Coal mine operators must now put up different cash to cover black lung claims

The US Labor Department changed the rules for how coal mine operators can self-insure for black lung benefits. This means they will have different requirements for applying, qualifying, and the amount of money they must set aside for future claims.

Coal companies have spent decades trying to manage the cost of black lung disease. These new rules change how much money they must set aside to cover future claims. This could make it harder or easier for some operators to self-insure, shifting who pays for the long-term health costs of miners.