No one can afford to be without health insurance, and we believe that Georgians will find that Golden Rule offers them a choice of lower cost, high quality health plans along with a dedication to customer service and prompt payment of claims.

The number of individuals and families in Georgia who buy their own health insurance is growing every day and, like all Americans, they are struggling to fit another expense into their budgets at a time when everything seems to cost more from the gas pump to home heating.

We estimate that from 2000 to 2003, health insurance premiums for employers will have increased by about 55 percent, ... In today's tough job market, expect more of these costs to be passed on to the consumer.

Since Wal-Mart and other large corporations refuse to act responsibly when it comes to their employees' health insurance, Wake Up Wal-Mart is coordinating a nationwide effort to gain support for additional states to adopt legislation modeled after Maryland's 'Fair Share Health Care' bill.

I'm real concerned with the health insurance issue. I think that our association could probably look at other ways for us to work within our own plan to save our members some money.

President Bush recognizes the challenges faced by those who lack health insurance and remains committed to ensuring that every American looking for a job is able to find one and to expanding access to affordable health care for all Americans,