Protecting What Matters Most

As a practice owner, you chose independence because it allows you to provide the best care for your patients, on your terms. Your practice is a testament to your dedication and hard work. However, life is unpredictable, and a personal injury or illness can disrupt even the most well-established practices. This is why it's crucial to prepare and protect your practice against such disruptions.

Navigating the unpredictable is familiar territory for physicians, whether diagnosing complex conditions or performing life-saving procedures. However, navigating the unexpected in your personal life can present unique challenges. If you are diagnosed with a prolonged illness or injury and are unable to work, financial uncertainty can become an overwhelming burden for you and your family.

Life insurance offers a lifeline to help protect your family’s financial future should something unexpectedly happen to you. When you consider the uncertainties of life, ensuring your family's financial stability becomes paramount.

TMA Insurance Trust offers a range of life insurance options designed to help meet your needs. We understand the importance of the crucial safety net that life insurance helps to provide.

If you enjoy practicing medicine and value the relationships you've built over the years, you may not be ready to retire as you approach your 65th birthday. Planning to continue working requires a thorough understanding of your Medicare options in order to avoid costly mistakes that could permanently affect your finances. TMA Insurance Trust is here to expertly guide you through this significant decision-making process, ensuring you make informed choices without incurring unnecessary and ongoing penalties.

While physicians are experts in diagnosing and treating patients, TMA Insurance Trust's expertise lies in navigating the complexities of insurance. We dedicate ourselves to helping you safeguard your practice and yourself against financial challenges. Group health insurance is a vital tool in ensuring the stability and security of your practice, providing essential financial protection for yourself and your team. In addition, we may be able to help you secure group PPO coverage for just yourself and your family.

As a physician, you recognize the importance of protecting your income and securing financial stability for yourself and your loved ones. Disability insurance is a crucial part of this protection. By being a TMA member, you gain the opportunity to help safeguard your income with a benefit of up to $4,000/month without the need for income verification. However, with full underwriting, members can get up to $15,000/month. These benefits are paid regardless of any other coverage you may have.

Like many people, it may have been years since you last took out a life insurance policy. Most people buy life insurance when they first get married or start a family. They file the policy away with their important papers and usually don’t give it a second thought. But with the rise of inflation, it may be time to take another look at your policy.

You buy life insurance to keep your family financially secure. However inflation could silently be eroding much of that security and leaving your family with less protection than you intended.

Protecting your financial future is imperative, especially for residents and young physicians navigating the complexities of medical training, career advancement, and personal milestones. Managing student loans and everyday expenses may cause financial strain and worry during this busy time. It's crucial to have a plan to help safeguard against the loss of income and depletion of savings that can result from an unexpected injury or illness. Additionally, if you are planning to start a family, prepping for the financial impact of that joyous event is just as vital as prepping your nursery.

As a Texas physician, your dedication to the practice of medicine is unwavering. But what if the future you’ve worked so hard to build is suddenly thrown into uncertainty? Recent times have reminded us how quickly life can change, often catching us off guard. That's why it's crucial to have a plan in place to protect your family. TMA Insurance Trust collaborates with leading carriers in Texas to help you secure life insurance—a practical solution offering an extra layer of financial support during tough times for your loved ones. This ensures that your family’s dreams and aspirations can still be realized, even in your absence.

The right health insurance coverage is the linchpin of a secure retirement. Whether you're nearing 65 or have surpassed that milestone, understanding how Medicare plans can work for you is crucial for safeguarding your finances in retirement. TMA Insurance Trust deeply understands the unique challenges physicians encounter in securing appropriate coverage during this transition. If you're on the brink of losing traditional group health insurance or are already enrolled in Medicare, you may encounter gaps in coverage for medical bills and prescription medicines. This is where Medicare Supplement and Medicare Part D Prescription Drug plans become indispensable.

Life is unpredictable and full of surprises; some pleasant, and others not. The abrupt and unexpected diagnosis of a critical illness falls into the latter category. It goes beyond threatening your health and disrupting your daily routines; your family's financial security is also at risk. Taking proactive measures becomes imperative.

Accidents are an eventuality for everyone. At some point in your life, you may find yourself at fault for causing one that involves someone else. For that reason, automobile insurance and homeowners insurance policies are essential liability protection to maintain. But will those policies adequately protect you and your finances?

When you or a loved one receives a serious illness diagnosis, quick decisions are crucial. In those urgent moments, financial concerns often take a back seat as you focus on the best possible outcome, regardless of the cost. Critical illness insurance steps in to help provide the extra funds you need during uncertain times.

Are you planning on retiring soon? Congratulations! You have worked hard to make it to this exciting era in your life. Many retirees underestimate the cost of future medical expenses so it’s important to review your insurance coverage now and make adjustments to ensure there are no gaps.

Before you start relaxing, traveling more, and spoiling your grandchildren, let TMA Insurance Trust help you decide on the right insurance coverage plan that will work for you, long after you retire.

The unexpected nature of illness is in the numbers; every 40 seconds, someone in the United States experiences a myocardial infarction.¹ In 2022 alone, nearly 1.9 million new cancer cases were diagnosed nationwide,² with 139,320 of those cases projected to occur in Texas.³ These statistics represent individuals facing health battles and daunting economic setbacks.

