Aflac Incorporated, headquartered in Columbus, Georgia, U.S., “sells supplemental health and life insurance policies that cover special conditions, primarily cancer. It is one of the largest sellers of supplemental insurance in the US and is an industry leader in Japan’s cancer-insurance market (with 14 million policies in force). Aflac, which is marketed through and is an acronym for American Family Life Assurance Company, sells policies that pay cash benefits for hospital confinement, emergency treatment, and medical appliances.”[1]

Criticism

Worker Rights

• Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Daniel P. Amos had pay of $9,726,893 in 2008. He also exercised $24,011,800 in options.[2]

Human Rights

• Aflac received a low score from the Human Rights Campaign which puts out a buying guide that rates corporations on policies that affect gay and lesbian employees.http://www.hrc.org/buyersguide

Political Influence

• In the 2008 U.S. election, Aflac gave $1,617,000 to Federal candidates through its political action committee – 49% to Democrats and 51% to Republicans.[3]
• In 2006, it gave $1,465,500 – 45% to Democrats and 55% to Republicans.
• In 2008, it spent $3,570,000 for lobbying in the U.S.[4]

Brands and Subsidiaries

• American Family Life Assurance Company; Communicorp, Incorporated[5]