New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced on the 19th the launch of the “Essential Plan Cooling Program” to reduce health risks associated with extreme heat. This program provides free air conditioners to New York residents who meet health insurance criteria and suffer from chronic asthma.
The initiative is part of Governor Hochul’s “Extreme Heat Action Plan” (EHAP) proposed in 2022, and it is being implemented in collaboration with 27 state agencies including the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). The program aims to assist vulnerable individuals in coping with extreme heat.
“With climate change bringing more frequent and intense heatwaves, we must take action to protect the most vulnerable residents,” Hochul stated. This life-saving resource can help people with chronic illnesses safely navigate the hot summer weather.
According to the state government, approximately 1.4 million adults in New York suffered from asthma in 2021, and environmental factors such as extreme heat, allergens, and air pollution can significantly exacerbate symptoms. The program offers free air conditioners to those enrolled in the New York Essential Plan health insurance and suffering from chronic asthma, with installation provided by certified vendors.
Applicants must submit their applications by August 31, 2025, or until funds are exhausted, and they must not have received HEAP air conditioning assistance in the past five years to be eligible. If air conditioning cannot be safely installed, fans will be provided as an alternative. Each household can receive a maximum of one air conditioner or fan every five years, with a maximum installation subsidy of $900 for air conditioners, $500 for fans, and $1,100 for wall-mounted units. Cash subsidies are not provided. For application details, visit: https://tinyurl.com/hb9bxcv5