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2023 North Carolina Legislators’ Salaries: A Comprehensive Guide

The North Carolina Department of Insurance (NCDOI) has announced the 2025 rate adjustments for the North Carolina Long-Term Care (NC LTC) Partnership Program. The NC LTC Partnership Program is a state-sponsored long-term care insurance program that provides financial assistance to eligible individuals who need long-term care services. The rate adjustments are necessary to ensure that the program remains financially sound and can continue to provide benefits to participants.

The rate adjustments will result in an average increase of 12% for all policies. The increase will be applied to all policies, regardless of the participant’s age or health status. The NCDOI has stated that the rate adjustments are necessary to cover the increasing cost of long-term care services. The cost of long-term care has been rising for many years, and this trend is expected to continue in the future. The rate adjustments will help to ensure that the NC LTC Partnership Program can continue to provide benefits to participants in the years to come.

The NCDOI has also announced that it will be implementing a number of changes to the NC LTC Partnership Program in 2025. These changes are designed to improve the program and make it more accessible to eligible individuals. The changes include: Expanding eligibility for the program to include individuals who are younger than 65 years of age and have a disability. Increasing the maximum benefit amount for the program to $50,000 per year. Allowing participants to use their benefits to pay for a wider range of long-term care services. The NCDOI is committed to ensuring that the NC LTC Partnership Program remains a valuable resource for eligible individuals who need long-term care services. The rate adjustments and program changes that are being implemented in 2025 will help to ensure that the program can continue to provide benefits to participants in the years to come.

FY2025 NC Lagers Rates Announced

The North Carolina Rate Bureau (NCRB) recently announced the final workers’ compensation rates for the 2025 fiscal year (FY2025), which will take effect on July 1, 2024. The overall average rate decrease is 1.2%, a significant change from the previous year’s 8.5% increase. This decrease represents a positive development for employers in North Carolina, potentially providing cost savings on their workers’ compensation insurance premiums.

Detailed Rate Changes

The NCRB’s announcement provides detailed information on the rate changes for various classifications of employees. The following table summarizes the key changes:

Classification	FY2025 Rate	Change from FY2024
Office and Clerical	$1.25	-2.0%
Sales and Marketing	$1.30	-1.5%
Construction	$2.20	-0.5%
Manufacturing	$2.00	-1.0%
Healthcare	$1.85	-0.8%

These changes reflect the NCRB’s assessment of current and projected workers’ compensation claims experience in North Carolina. The overall decrease is attributed to factors such as a decline in claim frequency and the implementation of cost-saving initiatives by employers.

Impact of Inflation on Lagers Rates

Rent Increases

Inflation has a significant impact on rental rates. As the costs of goods and services increase, landlords are forced to pass on those expenses to their tenants in the form of rent increases. In fiscal year 2025, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in North Carolina is expected to rise by 3.5%, while the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is expected to rise by 4.2%.

Factors Contributing to Rent Increases

Factor
Rising property taxes
Increased maintenance costs
Higher insurance premiums

Impact on Tenants

* Increased housing costs can place a strain on tenants’ budgets.
* Tenants may have to sacrifice other expenses or downgrade to smaller or less desirable housing to afford rent.
* Rent increases can also lead to displacement, as tenants are unable to keep up with rising costs.

Revised Lagers Rate Table for FY2025

The Lagers Rate Table for FY2025 has been revised to reflect the latest changes in the market. The new rates are effective as of July 1, 2024, and will remain in effect until further notice.

FY2025 Lagers Rate Table

Lager	Rate
Standard Lager	$1.50 per gallon
Premium Lager	$1.75 per gallon
Craft Lager	$2.00 per gallon

Notes:

* The rates listed above are subject to change at any time.
* The rates listed above do not include any applicable taxes.
* The Lagers Rate Table is updated annually.

Implications for Businesses and Taxpayers

Lower Tax Brackets for Individuals

The NC LGERs rates for 2025 include reduced tax brackets for individuals, providing potential tax savings for workers and consumers.

Increased Standard Deduction

The standard deduction will increase to help reduce the tax burden on lower-income taxpayers and simplify the tax filing process.

Child Tax Credit Changes

The child tax credit will undergo modifications, potentially impacting families with eligible children.

Corporate Income Tax Changes

2024	2025
2.5%	2.25%

The corporate income tax rate will decrease from 2.5% to 2.25%, providing tax relief to businesses operating in North Carolina.

Filing Deadlines and Extensions

Extension requests are automatically granted for up to six months (October 15, 2025) after the due date. No documentation is required, but the extension must be submitted by the original tax filing deadline (April 15, 2025). Interest and penalties may apply for any tax due not paid by the original due date.

