Aflac, the leading provider of voluntary insurance in the U.S., is the preferred brand among consumers who are likely to purchase supplemental products in the next 12 months according to recent data from marketing research firm Prince Market Research. The survey of 1,714 consumers, conducted by PMR on behalf of Aflac, also shows that 53 percent of consumers say that working for a company that offers supplemental insurance will be important to them post reform.

According to the findings, those consumers who are considering an insurance purchase rate Aflac as the No. 1 brand for accident, disability, cancer and critical illness plans. Voluntary insurance plans provide added protection that complements major medical coverage to help with daily living expenses. Supplemental products – such as accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity plans – are designed to help pay for out-of-pocket expenses such as mortgage, rent, car payments, child care, deductibles, copayments and other necessities.

"The survey results are a testament to Aflac's promise – we are there for our policyholders when they need it most by paying cash benefits to be used as they see fit," said Michael Zuna, executive vice president, chief marketing officer at Aflac. "And, Aflac works quite hard to ensure they get paid quickly as well so they can focus on getting better and back to work."

Many Americans are shouldering both additional health care costs and decision-making responsibility as a result of health care reform. Even with a comprehensive major medical plan, the out-of-pocket costs (both medical and non-medical related) can be substantial. In fact, more than one-third (37 percent) of consumers expect more gaps in coverage and 62 percent think their costs will increase post-reform.

However, only 6 percent of U.S. employees completely agree their family would be financially prepared for an unexpected emergency. In addition, 49 percent of workers have less than $1,000 in savings for out-of-pocket costs and 27 percent have less than $500.1

"As health care costs continue to increase, consumers expect more gaps in their major medical insurance as a result of health care reform and many are unprepared to pay for the higher costs," Zuna said. "That's where Aflac's voluntary plans come into play. Businesses that add voluntary insurance to their benefits offerings can help their employees cope with out-of-pocket expenses due to an injury or illness while not incurring any additional cost to the company."

To learn more, visit aflac.com or follow @aflac on Twitter.