Essential Plan Cooling Program

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Contents

 

Program Overview

Under the Essential Plan Cooling Program, NY State of Health will provide eligible Essential Plan members a free air conditioner to help keep their homes cool. The air conditioner will be delivered and installed by an approved vendor. This program is available to Essential Plan members with persistent asthma, meaning they experience asthma symptoms (such as shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing attacks, chest tightness, or chest pain) much of the time or need a daily medication for asthma to control their symptoms. This program is available to Essential Plan members throughout New York State.

This program is funded through New York’s 1332 Waiver. Air conditioning units will be available to Essential Plan members on a first-come, first-serve basis until August 31, 2025 or until funds run out.

If your application is approved, you may receive one cooling unit per applicant household every five years.  

If an air conditioner cannot be safely installed, a fan will be provided.  

Installation cannot exceed $900 for a window or portable air conditioner or $500 for a standing floor fan. For an existing wall sleeve unit replacement, installation cannot exceed $1,100. Cash benefits are not available.

Information for vendors interested in joining the program is available here.

 

Who Can Get an Air Conditioner

To qualify, you must submit an application for the Essential Plan Cooling Program and meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • Be enrolled in NY State of Health’s Essential Plan
  • Have persistent asthma
    • Meaning you experience asthma symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing attacks, chest tightness, or chest pain much of the time or need a daily medication for asthma to control your symptoms
  • Have not received a cooling unit in the past five years through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Cooling Program.
  • Request installation at the permanent residential address on file with NY State of Health
  • Agree to program terms and conditions

 

How to Apply

Applicants must complete the online application.

  • The application will take five to ten minutes to complete. Note that if you navigate away from the application your information will not be saved, so plan to complete your application in one sitting.
  • When you click on the application link, you will leave the NY State of Health website and be redirected to the Essential Plan Cooling Program application, powered by Zendesk.  

Applications will be accepted until August 31, 2025, or until funds run out. 

The application can be translated into your preferred language using the Google Translate tool at the top of the page. 

If you need help understanding this application because your primary language is not English, or because you have a disability that affects your ability to read or complete the application, please call 1-855-355-5777 (TTY: 1-800-662-1220). NY State of Health can provide you with an interpreter or auxiliary aids (such as TTY through New York Relay Service or written materials in an alternative format (large print, audio or data CD, or Braille)) for free to help you understand or complete the application. 

Funding for this program in the summer of 2025 is limited. If you apply after the initial funds are gone, we will let you know. If funding is available for the summer of 2026, this program will continue and this page will be updated.

 

How the Program Works

  • Individuals should apply using the online application. You will get an email within approximately two to three weeks telling you if you are approved or denied.
  • Approved applicants will be told how to contact a vendor. They will receive directions to schedule two appointments, a pre-installation assessment to determine the appropriate cooling option and an installation appointment with the vendor.
  • After installation, the air conditioner will belong to you. It will be your responsibility to maintain it. This includes removing, covering, storing, or reinstalling the unit or sleeve seasonally. The vendor will help you sign up for the manufacturer’s warranty when they install the unit.  

 

Approved Vendors

The list of approved vendors participating in this program is available here.

 

Information for Vendors

If you are interested in becoming a vendor, please complete the vendor enrollment packet.  Completed packets and any questions may be submitted to EPCPVendors@healthresearch.org.

Approved vendors must verify the applicant's eligibility prior to installation. Vendors can verify the applicant's eligibility by obtaining the applicant's confirmation code from the applicant and confirming that the applicant’s confirmation code is on our list of approved applicants. 

  • The list of approved applicants is password protected; only approved vendors will be provided the password.  
  • If the applicant's confirmation code is not listed, they are not eligible for a cooling unit through this program.  

 

About This Initiative

This initiative helps people with persistent asthma manage their increased risk of health issues linked to rising temperatures. It aims to prevent asthma-related emergency visits and hospital stays, which will lower health care costs.

Governor Hochul announced the Extreme Heat Action Plan in 2022, which is a statewide, multi-agency initiative to protect New Yorkers from extreme heat. The Essential Plan Cooling Program is part of this Action Plan and was also mentioned in the Governor's 2024 State of the State.  

 

Contact

If you have submitted an application, have been approved and are having trouble reaching an approved vendor or need help with this program, please contact NYSoHCoolingProgram@health.ny.gov.

For general questions about this program please contact the NY State of Health Customer Service Center Monday through Friday 8am – 8pm and Saturday 9am-1pm at 1-855-355-5777 (TTY: 1-800-662-1220).

 

Help with Utility and Energy Costs

 

Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP):

HEAP is a federally funded program run by states. It gives energy assistance grants to people who qualify based on their income. It assists with winter energy bills, heating and cooling equipment, and heating equipment repair and cleaning. 

Learn more about HEAP

 

Utilities Assistance

New York's major electric and natural gas companies may offer bill management or financial help. Contact your utility company for details. Options may include:

Deferred Payment Agreements

These agreements help consumers who cannot pay their bills in full. Your utility company can help you create a payment plan. 

Energy Affordability Programs

All large electric and natural gas utility companies provide monthly discounts to income-eligible consumers. Contact your utility company to apply. More information is available at dps.ny.gov/energy-affordability-program or by calling 1-800-342-3377.

New York Energy Advisor

New York State energy utility companies and NYSERDA fund the Energy Advisor. It helps income-eligible consumers find energy assistance programs for bill assistance, energy saving upgrades (for renters and owners), and HEAP. Visit energyadvisor.ny.gov.

Billing Management Programs

Balanced billing plans let you pay the same average amount each month, instead of having to pay more in months when you use more energy because of the seasons. This helps you with budgeting. It does not reduce your energy bill.

 

Community-Based Service Programs

Local organizations can provide financial aid, counseling, and help with utility emergencies. Contact groups like the American Red Cross (800-733-2767), the Salvation Army (800-728-7825), and United Way (2-1-1 or 888-774-7633) for more information. 

 

Utility Related Legal Assistance

The Public Utility Law Project of New York (PULP), a nonprofit, helps low-income utility consumers understand their legal rights and provides legal representation on certain utility matters.  

 

Managing Your Health

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that makes breathing difficult. It can affect children and adults. Symptoms include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. While there is no cure for asthma, proper care can help control attacks.

The New York State Department of Health has asthma management information online. You can find this through its publications, news, and events.

New York City residents with persistent asthma may get a free home allergen assessment. They need a referral from their health care provider to qualify. More information is available here.