Additional Filing Options

Individuals may also consider the following additional filing options:

Filing for an Extension

To request an extension, individuals can use Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. This form must be postmarked by April 15, 2025, and can be submitted electronically or by mail.

Paying Estimated Taxes

Individuals who expect to owe more than $1,000 in taxes may need to make estimated tax payments throughout the year to avoid penalties. These payments can be made quarterly using Form 1040-ES, Estimated Tax for Individuals.

Filing a Protective Extension

Individuals who expect to owe more than $1,000 in taxes but are unable to provide an accurate estimated tax amount can file a protective extension using Form 4868. This extension gives them extra time (until October 15, 2025) to gather the necessary information and file a complete return.

Filing a Request for Abatement

Individuals who have received a penalty notice for late payment or late filing may be eligible for an abatement, which is a reduction or elimination of the penalty. To request an abatement, individuals should submit Form 843, Claim for Refund and Request for Abatement, and provide documentation supporting their request.

Electronic Filing Options for Lagers

The North Carolina Department of Revenue offers several electronic filing options for lagers, making it easy and convenient to file your taxes.

e-File through a Tax Preparer

If you are using a tax preparer, they may offer electronic filing services. This is a convenient option, as your preparer can handle the entire filing process for you.

File Electronically Using Your Own Software

You can also file your taxes electronically using your own software. Several different options are available, including desktop software and online tax preparation services.

Free File NC

If you meet certain income requirements, you may be eligible to file your taxes for free using the Free File NC program. This program is offered through the North Carolina Department of Revenue and allows you to file your state and federal taxes online, for free.

Electronic Filing Options

Option | Description
—|—|
e-File through a Tax Preparer | Allows you to file your taxes electronically through a tax preparer.
File Electronically Using Your Own Software | Allows you to file your taxes electronically using your own software.
Free File NC | Allows you to file your state and federal taxes online, for free, if you meet certain income requirements.

Tax Credits and Deductions Applicable to Lagers

Lager brewers can claim various tax credits and deductions to reduce their overall tax liability.

Research and Development Tax Credit

The R&D tax credit provides a dollar-for-dollar reduction in income tax liability for expenses incurred in developing new lager products or processes. Qualifying expenses include wages for research scientists, materials, and supplies.

Energy-Efficient Tax Deductions

Breweries that invest in energy-efficient equipment, such as high-efficiency boilers or lighting systems, can deduct a portion of these costs from their taxable income.

Section 179 Expensing

Breweries can deduct the full cost of certain capital equipment purchases, such as bottling lines or fermentation tanks, up to a specified dollar limit in the year the equipment is placed in service.

Depreciation Deductions

Lager brewers can depreciate the cost of capital assets, such as buildings and equipment, over their useful lives to reduce their taxable income.

Cost of Goods Sold Deduction

Breweries can deduct the cost of raw materials, labor, and other expenses directly related to the production of their lagers.

Employee Benefits Deductions

Breweries can deduct the cost of providing employee benefits, such as health insurance and retirement plans, from their taxable income.

State and Local Tax Deductions

In some states, breweries may be able to deduct certain state and local taxes, such as property taxes or sales taxes, from their federal income tax liability.

Tax Credit/Deduction	Description	Eligibility
R&D Tax Credit	Dollar-for-dollar reduction in tax liability for R&D expenses	Research scientists, materials, and supplies
Energy-Efficient Tax Deductions	Deduction for investments in energy-efficient equipment	High-efficiency boilers, lighting systems
Section 179 Expensing	Full deduction for certain capital equipment purchases	Bottling lines, fermentation tanks
Depreciation Deductions	Deduction for capital asset costs over useful life	Buildings, equipment
Cost of Goods Sold Deduction	Deduction for production-related expenses	Raw materials, labor
Employee Benefits Deductions	Deduction for employee benefits	Health insurance, retirement plans
State and Local Tax Deductions	Deduction for certain state and local taxes	Depending on state laws

Resources for Lagers Rate Information

The North Carolina Department of Insurance (NCDOI) provides various resources for obtaining information on Lagers rates in the state.

NCDOI Website

The NCDOI website offers a wealth of information on Lagers rates. The website includes a rate calculator that allows users to estimate their Lagers rates based on their specific circumstances. Additionally, the website provides access to historical Lagers rate data.

Insurance Agents

Insurance agents can provide valuable assistance in understanding Lagers rates. Agents can explain the different factors that affect Lagers rates and help consumers find the most affordable coverage.

Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports is a non-profit organization that provides unbiased information on a variety of consumer products and services. The website includes ratings and reviews of Lagers insurance companies, which can help consumers make informed decisions about their coverage.

Insurance Companies

Insurance companies can provide specific information on their Lagers rates. Consumers can contact individual insurance companies to obtain quotes and compare rates.

Industry Publications

Industry publications can provide insights into Lagers rate trends and developments. These publications cover the insurance industry and offer analysis and commentary on Lagers rates.

Social Media

Social media platforms can be a source of information on Lagers rates. Consumers can follow insurance companies and industry experts on social media to stay updated on the latest rate changes.

Online Forums

Online forums can provide a platform for consumers to discuss Lagers rates and share their experiences with different insurance companies.

Lagers Rate Comparison Tools

There are several online tools that allow consumers to compare Lagers rates from multiple insurance companies.

Lagers Rate History

The NCDOI maintains historical Lagers rate data. This data can be used to track rate changes over time.

How to Choose the Right Lagers Rate

When choosing a Lagers rate, it is important to consider the following factors:

Outlook for Future Lagers Rates

1. Recent Trends

Lager rates have been on a steady upward trend in recent years, driven by a number of factors, including increased demand for shipping, rising fuel costs, and a shortage of available ships.

2. Projected Growth

Analysts predict that the demand for shipping will continue to grow in the coming years, leading to further increases in lager rates. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) estimates that global seaborne trade will increase by 50% by 2050.

3. Factors Affecting Lager Rates

A number of factors can affect lager rates, including:

Demand for shipping
Availability of ships
Fuel costs
Port congestion
Government regulations

4. Impact of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on lager rates. The initial outbreak of the pandemic led to a sharp decline in shipping demand, which in turn caused lager rates to fall. However, as the global economy has begun to recover, demand for shipping has rebounded and lager rates have started to rise again.

5. Future Outlook

The future outlook for lager rates is positive. Analysts expect that the demand for shipping will continue to grow in the coming years, leading to further increases in lager rates. However, the strength of the recovery will depend on a number of factors, including the pace of economic growth, the resolution of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the implementation of new government regulations.

6. Impact of Environmental Regulations

The IMO’s new environmental regulations, which are scheduled to go into effect in 2023, are expected to have a significant impact on lager rates. The regulations will require ships to use cleaner fuels, which will increase operating costs. This is likely to lead to higher lager rates.

7. Technological Advancements

Technological advancements are also expected to have an impact on lager rates. The development of new, more efficient ships could lead to lower operating costs, which in turn could lead to lower lager rates.

8. Role of Technology

Technology is playing an increasingly important role in the shipping industry. The development of new technologies, such as blockchain and artificial intelligence, is expected to improve the efficiency of the shipping process and reduce costs.

9. Supply Chain Disruptions

Supply chain disruptions, such as the recent closure of the Suez Canal, can have a significant impact on lager rates. These disruptions can lead to delays and increased costs, which can in turn lead to higher lager rates.

10. Impact on Industries

Lager rates can have a significant impact on a wide range of industries. Industries that rely on shipping to import or export goods are particularly vulnerable to changes in lager rates. For example, the manufacturing industry is heavily dependent on shipping to import raw materials and export finished goods. Changes in lager rates can therefore have a significant impact on the cost of goods and the profitability of manufacturers.

Factor	Explanation
Coverage Limits	The amount of coverage you need will affect your rate.
Deductible	The amount you are willing to pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in will also affect your rate.
Age	Younger drivers typically pay higher rates than older drivers.
Gender	Male drivers typically pay higher rates than female drivers.
Driving History	Drivers with clean driving records typically pay lower rates than drivers with tickets and accidents.
Location	Rates can vary depending on where you live.

Year	LAGER Rate
2019	$1,000 per day
2020	$800 per day
2021	$1,200 per day
2022	$1,500 per day
2023	$1,700 per day

FY 2025 NC LGERS Rates

The North Carolina Local Government Employees’ Retirement System (LGERS) has announced the proposed contribution rates for the fiscal year 2025. The proposed rates are as follows:

Regular member contribution rate: 6.00% of salary
Employer contribution rate: 12.00% of salary

These rates are subject to approval by the LGERS Board of Trustees and the North Carolina General Assembly. The final rates will be announced in the summer of 2024.

LGERS is a defined benefit pension plan that provides retirement, disability, and death benefits to employees of local governments in North Carolina. The plan is funded through contributions from both members and employers. The proposed rate increase is necessary to ensure the long-term financial health of the plan.

