Aflac Incorporated is an American insurance company and is the largest provider of supplemental insurance in the United States. It was founded in 1955 and is based in Columbus, Georgia. In the U.S., it underwrites a wide range of insurance policies, but is perhaps more known for its payroll deduction insurance coverage, which pays cash benefits when a policyholder has a covered accident or illness. The company states it "provides financial protection to more than 50 million people worldwide". In 2009, Aflac acquired Continental American Insurance Company for $100 million, enabling them to sell supplemental insurance on both the individual and group platforms. As of June 30, 2012, it was represented by approximately 19,300 sales agencies in Japan and 76,900 licensed sales associates in the U.S.