselves to the best workers in the most competitive markets." Aflac currently serves more than 400,000 businesses in the United States. For more than 50 years, Aflac products have given policyholders the opportunity to direct cash where it is needed most when a life-interrupting medical event causes financial challenges. Aflac is the number one provider of guaranteed-renewable insurance in the United States and the number one insurance company in terms of individual insurance policies in force in Japan. Our insurance products provide protection to more than 40 million people worldwide. Aflac has been included in Fortune magazine's listing of America's Most Admired Companies for seven years and in Fortune magazine's list of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America for ten consecutive years. Aflac has also been recognized three times by both Fortune magazine's listing of the Top 50 Employers for Minorities and Working Mother magazine's listing of the 100 Best Companies for Working Mothers.