7 Major Changes to Medicare Commissions in 2025

As we approach 2025, a pivotal year in healthcare, the future of Medicare commissions hangs in the balance. With the expiration of the current payment structure, policymakers and healthcare providers alike are grappling with the question of what lies ahead. The upcoming changes have the potential to profoundly reshape the landscape of Medicare reimbursement, with far-reaching implications for both providers and beneficiaries.

One of the key issues under consideration is the shift towards value-based care. This approach emphasizes rewarding providers for delivering high-quality, efficient care rather than simply for the volume of services provided. By tying reimbursements to outcomes, Medicare aims to incentivize providers to focus on patient health and well-being, ultimately leading to better care for beneficiaries. However, the transition to value-based care presents significant challenges, particularly for smaller practices and those in rural areas that may struggle to adapt to the new payment models.

Another important consideration is the rising cost of healthcare. Medicare spending is projected to increase substantially in the coming years, driven by factors such as an aging population and the rising prevalence of chronic diseases. As a result, policymakers are exploring ways to curb healthcare costs while ensuring that beneficiaries continue to have access to affordable, quality care. Potential measures include increasing the use of generic drugs, reducing administrative costs, and implementing more stringent oversight of healthcare spending. The challenge lies in striking a delicate balance between cost containment and maintaining the quality of care that Medicare beneficiaries deserve.

Addressing Physician Shortages

The projected shortage of physicians in the United States is a pressing concern, as it poses significant challenges to patient access to healthcare.

Factors contributing to this shortage include:

An aging population requiring more healthcare services.
Increased demand for specialized care.
Limited training capacity for new physicians.

Long-Term Solutions

Addressing the physician shortage will require long-term solutions, such as:

Increasing Medical School Capacity: Expanding the number of medical schools and increasing enrollment can increase the supply of physicians. However, this is a costly and time-consuming approach.
Streamlining the Residency Process: Shortening residency programs or creating alternative pathways to residency can accelerate the availability of physicians in practice.
Enhancing Physician Retention: Measures to retain physicians in the workforce include addressing burnout, providing financial incentives, and improving work-life balance. Some states have implemented programs like loan repayment assistance or tax breaks to encourage physicians to practice in underserved areas.

Additional strategies may include:

Telehealth and virtual care to expand access to care.
Advanced practice providers and physician assistants to supplement physician services.
Innovative training programs to attract and retain a diverse workforce.

Enhancing Quality of Care for Medicare Beneficiaries

Medicare is a federal health insurance program that provides coverage for millions of Americans aged 65 and older, as well as those with certain disabilities and conditions. In 2025, Medicare commissions will undergo a number of changes aimed at improving the quality of care for beneficiaries.

Focus on Value-Based Care

Medicare will continue to shift its focus from volume-based care to value-based care. This means that providers will be rewarded for delivering high-quality, cost-effective care rather than simply for the number of services they provide.

Improved Quality Measurement

Medicare will develop new quality measures to better assess the quality of care provided by providers. These measures will focus on outcomes that are important to beneficiaries, such as patient satisfaction, functional status, and health outcomes.

Enhanced Beneficiary Engagement

Medicare will take steps to enhance beneficiary engagement in their care. This will include providing beneficiaries with more information about their health care options and making it easier for them to access care.

Preventing Avoidable Hospitalizations

Medicare will implement a number of initiatives aimed at preventing avoidable hospitalizations. These initiatives will include:

Initiative	Description
Enhanced Care Management	Providing additional support to patients with chronic conditions to help them manage their care and avoid hospitalizations.
Transitional Care	Improving coordination of care between hospitals and other settings to reduce the risk of hospital readmissions.
Home Health Services	Expanding access to home health services to help beneficiaries recover from illnesses or injuries at home.
Telehealth	Using telehealth to provide remote care to beneficiaries, reducing the need for in-person visits.

Reducing Fraud and Abuse in Medicare

Medicare fraud and abuse is a serious problem that costs taxpayers billions of dollars each year. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has implemented a number of measures to reduce fraud and abuse, including:

5. Targeted Enforcement

CMS has developed a number of targeted enforcement programs to focus on specific areas of fraud and abuse. These programs include:

Program for Evaluating Payment Patterns Electronic Report (PEPPER): PEPPER is a data-driven tool that identifies providers who may be engaging in fraudulent billing practices.
Targeted Probe and Educate (TPE): TPE is a program that focuses on educating providers about Medicare billing requirements and identifying providers who are billing for unnecessary or inappropriate services.
Recovery Audit Contractor (RAC) Program: The RAC program is a third-party review program that audits Medicare claims for potential overpayments.

