Current News

by Morgan True vtdigger.org Pathways Vermont, a housing and social services nonprofit, faces potential bankruptcy when federal grants expire in October unless the organization can become eligible for Medicaid payments and state funding.

Hilary Melton, executive director of Pathways Vermont, testifies Monday at a public hearing before Department of Mental Health officials. Photo by Morgan True/VTDigger

In its 11th year, the Genworth (NYSE: GNW) 2014 Cost of Care Survey shows the cost to receive long term care services at home in Vermont through a home health aide increased over the past five years. On a national level, the survey shows a dramatic increase in facility based care, such as an assisted living facility or nursing home, while the cost to receive care at home through homemaker services or a home health aide is rising at a moderate growth rate. This is good news for consumers as almost three quarters of people needing long term care prefer receiving it in their homes, according to Genworth's extensive claims data (Long term care claims Experience Data for Genworth Life Insurance Company and affiliates – December 1974-June 30, 2013).

Utah again earns the top spot for states with the best economic outlook in 2014, followed by South Dakota, Indiana, North Dakota and Idaho, according to the newest edition of the Rich States, Poor States report released by the American Legislative Exchange Council. The report also reveals that big reforms significantly helped Indiana, Michigan and North Carolina improve their national rankings this year. Illinois, Vermont and New York ranked last. Vermont ranked 50th in 2013.

Entergy Corporation (NYSE: ETR) today indicated that it expects first quarter 2014 as-reported earnings of approximately $2.23 per share and operational earnings of approximately $2.28 per share. Results for first quarter 2013 were $0.90 per share on an as-reported basis and $0.94 per share on an operational basis. Strong first quarter 2014 earnings resulted from significantly higher realized wholesale energy prices at Entergy Wholesale Commodities, reflecting cold winter weather and northeast pipeline infrastructure limitations, which reinforces the need for a diverse generation portfolio and the value of existing nuclear generation facilities in the region. The Utility also saw higher earnings on colder-than-normal temperatures. Entergy also raised its 2014 operational earnings guidance to be in the range of $5.55 to $6.75 per share.

by Morgan True, vtdigger.org House lawmakers are mounting a push for greater transparency and accountability from some of the largest and most profitable companies in the United States for the business they conduct in Vermont.

Proposed amendments to an omnibus health care reform bill under consideration in the House Health Care Committee would require pharmacy benefits management companies to disclose how much of the money they charge stays in their pockets.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has opened two new application sites in Vermont for its TSA Pre✓™ Program. This application process allows US citizens and lawful permanent residents to directly enroll in the TSA Pre✓™ expedited screening program that allows air travelers to leave on their shoes, light outerwear and belt, keep their laptop in its case and their 3-1-1 compliant liquids/gels bag in a carry-on, in select airport screening lanes, including those at nearby Burlington International Airport.

Members of the Town of Bennington staff were in Burlington earlier this month being recognized by the Vermont Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sport for Bennington’s workplace wellness initiatives. One of 99 businesses considered for the award, the Town touted its annual employee wellness challenge, staff awards for wellness and free flu shot clinics paid for by past wellness awards, along with other efforts. In the end the Town received the bronze award along with other businesses such as Johnson State College, Essex Town School District and the City of Burlington.

New Hampshire Thrift Bancshares, Inc (NASDAQ: NHTB), the holding company for Lake Sunapee Bank, fsb, has reported consolidated net income for the three months ended March 31, 2014, of $2.1 million, or $0.25 per common share, assuming dilution, compared to $2.1 million, or $0.27 per common share, assuming dilution, for same period in 2013, an increase of $92 thousand, or 4.49%. The weighted average numbers of common shares, assuming dilution, were 8,231,992 and 7,060,234 for the three periods ended March 31, 2014, and 2013, respectively.

Central Vermont Medical Center Pharmacy Technician Linda Eastman was named Pharmacy Technician of the Year by the Vermont Society of Health-System Pharmacists (VtSHP) at their annual meeting in Colchester.
The VtSHP Board chose Linda from a group of nominees. She was recognized for her strong work on the 340B prescription program and for kick starting the Community Health Pharmacy Prescription Assistance program at CVMC.
Central Vermont Medical Center Pharmacy Technician Linda Eastman (center) was named 2014 Pharmacy Technician of the Year by the Vermont Society of Health -System Pharmacists. Shown here with Frank Foti, Pharmacy Director (left) and Ty MacWalters, Pharmacy Tech Operations Supervisor, VtSHP Officer (right). Photo courtesy of Central Vermont Medical Center.

Gifford Medical Center’s mammography and nuclear medicine departments have both been awarded three-year reaccreditations by the American College of Radiology. The American College of Radiology calls their recognition the “gold seal of accreditation” and notes it represents the highest level of image quality and patient safety.
Members of Gifford’s breast care team pose in this file photo. They are, from left, certified breast sonographer Terri Hodgdon, certified mammogram technologist Cheryl Jewkes, board certified radiologist Dr. Scott Smith, certified breast sonographer Kim Nelson and patient care navigator Brittany Kelton. Gifford’s mammography system was one of two in the radiology department to earn national accreditation. The other was nuclear medicine. Photo courtesy of Gifford Medical Center.

Southern Vermont College (SVC) has announced that it will award the Honorary Degree of Humane Letters to Dr Jane Altes, former Vice President for Academic Affairs and Interim President of Empire State College, and Daniel B. Ginsberg, former Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (Manpower and Reserve Affairs), Washington, DC, at its 87th Commencement on Saturday, May 10.

SVC President Karen Gross said that the school wishes to honor leaders who have encouraged civic engagement through government service and through their own community service work. “Education’s mission, above all else, is to develop thoughtful and engaged citizens in our democratic process,” Gross said. “These two individuals are the embodiment of that mission, serving our nation with extraordinary talent, honor and pride.”

Members of North Country Hospital’s Worksite Wellness Team were presented with a Gold Worksite Wellness Award from the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness & Sports in conjunction with the VT Department of Health at a ceremony on March 27 in Burlington. North Country is one of 91 Vermont worksites that applied for this honor. The award honors worksites for providing a culture of wellness for employees that includes innovative strategies promoting health and fitness.
Dr. Harry Chen, VT Commissioner of Health (left) and Governor Peter Shumlin present a Gold Worksite Wellness Award to Mary Hoadley, North Country Hospital Wellness Center Manager (second from left) and Joanne Fedele, RN, North Country Community Health at the VT Worksite Wellness Conference in Burlington on March 27, 2014. The award was presented on behalf of the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. Photo courtesy of North Country Hospital.