You may be eligible for a free air conditioner in NY. Here's what you should know

Some New Yorkers may be eligible for a free air conditioner through New York's expanded Essential Plan program early next year.

"As part of Governor Hochul's recently announced Extreme Heat Action Plan, the State's Essential Plan will add coverage for the purchase, delivery and installation of air conditioners for members with persistent asthma," the state Department of Health said. "While this program is currently under development, we intend to perform consumer and provider education and outreach so members know about the benefit."

Here's what to know.

What is New York's Essential Plan?

The new benefit is part of the state's expanded Essential Plan program, which is lower-cost health insurance sold through New York State of Health, or the state-run health coverage marketplace created as part of the Affordable Care Act, commonly called Obamacare.

Eligibility for the health coverage rose in April to 250% of the federal poverty level, up from the previous 200%. New Yorkers with annual income up to $37,650 now have access to the program, which rose from $30,000, Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a March news release.

New Yorkers may save an average of $4,700 per year compared to what they would have spent on health coverage through Qualified Health Plans, according to Hochul.

More than 1 million low-income New Yorkers are currently covered by the Essential Plan, which provides health benefits with $0 monthly premiums, no deductible, and low-cost sharing, Hochul noted. It also includes free preventive care, adult vision, and dental care without cost-sharing.

NY expanded Essential Plan:Essential Plan health insurance plan expansion could save NY residents $4.7K a year

Are you eligible?

New Yorkers who don't qualify for Medicaid or Child Health Plus qualify for the state's Essential Plan — but specifics for free air conditioner eligibility haven't been made available.

However, the state Department of Health estimates the number of eligible New Yorkers to be between 3,000 and 7,000.

When will you be able to apply?

The program is aiming to launch in the first quarter of 2025, the state Department of Health says, and the department is in the process of figuring out the logistics, including how members will be able to submit air conditioner requests and how the air conditioners will be acquired.

New York State Team reporter David Robinson contributed to this report.

Emily Barnes is the New York State Team consumer advocate reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Contact Barnes at ebarnes@gannett.com or on Twitter @byemilybarnes.