WVTK Local & State News October 9, 2014

If you get your health insurance through Vermont Health Connect, you can't pay premiums online this month. As you know, the website is down for updates and enhancements. There are two ways to pay. You can mail a check or money order to Vermont Health Connect at Vermont Health Connect, PO Box 1840, Williston, VT 05495, or call a toll-free line at 1-855-377-7979. An invoice was mailed to all customers with the proper contact information. Bills are due October 26.

Gov. Peter Shumlin appointed Jessica Holmes, a Middlebury College professor of Economics, including Health Economics, to serve on the five-member Green Mountain Care Board. Holmes will be replacing an outgoing member. The five-member Green Mountain Care Board’s mission is to reduce the rate of growth in health care costs, regulate hospital spending and capital expenditures, and curb the growth in health insurance rates.

Vermont State Police are warning businesses over possible counterfeit money. Authorities say police have been getting complaints from businesses that they have been receiving counterfeit $50 and $100. Most of the instance have been along the I-91 corridor; however, police advise all businesses to be vigilant. Any businesses who receive counterfeit money should contact their local police department.

The state of New York is offering free cancer screenings as part of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. A press release says there are approximately 100 events across the state that will offer free breast, cervical, colorectal cancer screenings in October. To find a screening in your community and schedule an appointment visit http://health.ny.gov or call 1-866-442-CANCER (2262).

This November, voters in Brandon will be deciding where to vote by floor vote or Austrialian Ballot on Town Meeting Day. The Article has been added to the ballot for November 4th.

The Department of Corrections is using a $3 million grant to crack down on repeat offenders. Vermont is one of five states to receive the grant from the federal government. The state says it's putting together a task force to help criminals involved in a variety of crimes. The group will also increase training for staff, something the state says will lead to a better balance between sanctions and treatment for inmates.