By Forum Staff
Governor Kathy Hochul on Thursday announced the launch of the Essential Plan Cooling Program, an affordability initiative that provides free air conditioners to eligible New Yorkers who are enrolled in the State’s Essential Plan and live with persistent asthma, helps reduce heat-related health risks and improves quality of life during the hottest months of the year.
The Essential Plan Cooling Program is part of the Extreme Heat Action Plan, a multi-agency initiative launched through Hochul’s 2022 State of the State agenda. Developed by the State Department of Environmental Conservation and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, with collaboration from 27 State agencies and authorities, the plan outlines a strategy to reduce heat vulnerability across the Empire State.
The Essential Plan Cooling Program is open to members of NY State of Health’s Essential Plan who have persistent asthma — defined as chronic asthma symptoms such as wheezing, coughing attacks, or the need for regular medication. To be eligible, applicants must not have received an air conditioning unit through the HEAP Cooling Program in the past five years. Units will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis through Aug. 31, 2025, or while funding lasts.
The Essential Plan is New York’s affordable public health insurance program, offering low-cost or no-cost coverage to eligible individuals with $0 monthly premiums, no deductibles, and minimal cost-sharing. Coverage includes primary and specialty care, hospital services, prescriptions, dental and vision benefits, and more. Enrollment in the Essential Plan is open year-round.
“As climate change continues to bring more frequent and intense heat waves to New York, we are taking action to protect our most vulnerable residents,” Hochul said. “The Essential Plan Cooling Program is a life-saving resource that will help New Yorkers with chronic health conditions like asthma be able to affordably stay safe and healthy against extreme heat.”
State Department of Health Commissioner James McDonald, M.D., added, “Extreme heat can be life threatening as well as a public health emergency, especially for those with chronic conditions like asthma. This innovative cooling program helps ensure that vulnerable New Yorkers can breathe easier and stay safer during the hottest months. We are proud to support a program that combines environmental awareness with proactive care.”
Asthma remains one of the most common and costly chronic conditions in the United States. In 2021, approximately 1.4 million adults in New York State were living with asthma. Environmental factors such as extreme heat, allergens, and poor air quality can significantly worsen symptoms. Ensuring access to air conditioning, along with appropriate medical care and medications, is essential to managing the condition effectively.
“By providing free air conditioners to eligible members living with persistent asthma, the Cooling Program strengthens New York State’s commitment to providing vital cooling assistance to New Yorkers who are at high risk in heat emergencies,” NYC Health Department Acting Commissioner Michelle Morse, M.D., said. “We are proud to work with Governor Hochul, the Department of Health, and all our state partners to provide our most vulnerable New Yorkers with the tools and resources they need to get relief and stay safe during periods of extreme heat.”