Program	Purpose
PEPPER	Identifies providers who may be engaging in fraudulent billing practices
TPE	Educates providers about Medicare billing requirements and identifies providers who are billing for unnecessary or inappropriate services
RAC	Audits Medicare claims for potential overpayments

Ensuring Medicare’s Long-Term Sustainability

To ensure the long-term sustainability of Medicare, several measures have been implemented:

Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans

Part D plans provide prescription drug coverage to Medicare beneficiaries. To control costs and promote competition, the program uses a competitive bidding process to set payment rates for prescription drugs.

Medicare Advantage (MA) Plans

MA plans offer private health insurance that includes Medicare benefits. By negotiating lower payment rates with providers and implementing cost-saving measures, MA plans help reduce Medicare spending.

Provider Payment Reforms

Medicare has implemented payment reforms to encourage providers to deliver cost-effective care. These reforms include creating bundled payments for specific episodes of care, rewarding providers for achieving quality outcomes, and penalizing providers for excessive readmissions.

Fraud and Abuse Prevention

To combat fraud and abuse, Medicare has enhanced its monitoring and detection systems. These systems identify and investigate suspicious claims, resulting in reduced improper payments and cost savings.

Promoting Preventive Care

By investing in preventive care and wellness programs, Medicare aims to prevent chronic diseases and reduce healthcare costs. These programs include screenings, vaccinations, and lifestyle counseling.

Other Cost-Saving Measures

Medicare has also implemented other cost-saving measures, such as:

Measure	Savings (in billions)
Increased use of generic drugs	$10.0
Improved coordination of care	$5.0
Telehealth services expansion	$2.0

Value-Based Care in Medicare

Provider Types and Payment Models

Value-based payment (VBP) models reward providers based on the quality and cost-effectiveness of care they deliver. Common VBP models include the Merit-Based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) for individual providers, the Alternative Payment Models (APMs) for groups of providers, and the Comprehensive Primary Care Plus (CPC+) for primary care practices.

Quality Metrics

VBP models use a variety of quality metrics to measure provider performance, including patient satisfaction, clinical outcomes, and efficiency. These metrics are designed to encourage providers to focus on delivering value-based care.

Financial Incentives

Providers can earn financial incentives or penalties under VBP models based on their performance. For example, those who perform well in MIPS may receive bonuses, while those who perform poorly may face penalties.

Data Collection and Reporting

Accurate data collection and reporting is crucial for VBP models. Providers are required to submit data on their performance to CMS in order to determine their eligibility for financial incentives.

Interoperability

Interoperability between electronic health records (EHRs) is essential for VBP models to succeed. Providers must be able to share patient data seamlessly to ensure that the data submitted to CMS is comprehensive and accurate.

Patient Engagement

Patients have an important role to play in VBP models. They can share their experiences and feedback with providers, which can help improve the quality of care.

Challenges

Implementing VBP models can be challenging for providers. They may face difficulties in measuring their performance, collecting data, and meeting interoperability requirements.

Future Trends

CMS is continuing to develop and implement VBP models to improve the quality and value of Medicare-covered care. In the future, we may see more providers participating in VBP models and a greater emphasis on interoperability and patient engagement.

Impact on Healthcare System

VBP models are expected to have a significant impact on the US healthcare system. By rewarding providers for delivering value-based care, these models may help to improve the quality of care, reduce costs, and increase patient satisfaction.

2025 Medicare Commissions

Medicare commissions are payments made to insurance agents and brokers for selling Medicare plans. The commissions are paid by the insurance companies, and they are used to cover the costs of marketing and selling the plans. In 2025, the Medicare commissions will change. The changes are designed to reduce the cost of Medicare plans for beneficiaries and to make the program more efficient.

The most significant change to the Medicare commissions in 2025 is the elimination of the upfront commission. The upfront commission is a payment that is made to agents and brokers when they sell a Medicare plan. In 2025, this payment will be eliminated. This change is expected to reduce the cost of Medicare plans for beneficiaries by about $50 per year.

In addition to the elimination of the upfront commission, the Medicare commissions will also be reduced in 2025. The reduction will vary depending on the type of plan being sold. However, the overall reduction is expected to be about 15%. This change is also expected to reduce the cost of Medicare plans for beneficiaries.

The changes to the Medicare commissions in 2025 are designed to reduce the cost of Medicare plans for beneficiaries and to make the program more efficient. These changes are expected to have a positive impact on the Medicare program and on the beneficiaries who rely on it.