No easy fix on flood insurance, but experts say options exist to improve program

NEW YORK, N.Y. – There’s no easy fix for the National Flood Insurance Program, now drowning in $24 billion of red ink.

But experts say Congress does have options to make the program financially stable, more affordable and more effective at protecting waterfront communities.

Lawmakers this month tweaked the troubled program after acknowledging that a previous overhaul had socked policyholders with rate hikes they couldn’t afford. But at least 1.1 million policyholders are still likely to see premiums rise substantially. An AP analysis found hundreds of places where future rate hikes might make it tough for people to keep their homes.

Some ideas fox a long-term fix include low-interest loans to help people elevate or flood-proof their homes and vouchers for those who truly can’t afford high rates.