Governor Kathy Hochul has signed legislation aimed at increasing access to heating assistance for New York’s senior citizens. The new law connects participants in the Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) program with information about the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), a federal initiative designed to help low-income households cover heating and cooling costs.
The legislation, S.8760A/A.9369A, mandates the Department of Health to provide HEAP enrollment details to EPIC applicants and participants, ensuring more seniors become aware of the financial support available to them. This measure aligns with Governor Hochul’s broader efforts to address affordability challenges for vulnerable New Yorkers, including seniors on fixed incomes.
HEAP provides critical financial relief to low-income households, with benefits reaching up to $996 per eligible household. By pairing HEAP information with EPIC applications, the legislation ensures that seniors who rely on the EPIC program for prescription coverage also learn about heating assistance options, reducing their overall expenses during harsh winter months.
The Governor highlighted the importance of programs like HEAP in alleviating financial burdens for New Yorkers, especially as rising costs strain household budgets. She framed the law as part of a larger strategy to tackle affordability challenges, from minimum wage increases to direct financial aid initiatives.
State health officials emphasized the relationship between stable housing, affordable energy costs, and overall health outcomes. The Department of Health and the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance underscored that HEAP helps prevent emergencies during winter by keeping homes warm and livable for seniors and families on limited incomes.
Dr. James McDonald, New York’s Health Commissioner, noted that protecting seniors from cold-related health risks is a fundamental part of supporting their well-being. Similarly, Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Barbara Guinn described HEAP as a “vital lifeline” that provides financial security and safety for older adults.
State legislators praised the measure, citing the importance of raising awareness about existing resources. By ensuring EPIC participants receive HEAP information during annual notices and application processes, the law addresses gaps in access to heating assistance for seniors who might otherwise remain unaware of their eligibility.
Senator Cordell Cleare, Chair of the Aging Committee, stressed that this legislation will help safeguard seniors from the financial and physical challenges of New York winters. Assemblymember John T. McDonald III emphasized the importance of addressing social determinants of health, such as affordable energy, to ensure that seniors can remain active and secure in their communities.
This new law builds on other measures announced by Governor Hochul to expand heating assistance. In November, additional funding for HEAP was allocated to help low- and middle-income households, bringing the program’s total benefits to over $397 million for the current season.
By bridging the gap between EPIC and HEAP, Governor Hochul’s administration aims to enhance the quality of life for New York’s senior population, reducing their energy costs and helping them stay warm and safe during the colder months.
