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WORKERS' COMPENSATION AND PNEUMOCONIOSIS
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2020
ACCRUED WORKERS' COMPENSATION AND PNEUMOCONIOSIS BENEFITS  
WORKERS' COMPENSATION AND PNEUMOCONIOSIS

15.WORKERS' COMPENSATION AND PNEUMOCONIOSIS

The changes in the workers' compensation liability, including current and long-term liability balances, for each of the periods presented were as follows:

    

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

 

September 30, 

September 30, 

2020

    

2019

    

2020

    

2019

(in thousands)

Beginning balance

$

54,478

$

53,425

$

53,384

$

49,539

Accruals increase

 

1,599

 

2,395

 

3,539

 

6,603

Payments

 

(2,123)

 

(2,663)

 

(6,686)

 

(8,588)

Interest accretion

 

319

 

402

 

958

 

1,204

Valuation loss (1)

 

 

 

3,078

 

4,801

Ending balance

$

54,273

$

53,559

$

54,273

$

53,559

(1)Our estimate of the liability for the present value of current workers′ compensation benefits is based on our actuarial calculations.  Our actuarial calculations are based on a blend of actuarial projection methods and numerous assumptions including claims development patterns, mortality, medical costs and interest rates.  We conducted a 2020 mid-year review of our actuarial assumptions which resulted in a valuation loss due to unfavorable changes in claims development and a decrease in the discount rate from 2.81% to 2.05%.  Our 2019 mid-year actuarial review resulted in a valuation loss due to unfavorable changes in claims development and a decrease in the discount rate from 3.89% to 3.06%.

We limit our exposure to traumatic injury claims by purchasing a high deductible insurance policy that starts paying benefits after deductibles for a claim have been met.  The deductible level may vary by claim year.  Our workers' compensation liability above is presented on a gross basis and does not include our expected receivables on our insurance policy.  Our receivables for traumatic injury claims under this policy as of September 30, 2020 are $7.1 million and are included in Other long-term assets on our condensed consolidated balance sheet.

Certain of our mine operating entities are liable under state statutes and the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969, as amended, to pay pneumoconiosis, or black lung, benefits to eligible employees and former employees and their dependents.  Components of the net periodic benefit cost for each of the periods presented are as follows:

    

Three Months Ended

Nine Months Ended

September 30, 

September 30, 

2020

    

2019

    

2020

    

2019

 

(in thousands)

Service cost

$

882

$

656

$

2,643

$

1,947

 

Interest cost (1)

 

750

 

761

 

2,249

 

2,283

Net amortization (1)

 

(172)

 

(1,145)

 

(515)

 

(3,436)

Net periodic benefit cost

$

1,460

$

272

$

4,377

$

794

(1)Interest cost and net amortization are included in the Other expense line item within our condensed consolidated statements of income.