Health Insurance & Medical Costs · Surprise rank #131
On the $0-Premium Essential Plan? Get a Free Air Conditioner Delivered and Installed
Essential Plan members with heat-sensitive conditions (like asthma or diabetes) can get a free AC unit and professional installation. *Catch:* It is strictly seasonal (usually April–July) and funding-limited.
Who
Essential Plan members with a listed heat-sensitive condition and a suitable residence.
What to do
Start here: Check the official NY State of Health cooling page in spring and apply through the marketplace account or customer service while intake is open.
Eligibility: Essential Plan enrollment, qualifying condition, installation feasibility and the program's look-back and seasonal rules.
What you get
Eligible Essential Plan members with a qualifying health condition can receive a cooling device, assessment, delivery and approved installation at no cost.
Benefit: Window or portable air conditioner, eligible wall-sleeve replacement or fan, plus approved installation.
Possible value: Roughly the value of a cooling appliance and installation—often several hundred to about $1,100.
Good to know
Important: Funding-limited and seasonal; the member maintains the unit and vendor visits may be required.
Availability: 2026 intake closed July 6; recheck spring 2027.
Why people miss it: It is a seasonal health-plan benefit buried outside normal coverage pages.
Sources reviewed: Aug 2, 2026