As a physician, you grasp the fragility of life better than most and no doubt grapple with life’s uncertainties yourself. If you or someone you love has had to confront an unexpected, life-altering illness, you can truly appreciate how devastating it would be navigating one's declining health and the threat of inadequate finances to pay for treatment.

A physician's life is constantly changing. Every day brings new challenges and responsibilities that can significantly impact your health and financial well-being. Protecting the security of yourself and your family's future is, without a doubt, your priority. If a sudden health issue should disrupt your ability to work, ask how this would affect your current lifestyle.

When an accident occurs, the unexpected expenses that follow could catch you off guard. Despite having health insurance, the costs of lab tests, x-rays, professional fees, and other medical expenses and non-medical expenses can accumulate quickly and leave you financially exposed.

Most physicians would agree that health insurance is necessary coverage, but because of the expense, dental insurance may not be prioritized, especially if you are already maintaining a regular at home dental regimen, such as brushing and flossing. However, overlooking dental insurance can delay regular checkups and create a gap in safeguarding your overall health, potentially leading to more significant expenses in the future.

As an independent locum tenens physician, you enjoy many benefits. Due to the shortage of physicians in Texas, your skills are in great demand. You get to decide when and where you want to work. And you don’t have to wait around for insurance reimbursements to get paid.

It is estimated that over two-thirds of Americans own at least one pet. Our pets have always been valued members of the family, but perhaps never more than right now.

Pets give us unconditional love, companionship and even help relieve loneliness and stress. Perhaps that is why during the pandemic, Texans have been adopting pets at record levels. Although pet adoptions are surging across the country, Texans are clearing out animal shelters like never before. According to one news outlet, some North Texas rescue shelters are receiving 600 applicants per dog.

With the New Year upon us, one common resolution is to save money, which is particularly important for physicians managing many insurance policies. An effective way to turn this resolution into reality is by exploring potential savings and discounts on auto and home insurance. TMA Insurance Trust has made reviewing, simplifying, and comparing your policies easy.

In the midst of your demanding schedule, it's crucial to remember that the clock is ticking on an opportunity that could significantly enhance your health coverage for 2024. Limited-time special options for practice owners and independents are about to run out. These special options may offer access to extensive group PPO coverage and innovative cost-management strategies you may not be aware of.

Time is running out for Open Enrollment, and this could be your final opportunity to secure better health insurance for 2024. TMA Insurance Trust will help you find top-rated group plans from leading national carriers, and we'll help assess your eligibility for options that hold particular value for both practice owners and independent physicians. Don't miss out—act now to ensure you make the most informed decision for your healthcare needs in 2024.

Open Enrollment is nearing its end. As a practice owner or independent physician, you still have time to take advantage of special group health insurance options that could help you manage rising costs or get the PPO coverage you want. Two of these special options offer flexibility in premiums and group plan size, even for practice owners without employees.

But you need to act now. These options are expiring in two weeks. Plus, there is no guarantee that these special options will be available next year. Don't get stuck with health insurance that doesn't meet your needs or could cost you more.

During the pandemic, many of us are spending more time at home. Because many of our favorite restaurants are either closed or are open for takeout, more of us are cooking at home.

Did you know that unattended cooking is the #1 cause of home fires? Though we all try to be careful, about 70 percent of Americans have allowed cooking to go unattended.*

TMA Insurance Trust has undertaken a mission to assist small practice owners and independent physicians in securing the best possible group health insurance coverage for themselves, their families, and their employees. Regardless of the category you fall into, our extensive research has uncovered ways to help you control the cost of your group health insurance.

As the year draws to a close and you consider health insurance plans for 2024, we'd like to bring to your attention to some special options available through TMA Insurance Trust that may significantly enhance your coverage.

It's a perennial challenge – securing quality group health insurance without breaking the bank. And in 2024, with costs expected to rise, the struggle is more palpable. Ensuring optimal coverage without straining your practice's finances can often feel like tightrope walking. But the good news? You don't have to walk it alone.

As we stand at the threshold of a new year, acutely aware of the impending challenges of attaining quality healthcare coverage, we recognize the unique predicaments that Texas physicians, whether independent or owners of practices—small or large, are bracing for. In the face of anticipated significant insurance premium increases, TMA Insurance Trust is not merely here to provide insurance but to extend a tailored solution that seamlessly aligns with your distinct needs.

In recent years, Texas has experienced its fair share of extreme weather conditions, from high winds in the scorching summer to freezing temperatures in the unforgiving winter. These tumultuous weather patterns can leave your home and automobile vulnerable to damage. At TMA Insurance Trust, we understand the unique challenges physicians in Texas face when it comes to protecting your valuable assets. Our mission is to help you find insurance policies that not only help safeguard your investments but also save you money in the process.

Do you like shopping for health insurance? We didn’t think so. Poring over the details of plans, comparing carriers and calculating costs can be complicated and time-consuming.

In the medical profession, your ability to care for your patients is closely tied to your health and well-being. If an illness or injury disrupted your ability to work, could you cover your living expenses and additional medical bills? Most young physicians, especially residents, face substantial education loan repayments, monthly rent or mortgage bills, auto expenses, and potentially, the responsibilities of starting or caring for a young family. If you were unable to practice and earn an income, even for a short period of time, these financial demands could quickly deplete your savings and leave you financially vulnerable.

