MYTH: Providing after-the-fact disaster relief and creating government catastrophe funds are the only options available to government in dealing with the financial impact of natural catastrophes on consumers.

REALITY: A number of states have implemented a variety of proactive programs to address their unique natural catastrophe exposures and assist their citizens. In Congress, proactive bills are pending that direct federal assistance to consumers in the coastal regions.

• Consumer Catastrophe Savings Account
• Consumer Tax Credit for Low Income Households
• Consumer Tax Credit for Mitigation Expenses
• Consumer Matching Grant Mitigation Programs
• Premium Discount for Mitigation Measures
• Insurer Incentives to Increase Consumer Market Choices
• Federal Assistance Focused on Consumers Versus Insurance Companies