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WORKERS' COMPENSATION AND PNEUMOCONIOSIS
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2022
WORKERS' COMPENSATION AND PNEUMOCONIOSIS  
WORKERS' COMPENSATION AND PNEUMOCONIOSIS

13.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

Six Months Ended

 

June 30, 

June 30, 

2022

    

2021

    

2022

    

2021

(in thousands)

Beginning balance

$

53,206

$

54,233

$

53,448

$

54,739

Accruals increase

 

2,271

 

1,565

 

4,546

 

3,237

Payments

 

(3,278)

 

(2,565)

 

(6,082)

 

(4,975)

Interest accretion

 

287

 

231

 

574

 

463

Valuation gain (1)

 

(5,265)

 

(1,405)

 

(5,265)

 

(1,405)

Ending balance

$

47,221

$

52,059

$

47,221

$

52,059

(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.  The valuation gain in 2022 is due to an increase in the discount rate from 2.41% on December 31, 2021 to 4.22% on June 30, 2022.  The valuation gain in 2021 is due to an increase in the discount rate from 1.95% on December 31, 2020 to 2.34% on June 30, 2021.

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 June 30, 2022 are $5.7 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

Six Months Ended

June 30, 

June 30, 

2022

    

2021

    

2022

    

2021

 

(in thousands)

Service cost

$

954

$

989

$

1,901

$

2,020

 

Interest cost (1)

 

749

 

637

 

1,496

 

1,273

Net amortization (1)

 

259

 

1,043

 

519

 

2,086

Net periodic benefit cost

$

1,962

$

2,669

$

3,916

$

5,379

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