Governor Hochul Launches New Cooling Program to Protect Asthma Patients

Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the Essential Plan Cooling Program, a new initiative to help New Yorkers with persistent asthma stay safe during extreme summer heat.

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 Program Overview:

• What it offers: Free air conditioners.
• Who it’s for: New Yorkers enrolled in the state’s Essential Plan who also have persistent asthma.
• Why it matters: High temperatures can worsen asthma symptoms and pose serious health risks.

 Eligibility Requirements:

1. Must be enrolled in New York’s Essential Plan (for those not eligible for Medicaid, Child Health Plus, or employer coverage).
2. Must have persistent asthma (requiring ongoing medication).
3. Must not have received a cooling unit through the HEAP Cooling Program in the past 5 years.

 Additional Info:

• Application deadline: August 31, 2025.
• Response time: 2–3 weeks after applying.
• Apply online via the New York State of Health website.

This program is part of the state’s broader Extreme Heat Action Plan, which aims to reduce health risks caused by extreme heat across vulnerable populations.

Submit a request – NY State of Health Cooling Program

Essential Plan Cooling Program | NY State of Health