As you embark on retirement, a new chapter begins, bringing both life experiences and necessary insurance adjustments. At TMA Insurance Trust, we understand the unique needs and concerns of retiring physicians regarding healthcare coverage. Making informed insurance decisions now can ease the transition and help make your retirement years more financially secure.

Industry expansion in the 19th century was so swift that the concept and execution of safety regulations couldn’t keep up. The vast number of severe injuries and deaths that resulted led to the development of accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance.

You’ve invested years of rigorous study and tireless dedication to become proficient in your field. With your professional life on an upward trajectory, it’s essential to ensure that you are helping to protect the income you’re working so hard for.

The TMA Member Short Term Disability Insurance plan is an affordable financial tool that residents and young physicians can use to help protect their incomes if a serious illness or injury keeps them from practicing.

Thanks to modern medical advances, aging is not what it used to be. We can now maintain much of our strength, health and function as we get older. The right dental insurance can help you keep your smile bright and healthy for many years to come.

The current climate of inflation predicts a significant increase in all health insurance premium rates for 2024. Whether you are an independent physician or a practice owner who buys your own coverage, any increase in your health insurance premiums would be challenging to anticipate. In order to obtain better health insurance for most of 2024, we are offering physicians the opportunity to lock in lower 2023 group health insurance rates now for the next 12 months.

Physicians invest years in rigorous education and training, committing themselves to the welfare of their patients. However, amidst their relentless pursuit of healing, one aspect often gets overshadowed: their own well-being. This is where short-term disability insurance emerges as a crucial financial safeguard. By investing in short-term disability insurance, physicians can empower themselves with a safety net that can help provide vital income protection during unexpected health challenges or when planning for the future.

Americans are living longer and healthier lives. That is due in part to our access to essential healthcare. As you age, finding the right Medicare supplement plan is a key component to acquiring the healthcare you need later in life. TMA Insurance Trust can help you decipher the complexities of Medicare so you can make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes.

Many prioritize building wealth and manage it by means of investments and portfolios. Often forgotten is the need to protect the funds you have already worked so hard to accrue. All it would take is one tragic accident in which you are held responsible for damages or bodily injuries to jeopardize your finances. TMA Insurance Trust can help you secure a personal umbrella insurance policy that can provide the extra protection you need when your homeowner’s or car insurance reaches its liability limit.

If such an unfortunate event were to occur, as a physician, you run a high risk of being the target of a lawsuit. Although you may have already sought professional liability protection, a personal umbrella insurance policy can protect your personal wealth, your spouse, and your practice by providing an extra layer of financial protection.

Most people know that insurance is there to help protect what’s important in our personal and professional lives. But as a woman physician what you might not know is that the pricing for certain kinds of insurance can be different for women than it is for men.

That’s because in many cases, premiums for insurance products are based on the gender of the person seeking coverage. And often, women bear higher costs because they represent greater risk to insurance companies.

As young physicians embark on their medical careers, it is essential to prioritize their financial well-being and future security. Short term disability insurance is a crucial safety net that can help provide financial support during periods of medical leave when you are unable to earn your regular salary.

We are proud to introduce the TMA Member Short Term Disability Plan, issued by The Prudential Insurance Company of America, as an affordable, guaranteed way for residents and young physicians to access vital income insurance protection.

The word independent holds diverse interpretations for different individuals, making it a subjective and multifaceted concept. To many people, the definition of an independent physician used to mean a practice owner. Today, that definition is not so clear-cut. More physicians are desiring to practice as medical professionals without taking on the ongoing responsibilities of business ownership.

Protecting your oral health is an essential step to managing your overall health. Unfortunately, in this economy, many are forced to choose between going to the dentist or protecting their wallet. Thus, due to cost, many avoid going to the dentist. TMA Insurance Trust can help protect both your wallet and your oral health by offering you an economical way to secure dental coverage.

Many physicians nearing age 65 look forward to retiring. But many who are close to the traditional age of retirement may choose to continue working.

That’s usually because they find fulfillment in their practice of medicine and the relationships they’ve built with their colleagues and patients. And, of course, there’s also the opportunity to continue to earn a good income.

However, if you are approaching 65 and plan to continue working, there are some critical Medicare decisions you must be ready to make. These cannot be put off. Otherwise, you could be hit with costly penalties for the rest of your life.

In the current inflationary economy, many practice owners are encountering rising expenses that may surpass their ability to sustain their emergency savings. If they were to become unable to work due to an illness or injury, the funds they have managed to save for emergencies might not provide sufficient coverage for the practice if its revenue ceases. The loss of earnings could lead to a cascade effect of losses that extend beyond the financial aspect - loss of personnel, loss of patients, and loss of their reputation in their community.

You may travel for business; other times for pleasure: a medical conference, family vacation, or holiday trip across the country. You prepare ahead of time, packing your bags and checking itineraries, thinking of both your comfort and safety. You know a well-thought-out trip is more likely to go smoothly.

As a physician, you likely have a better income than many, but that’s no reason to spend more than you need to on auto or home insurance. Even if you were happy with your rate when you secured your policy, it is subject to change. Perhaps you may be paying more now than you did at that time. Why not take a look? You may be surprised at the savings.

