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Black lung actuarial reserving and valuation

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Overview

Navigate regulatory changes or reserving

As black lung liabilities grow more complex and financially significant, the industry needs trusted experts with a deep understanding of the risk. Milliman offers a wide range of black lung actuarial and claims consulting services. From liability estimates and proven reserving strategies to expert support for due diligence, transactions, and legislative matters, we help clients navigate regulatory shifts and claim trends with confidence and clarity.

Who we are

Expertise, customized

Milliman’s black lung practice was created in 1988 by the leading industry expert, Robert K. Briscoe. Today, our team of independent actuaries, lawyers, claims consultants, and technologists have worked with clients across the industry to mitigate risk due to black lung claims.

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Services

ACTUARIAL RESERVING AND VALUATION

Custom models for complex liabilities



Milliman applies proprietary actuarial methods and software developed specifically for black lung liabilities—capturing the unique dynamics of the coal industry. Our models account for historical approval rates, refiling behavior, termination data, and legislative shifts to deliver accurate liability projections and reserving. We also estimate accrued obligations for active miners, providing our clients with the clarity they need to manage financial risk today and in the future.

INDIVIDUAL CLAIMS FORECASTING

Uncertainty, solved



Milliman’s experienced claims consultants deliver practical solutions across every U.S. venue, using proprietary black lung claims software. From government entities to operators, insurers, investors, and third-party administrators, we support clients with case reserve valuations, process optimization, and cost containment strategies. Whether you’re navigating a legacy portfolio or modernizing claims operations, we bring insight, actionable guidance, and technology solutions to every engagement.

LITIGATION SUPPORT

Expert testimony and legislative insight



Milliman’s team of actuaries, lawyers, claims professionals, technologists, and accountants are trusted voices in the black lung legal and legislative arenas. We’ve provided expert testimony, assisted in drafting legislation, and submitted amicus briefs on pivotal issues. Our clients depend on us not only for technical precision, but also for strategy grounded in decades of political, regulatory, and economic experience.

TRANSACTIONS

Trusted valuations for mergers and acquisitions



When transferring legacy black lung liabilities, certainty matters. Milliman delivers rigorous, actuarially sound valuation to support buy-side and sell-side transactions. We help sellers exit with confidence and ensure acquirers fully understand and accurately price the risk. Our team facilitates economic finality—backed by the experience and data our clients rely on.

BENCHMARKING

Drive better decisions



Milliman led the creation of the first industry-wide estimate of federal black lung liabilities—and we continue to shape the field through advanced research and analysis. We mine the Department of Labor database to uncover trends, educate stakeholders, and guide decision-making at every level. Our benchmarking and insights help clients stay ahead of emerging challenges and regulatory changes.

Data and Technology

Data that delivers

As experts in black lung risk, we know it’s essential to understand the full picture. Using our deep skills in working with data, we leverage:

Historical claim filings

Active miner populations

Legislative decisions

Claim mortality patterns

Additional sources

SPECIALIZED TECHNOLOGY

Purpose-built software for precise valuations

Milliman’s proprietary software, Milliman® AccuCase, delivers accurate, claim-level black lung reserving, tailored to the coal industry’s unique complexities. Designed for government entities, self-insured operators, and insurers, Milliman AccuCase factors in adjudication stage, comorbidities, regional variations, mortality trends, and dependent benefits to generate defensible valuations. In an environment where precision matters more than ever, Milliman AccuCase helps clients stay ahead of escalating liability and compliance demands.

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Our experts

Christine Fleming headshot

Christine M. Fleming

Principal & Claims Management Consultant
Christine Fleming is a principal and leads Milliman’s Casualty Claims & Underwriting Practice.
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Travis Grulkowski headshot

Travis J. Grulkowski

Principal & Consulting Actuary
Travis Grulkowski is a principal and consulting actuary with the Milwaukee office of Milliman. He joined the firm in 1996.
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Alex York headshot

Alex York

Principal & Claims Consultant
Alex York is a principal and claims consultant working in Milliman's Casualty Claims & Underwriting Practice. Alex specializes in black lung reserving, black lung claims management, and workers' compensation claims management.
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A mine
Article

Actuarial considerations and the new DOL rule

Amid new regulations from the Department of Labor, federal black lung liabilities – which are complex and often unpredictable – present unique and challenging opportunities for transactions.

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Article

Understanding the federal black lung adjudication process

The federal black lung adjudication process involves determining eligibility, filing claims, and resolving disputes through a structured legal framework.

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Miners at work
Article

Milliman estimates $9.3 billion in federal black lung liabilities

Federal black lung claims differ from other workers’ compensation due to multiple potential payers, complex adjudication, much longer reporting and payment lags.

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Article

Complexities of reserving federal black lung claims

In the property and casualty insurance space, traditional insurers that best adapt to market changes will understand their advantages over new market entrants and address their own shortcomings.

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PODCAST

Critical Point Episode 23: Managing the costs and risks of black lung disease

Black lung disease presents a significant, long-term liability exposure for coal companies, risk pools, and governments, as Milliman consultants Christine Fleming and Travis Grulkowski discuss in this episode of Critical Point.

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We’re here to help

Ask the tough questions. We’re ready for them.