HEAP-funded air conditioners are available in limited supplies to low-income people in NYC, who have an ongoing medical condition made worse by heat. Medicaid sometimes also pays for air conditioners -- see below.
• Applications for free air conditioners should be submitted immediately, as supplies are limited
• Applicants must meet HEAP income eligibility criteria, which can be determined by calling 1-800-342-3009 or going to www.otda.state.ny.us/main/heap
• A written statement from the health care provider documenting that the patient is at risk for heat-related illness must accompany the application. See below for a template for this statement.
WHERE TO APPLY:
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PEOPLE AGE 60 and OVER in NYC -- This is the 2009 Cooling Assistance Application which you file with the New York City Department for the Aging (DFTA) -- address on application.
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If you live in New York City and are under the age of 60, or if you are any age and live outside New York City, see the HEAP Cooling Component contact list for the phone number of the HEAP contact in your county.
For more information, go to OTDA’s website at http://www.otda.state.ny.us/main/heap/cooling.asp
TEMPLATE FOR PHYSICIAN'S LETTER ON LETTERHEAD:
Date
Re: 2009 Cooling Assistance Program
Name: ______________, DOB: ________, age ______ years, is a patient under my care. S/he has a medical or psychiatric condition or takes medication that increases her/his risk for heat-related illness during a heat wave.
As her/his health care provider, I strongly advise that s/he use an air conditioner at home during a heat wave to prevent serious heat-related illness and possibly death. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.
Signature of health care provider
Medicaid also may sometimes pay for an air conditioner. See article.