Spending money to save money may sound counterintuitive, but there are situations where it can be a wise financial decision in the long run. For instance, you likely perform regular maintenance on your vehicle. Oil changes, tire rotations, and other preventive services can help avoid expensive breakdowns. Investing in energy-saving appliances may cost you upfront, but the long-term benefit of lower utility bills is a trade-off many homeowners gladly accept.

When dealing with a health crisis, you may recommend that your patient get a second opinion or, depending on the situation, see a specialist. Take your own advice and get a second opinion about the group health insurance plan you choose for your practice. TMA Insurance Trust advisors specialize in helping physicians in Texas to find better group health insurance plans, get better service, and in some cases, even better rates.

Term life insurance is the preferred choice of life insurance coverage for many physicians. It offers a straightforward and uncomplicated approach, providing immediate protection to your loved ones upon approval. Compared to whole life or permanent life insurance, term life plans are less complicated and more economical.

The advantages of term life insurance extend beyond safeguarding your family and leaving them a legacy should something happen to you. Consider some ways term life insurance can help provide more security in other aspects of your life.

Protect your family by not leaving them exposed to financial calamity should something happen to you. Bolster your life insurance by adding catastrophic accident coverage. The hustle and bustle of a busy practice and career can cause you to be so busy that some of the most basic precautions can be forgotten.The TMA Member Accidental Death & Dismemberment Plan is a convenient solution to help protect your family should a serious injury or death due to an accident happen to you.

Your career, family, and financial obligations are in a constant state of growth. Without warning, even when doing the most mundane tasks - from driving to work, traveling for a vacation or to a conference, a serious accident can occur. You may already have a life insurance benefit set up through your employer. But is it enough?

The loss of a family member can have both emotional and financial implications. If your family lost you to a sudden tragedy, would they also lose financial stability? Without adequate planning, your surviving family members may face difficulty covering daily expenses, mortgage payments, or education costs.

Term life insurance is a valuable financial tool that can help shield your family from economic distress in the event of your passing. It has many other uses too. For example, life insurance can help you meet other financial needs. Use life insurance to protect those who co-signed your education loans. It can be used as collateral to secure a loan to open a practice. If you’re practicing with partners, it can help protect your business interests. Life insurance can even help defray estate taxes and ensure you leave your family the financial legacy you intend for them.

Securing sufficient medical insurance coverage as you approach your 65th birthday is crucial. Even as a physician, deciding on which plan is right for you can be a complicated task. Fortunately, TMA Insurance Trust can help you examine your options when considering Medicare Supplement and Part D prescription insurance so that you can make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes.

Here in Texas, we enjoy our beautiful sunny weather, and we’re happy that winter is over! Beautiful weather often means outdoor activities and more driving. As you spend more time in your vehicle, could you be saving money as well? This week we’ll discuss several savvy ways you could save on your auto insurance premium.

Waivers and options available during Open Enrollment can make it a beneficial time for physicians to get the group PPO health insurance coverage they prefer more affordably. However, it’s not the only opportunity during the year to access better health insurance while controlling costs.

As the cost of health insurance deductibles and copays continue to climb, families are absorbing more and more out-of-pocket costs. When a family member gets injured due to an accident, most medical health insurance plans only pay a portion of the bill, leaving you with the remaining balance. You can help protect your family and your finances with a TMA Member Accident Insurance plan.

TMA Member Accident Insurance is an excellent supplement to your family’s health insurance coverage to help pay for those out-of-pocket expenses related to unforeseen accidents.

Practically all physicians have health insurance. It’s regarded as essential to maintaining overall health. Having it in place allows you to access vital preventive care and seek treatment that can safeguard your life.

Dental insurance can be overlooked. Some physicians opt out of dental insurance, perhaps due to cost. In actuality, dental insurance can provide savings for those who visit the dentist regularly. Opting out of dental insurance creates a gap in your care that can have a significant impact on your health and wellness.

Women physicians need disability insurance to help protect their income. In fact, they may need it more than their male colleagues. Statistically, women are more prone to become disabled than their male counterparts, thus disability insurance rates are higher.¹ Research shows that over 22.3% of all disabilities for women are related to pregnancy.² Consequently, disability insurance premiums for an individual policy are typically 40-50% higher for women compared to the rates for men.³

It is often strongly recommended by experienced physicians that newly practicing physicians obtain a disability insurance policy as soon as possible. Establishing this coverage early in one's career is essential for safeguarding their income.

As years pass and your salary and income grow, your disability insurance coverage needs to keep pace or you could face risks to your financial stability. The policy you started your career with may not sufficiently protect your current income.

No physician likes to think that a serious illness or tragedy could happen to them at any moment. But if it does, a greater tragedy would be not being prepared. Your livelihood may be affected if you are too sick or injured to practice and your income stops.

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Benjamin Franklin’s wise proverb is one you likely reiterate to your patients in some form. As a physician, you understand that taking preventive measures to protect against illness or disease is far better than spending time and resources addressing a medical issue after it has already occurred.

An individual's vitality and health are often determined by how well the inner workings of their body function. The same is true of your practice.

While you are the face of your practice, internally, two things need to be in place and function well to keep your practice healthy and optimal: the right health insurance for your needs, and effective cost management. TMA Insurance Trust understands the challenge for practice owners and independent physicians to access comprehensive group PPO health coverage while controlling costs. We want you to know about special options that may help you do both, whether you have employees or not.

