Maybe that is why only about 153,000 people are enrolled in high-risk pools nationwide.

In November, the federal government said $20 million would be available to help states without high-risk pools to establish them.

The result was that two years ago, 53 percent of the state's drivers were assigned to the high-risk pool.

"And if they want Empire to service the high-risk pool, we certainly would," he said.

Some states have high-risk pools for people who cannot otherwise get health benefits.

Some states provide high-risk pools for people denied coverage by commercial insurers.

If there is a high-risk pool and it's decent insurance, that's the way to go.

Eliminate another high-risk pool or impose a flat $5,000-a-vehicle cost per driver under 21.

Some states have created high-risk pools that let people who are disqualified by most insurers get policies.

We will expand state high-risk pools, reinsurance programs and reduce the cost of coverage.