Member

Login to your account, make a payment, see benefits and more.

Members

Manage Your Plan

Helpful Tools

Wellcare By Fidelis Care

Members
Providers

Login to your account, download forms, view auth grids and more.

Providers

Provider Resources

About Our Plans

Helpful Tools

Providers
Shop For a Plan

See plan benefits, coverage areas, get a quote and more.

Shop for a Plan

Our Plans

Helpful Tools

Wellcare By Fidelis Care

Shop for a Plan
AAA
HomeMemberManage Your PlanEssential PlanEssential Plan Cooling Program

Essential Plan Cooling Program

Eligible Essential Plan members with certain health conditions can apply through NY State of Health to get a free air conditioner. The program runs from April 15, 2026, to August 31, 2026, or when program funds run out.


Who is eligible?

  • You are currently enrolled in the Essential Plan
  • You have at least one of these health conditions:
    • Asthma 
    • Cardiovascular disease (heart disease)
    • Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
    • Chronic migraine
    • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
    • Diabetes
    • Disability
    • End-stage kidney disease (ESKD)
    • Epilepsy
    • Hypertension
    • History of stroke
    • Multiple sclerosis (MS)
    • Severe obesity (Class III / morbid obesity)
    • Parkinson’s disease
    • Pregnancy and postpartum
    • Serious mental illness
  • You have not received a cooling unit in the last five years from the Essential Plan Cooling Program or the HEAP Cooling Program
  • You want the air conditioner installed at your home address on file with NY State of Health
  • You agree to the program rules (terms and conditions)

Apply Now

Stay cool this summer! Complete the online application at NY State of Health to see if you qualify for a free air conditioner.

Apply Here

The application can be translated into your preferred language. Use the Google Translate tool at the top of the application page. Notices are provided in 13 different languages.


Do you have questions?

For more information about this program or the application, please contact the NY State of Health Customer Service Center at 1-855-355-5777 (TTY: 1-800-662-1220)

What happens after I apply?

  • You will be notified within three (3) weeks by NY State of Health about your eligibility.
  • Approved members will be told how to contact their vendor. You will need to schedule two appointments with the vendor:
    1. a pre-installation assessment
    2. an installation appointment
  • The vendor will deliver and install your air conditioner. You will get a fan if an air conditioner cannot be safely installed.
  • After installation, the air conditioner becomes your property. You are responsible for maintenance. This includes removal and storage of the unit. It also includes reinstallation of the unit each season.