Many physicians employed by a medical center, research facility, or large practice may receive benefits from their employer. That can bring a sense of security, knowing that your basic insurance needs are covered. This is especially true when you believe your income is protected with employer provided disability insurance benefits. However, this article will point out that there may be hidden risks, so your sense of security may not be well founded.

As a physician, you have invested much time, effort, and expense in growing your independent practice. At a moment's notice, an injury or unexpected illness can have devastating effects on what you have painstakingly built up. Now is the time to help protect your practice from financial injury. Business Overhead Expense Insurance (BOE) is disability insurance designed to cover the expenses of your practice when you are unable to work due to a covered illness or injury.

Protecting the ones you love is instinctive. It is so inherent, planning for potential situations that could harm your family is synonymous with common sense. Keeping a first aid kit in your home or car, having fire drills with your kids, learning CPR – nearly everyone protects their family every day in some way.

Life insurance can help protect all the days your family has ahead of them if you are suddenly unable to.

If you‘ve been practicing medicine for some time – especially if you own a practice – you can appreciate the truth in the statement “There’s no substitute for experience.”

Experience gained over time can certainly enrich the care you provide to your patients and the skill with which you manage your practice.

Likewise, at TMA Insurance Trust, with our depth of industry knowledge and experience, we are uniquely positioned to help practice owners and their managers get the best group insurance to meet their needs.

Most physicians earn a comfortable income, which enables them to provide for their families and have a good quality of life. As time passes, your hard work and dedication allow you to curate a life that stabilizes and nurtures your family. Familiar routines and cherished traditions become foundational.

If you’re a young physician or resident, ask yourself this: What if you had an opportunity to invest in a company, knowing that in the years ahead its stock price would rise significantly? Or to purchase a home knowing its market value was certain to increase substantially?

Would you make that investment? Very likely you would.

A few weeks ago, we turned the page on another calendar year. For many people, the start of a new year provides an opportunity to take stock of their lives and often involves a review of their finances.

When it comes to our financial health – and the well-being of our family – we believe it’s essential to include life insurance as part of that review.

Whether you own a large or small group practice or work independently, in today’s economy, most physicians have one goal in common: to find ways to reduce expenses. And typically, one of the most significant expenses for physicians is the cost of health insurance.

TMA Insurance Trust is focused on helping all Texas physicians manage costs and operate more efficiently. So we want you to know about special health insurance options that can help you control costs and get the coverage you really want. This goes for practice owners and independents – for those with, as well as those without, employees.

Nothing impacts our lives more than having to change our normal routine to deal with a serious illness. The last few years have taught us that even our well-being is not guaranteed. Thus, with changing times and uncertain health, TMA Insurance Trust is offering two valuable guarantees that you can take to the bank. First, for a limited time, TMA Insurance Trust members under age 65 are guaranteed to be accepted for $20,000 of TMA Member Critical Illness coverage. The second is this - if you become critically ill with a covered illness, $20,000 is paid directly to you - guaranteed. Now, those are guarantees you can bank on.

Preparing for life’s unexpected moments doesn't have to be a daunting task. As a physician, you appreciate how important it is to take care of your health. However, even the healthiest person can fall victim to an unexpected life-altering illness that may not be fully covered by your medical insurance. Since paying for critical illness care often goes well beyond traditionally covered costs, such an unforeseen serious illness would jeopardize your financial security. Therefore, TMA Insurance Trust is making a special effort to inform you about the TMA Member Critical Illness Insurance Plan, issued by The Prudential Insurance Company of America. TMA members under the age of 65 are guaranteed acceptance for $20,000 of TMA Member Critical Illness Insurance.

Serious, critical - two words that no one wants to hear associated with illness. Being the one to care for the needs of patients daily can contribute to physicians having a blindspot when it comes to their own health. Taking a step back and considering what you would do if you were the patient is necessary because no physician is immune to a sudden, serious illness.

TMA Insurance Trust was created by physicians for physicians. We know firsthand that this is something physicians can lose sight of. The physical and emotional toll a critical illness can take on you and your family can be devastating. If you’re not prepared ahead of time, the financial impact could be devastating too.

No one wants to think about the possibility of becoming disabled – until the unthinkable happens. It might be a sudden injury, or an unanticipated illness. But regrettably it can happen to anyone, physicians included.

And if that injury or illness prevented you from working, you would likely find that your income would quickly diminish and your finances could be seriously threatened. Would you be prepared for that?

An accident, by its very nature, will always take you by surprise. Help keep any high, out-of-pocket “financial surprises” resulting from an accident to a minimum with the TMA Member Accident Insurance Plan issued by the Prudential Insurance Company of America.

Have you been missing visits to your dentist? If so, it’s not surprising. You work long hours. Your schedule can be packed. Plus, the cost of a routine exam with a full set of x-rays can seem expensive – as it seems the cost of almost everything continues to rise.

But skipping regular visits to the dentist can have a negative impact – not just on oral health, but on your overall health as well.

For most of us, the holidays are a joyous, yet expensive time of year. By the time January begins, we’re ready for a fresh start, and welcome the idea of saving money instead of spending. For physicians in Texas, these savings could be easy! May we suggest getting a quote through TMA Insurance Trust on your home and auto insurance, and finding out how much you can save?

Don’t miss out on your last chance to access special options and waivers that may allow you to control premium costs and get better group health insurance for the new year. Qualifying practice owners and independent physicians must have their completed documents submitted before end of day on December 12, 2022 for a January 1, 2023 start date.

THE CLOCK IS TICKING

We know physicians have a lot on their plate. From the time you start work in the morning until the day is done you’re called on to make one decision after another. So right now the last thing you probably want to do is make a new decision about health insurance.

But time is running out for Open Enrollment – and this could be your last chance to find better health insurance for 2023.

There’s still time to get a plan that could help you control costs and provide more comprehensive benefits than the coverage you have now. In addition to offering top-rated group plans from leading national carriers, we can see if you’re eligible for certain options that may at this time be valuable to both practice owners and independent physicians.

Time is almost up. During Open Enrollment, practice owners and independent physicians have access to special options that could help them fight rising health insurance premium costs while securing better coverage. Two special waivers are helping many to qualify for group health insurance even if they don’t have employees and even if they only want group coverage for themselves and their family.

These waivers expire in two weeks, now is the time to see if you qualify. This may be the last year these options are available.

Doing the same thing the same way can sometimes be beneficial. As a physician, you have protocols of care that you follow for particular illnesses and diseases. But if a new, better form of treatment became available, would you dismiss it, or would you investigate its usefulness to your patients?

Are you feeling “sticker shock” over the price of group health insurance for your practice this year? If you have to pay more, let’s make sure every dollar counts and that you’re getting the most comprehensive health insurance possible for yourself and your practice. Here’s how TMA Insurance Trust is advocating for practice owners during Open Enrollment. 

Are you an independent physician? Would you like better health insurance for 2023? Are you aware you may be eligible for special group health insurance options?

No one plans to have a serious accident. 

As a physician, the difference between instant results and having to wait for days can sometimes have a significant impact. A delay in implementing the right kind of care for a sick patient could drastically alter their outcome.

Winter is once again on its way. And with it comes the threat of severe weather and the risk of accidents on the road and damage to your property. 

 Are you getting close to retirement? If so, congratulations. You’ve no doubt worked hard to earn it and we wish you many years of fulfillment ahead.

At TMA Insurance Trust, we do not yet know the full scope of the rate increases for 2023 health insurance premiums, but we anticipate that they could be significant. While we can’t prevent that, we can tell you that you have an opportunity to lock in a lower 2022 rate for the next 12 months. If you currently have an individual HMO health insurance plan, there are special options available that could help you qualify for group health insurance and take advantage of this as well.

In life as we get older we gain knowledge and acquire more experience. As physicians, that can yield professional wisdom and provide greater confidence in how you proceed with your patients.

A physician’s eligibility for a group PPO plan has historically relied on how many employees they have in their practice. TMA Insurance Trust has researched how to make this preferred coverage available to independent physicians who practice in a partnership without W2 employees. Special options may help you obtain group PPO health insurance for just yourself and your family. 

You know that if you’re an independent practice owner with employed staff, group PPO health insurance is an option for you. But what if for you, practicing as an independent physician means you are truly independent, with no employees?

There are many risks in everyday life. That’s why we have insurance protection. And most physicians view certain types of insurance as absolutely essential. Health insurance, disability insurance, life insurance are some examples.

Though you likely view health insurance as vitally important, does it offer the same benefits and level of financial protection that it once did? Many physicians will agree: the fabric of health insurance has frayed, and today, they must share the ever-growing costs of health care with their health insurance provider.

If a serious illness should affect you, you will likely have many medical and non-medical expenses to pay. This is why TMA Insurance Trust is offering members under age 65 the TMA Member Critical Illness Insurance Plan.

In life, if you wait until you are ready to do something important, it could be too late.

What happens to your practice if you can’t work? Disability insurance can help keep your household on track financially if you become too sick or injured to work, but what about your practice? Having an emergency savings fund established is beneficial, but in today’s inflationary economy, many practice owners may find that it will no longer keep their practice running for as long as they anticipated. 

You’re a practice owner and you’ve invested an incredible amount of time and energy to get where you are. Nobody knows this better than you. 

Health is wealth. As we age, we grow to appreciate the truth of that like never before. Protecting our health has always been essential, but as we age maintaining good health becomes more important, and more expensive.

Fortunately, there are insurance solutions that make caring for our health more affordable. TMA Insurance Trust can help you find the insurance you need to protect your health and your wealth during retirement.

As inflation increases, it’s a common reaction to start looking at what expenses could be eliminated from your budget in order to save money. While nearly all physicians would consider health insurance a necessary expense, what about dental insurance? Many people opt out of dental coverage, some perhaps viewing it as peripheral insurance, specific only to one part of the body. Plus, if you’re brushing and flossing regularly, what harm could there be in skipping a couple checkups and just bypassing the dentist for a year…or two…or three…? 

Many, if not most physicians, have a life insurance policy. It could be an individual plan you purchased years ago. Or it might be coverage provided by your employer. Either way, it’s very common that “once we get it, we tend to forget it.”

But as time passes our family and financial obligations typically grow. And if we haven’t added more coverage as our career and our lives evolve, we may not be providing our family with enough financial protection should something happen to us.

The impact inflation is having on goods and services is being felt in all sectors of the economy, including health care. As a result, the cost of your group health insurance is likely to increase when it comes time to renew your plan. Many physicians and practice owners are concerned about how increased rates will affect the amount of coverage they have and what they can offer to their staff. This may be the right time to get a second opinion to see if there is a better way to structure your group health insurance benefits.

Picture the scene. A couple is joyously awaiting the birth of their first child. As the weeks pass, excitement begins to build as they set up the nursery and start making lists of baby names. But underneath the thrill of being first time parents, financial worries begin to creep in. Hospital bills loom large on the horizon. How much will the health insurance policy cover? How much will the out-of-pocket costs be?

Health care is one of the largest expenses during retirement. Perhaps you’ve seen the numbers. A 65-year-old retiring today is expected to need over $300,000 for health-related expenses. A lot of those costs are for co-pays, and ever-increasing deductibles. These out-of-pocket costs are why many retirees secure a Medicare Supplement or Medigap policy, to help pay some of the expenses Original Medicare doesn’t cover.

How many times have you heard: Income protection is vital for every physician. 

Probably often enough that you may have tuned it out by now. But here are a few facts that could reinforce just how important it really is to have a good income protection strategy – especially if you’re in the early stages of your career.

Nearly all physicians are diligent about securing comprehensive health insurance coverage, yet a surprising number opt out of dental insurance. Overlooking this important coverage can have a significant impact on your health. 

As a physician, you understand better than most that prescription medications help protect both our health and quality of life. Yet prescriptions can be costly. Like all health-related expenses, prescription prices are rising and pose a growing challenge to retirement nest eggs.

Fortunately for those enrolled in Medicare, Part D coverage helps to significantly reduce the cost of medications. However, there are strict limitations on when you can enroll. To save the most on your prescriptions, it’s all about timing.

Summer is here. And with the warmer weather we see families getting out and enjoying more outdoor activities.

Many independent physicians prefer group PPO plans because of their flexibility and more comprehensive coverage. Physicians who do not have employees may think group PPO health insurance isn’t an option for them. TMA Insurance Trust has found solutions that can help put PPO coverage within reach.

As a woman physician, one of your biggest allies in helping to keep your financial foundation secure is disability insurance. However, the cost of disability insurance may be a barrier that’s kept you from obtaining this necessary coverage. Premium rates for individual long-term disability insurance policies are typically 40-50% higher for women than for men. If you do have disability insurance, your coverage may have severe limitations you’re not aware of. 

They’re two of our most precious assets – our health and our income.

In many ways they’re inter-connected. If we’re not healthy it can have a big impact on our income. If we’re sick or injured and can’t work for a long period of time that could result in serious financial loss.

Working with physicians for over 65 years, we’ve seen this happen firsthand.

Just because you are over 65 doesn’t mean you are ready to leave the profession you love. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 10 million Americans have reached the traditional retirement age but aren’t ready to stop just yet. Many of your fellow physicians across Texas feel the same way.

A healthy smile never gets old, and neither does saving money. As we age, maintaining good dental health becomes more important, and more expensive. TMA Insurance Trust is here to help. 

It’s common sense that if you have a leak in your roof, the time to fix it is before a rain storm – not after a deluge.

Your income provides a strong financial foundation for you and your family and life insurance can be one of your biggest allies in helping to keep that foundation secure. However, according to life insurance industry estimates, about 58% of men have life insurance but only 47% of women are covered.* To appreciate the value of life insurance for you as a physician, it’s important to understand all the various ways it can help you as your career progresses.

Many physicians employed by a medical center, research facility, or large practice may receive benefits from their employer. That can bring a sense of security, knowing that your basic insurance needs are covered. This is especially true when you believe your income is protected with employer provided disability insurance benefits. However, this article will point out that your sense of security may not be well founded.

As an independent physician, obtaining disability coverage at the beginning of your career is a smart decision. Many colleagues counsel younger physicians to do so because of the income protection it can provide. As time passes and your salary increases, are you making sure your income protection is increasing with it? 

If you are like many physicians, you may plan on practicing well past your 65th birthday. For many physicians, medicine is more than a career, it is a calling. There are few professions as emotionally, intellectually, and financially rewarding as medicine. So, it is understandable why after decades refining your skills and improving countless lives, you may not yet be ready to stop doing what you love.

Do you remember why you chose to become a practice owner? One reason is likely because you value your independence – being able to run your own practice and career the way you see fit.

But with that freedom comes the responsibility of managing what amounts to a small business. You must be at the helm day in and day out to see that everything runs smoothly.

So what would happen if you were seriously ill or injured and couldn’t work for a long stretch of time? How would your expenses be paid? Who would care for your patients? How would your practice survive financially?

The last few years have taught us that staying healthy can be a daily challenge. As a physician, no one understands this more than you.

As a result, now more than ever, we want to help Texas physicians have the best protection in place for themselves and their families.

A top priority for most physicians right now is disability insurance. Here are some points to consider.

Sooner or later, we all start to think about retirement. You have probably been setting aside funds for a comfortable and secure retirement for many years. Retirement brings many changes. Changes to your daily routine. Changes to how you use your time. Changes to how you deal with your finances. Did you know retirement also brings significant changes to your insurance needs?

As a busy physician, when it comes time for renewal, it may seem easier to continue the group health insurance plan you’ve always had, with the same insurance agent you’ve always used. TMA Insurance Trust understands that demands on your time could be causing you to miss out on better coverage and better service. 

If you are a Texas physician working as a locum tenens, you are not alone. By some estimates, there are over 50,000 physicians working as locum tenens across the United States and the market for locum tenens is expected to grow at 6% annually.

Of all the insurance you will likely obtain throughout your career and lifetime, life insurance stands apart. It is one of the easiest types of coverage to secure, while also providing a maximum amount of financial protection and added peace of mind to you and your family.

In these uncertain times, it’s not just smart planning to have a life insurance policy in place–it’s essential. For TMA Members, it’s never been easier to apply.

You have invested a lifetime of sacrifice and effort to get to where you are now. You saved for years to live the life you want in retirement. Whatever dreams you have for your retirement: travel, reconnecting with family, or just shifting gears to enjoy a slower pace of life, your retirement savings will help make those dreams come true.

Physicians, like everyone else, are not immune to accidents – whether they occur around the house or in a vehicle. Unfortunately, if you’re found to be at fault in an accident, you could find your personal assets at risk.

This can happen because your home or auto insurance may have coverage limits you’re not aware of or forgot about. It could also happen if the injured party attempts to take advantage of your financial situation. As a physician you’re likely to be in a higher income bracket compared with the rest of the population – so you could be highly vulnerable to a lawsuit.

Either way, this is why many physicians help protect their personal assets with an umbrella insurance plan.

Important decisions that impact you, your family and your practice are rarely easy to make. As a TMA Member, you have an ally on your side that can help you find the right health insurance coverage for the needs of your practice and your family. Our dedicated advisors are committed to easing the administrative burden of securing and managing health insurance plans for you.

Most of us are used to the idea of having insurance to help protect what’s important in our lives – like our health, our home, and our car. But we don’t often think about helping to protect the very thing that’s vital to the financial well-being of our family – our ability to earn a living.

Most of us are used to the idea of having insurance to protect what’s important in our lives – like our health, our home, and our car. But we don’t often think about protecting the very thing that’s vital to the financial well-being of our family – our ability to earn a living.

Life insurance is so beneficial because it can help ensure that your financial obligations are covered and your family has some economic stability should anything happen to you.

If you have been watching the news lately, you have heard that inflation is on the rise. For example, CNBC recently reported a US Bureau of Labor Statistics analysis that showed inflation surged 7.5% on an annual basis, even more than expected and highest since 1982.*

Regardless of profession, inflation affects the prices you pay for goods and services. But it can also affects things you may not expect, like your life insurance. If you put a life insurance policy in place years ago–even 5 years ago–the lump sum benefit would not cover as much now as it would have then. You may now need a supplemental policy in order to give your family the right amount of financial security again.

If you aren’t yet insured, taking a few minutes of your time to put a plan in place could provide years of reassurance and added peace of mind for you and your family.

"Don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today."

It rang true when Ben Franklin said it over two centuries ago. And it may, in fact, be good advice when it comes to reviewing your current life insurance coverage.

Time is money. This well known expression is true in many areas of life. Time is precious and valuable. Now that you are nearing or in retirement, making the right Medicare supplement moves at the right time can save you thousands of dollars in health care expenses.

By some estimates, the average American retirement lasts about 20 years. Health care needs increase as we age and therefore health care is one of the largest expenses we face in retirement. Original Medicare can help offset many of these costs.

Owning a medical practice comes with many rewards. But in today’s world it can also bring daunting new challenges.

The financial impact of Covid-19 has affected large and small medical practices throughout Texas. As a result, practice owners may be taking a closer look at their office expenses, exploring new ways to better manage their practice and operate more efficiently.

By some estimates, the average American retirement lasts about 20 years. Health care needs increase as we age and therefore health care is one of the largest expenses we face in retirement. Original Medicare can help offset many of these costs – but not all of them.

As a physician, you most likely think more about caring for a patient than becoming one. It can be difficult to shift perspective and think about your own care and what you would do in the event of a serious illness. TMA Insurance Trust understands that. That’s why we’re making a special effort to inform you about the TMA Member Critical Illness Insurance Plan, issued by The Prudential Insurance Company of America. TMA members under the age of 65 are guaranteed acceptance for $20,000 of TMA Member Critical Illness Insurance.

Whether you work in a hospital or in an office setting, you no doubt recognize the benefits of collaborating with specialized medical professionals. No one physician can do it all, instead you work together to provide the best possible care to your patients. The same applies to insurance. Your comprehensive health insurance is vital to maintaining your health–but it can’t do it all. If you become seriously ill, high deductibles, copays and maximum benefit limits can quickly cause financial strain during an already stressful time.

The pandemic has been a sobering reminder that sudden, serious illness doesn’t discriminate. A serious illness can impact a family physically and emotionally–but also financially. How secure would your finances be if you or a family member were diagnosed with a critical illness?

As a Texas physician you have devoted your life to caring for others, so when it comes to your own care, TMA Insurance Trust wants to make sure you get the quality health care you deserve.

You can’t predict the future, but you can help protect it – at least when it comes to your finances. That’s the thinking that underlies disability insurance.

Nobody knows if, or when, they might have an injury or illness that could prevent them from working – particularly at this time when we’re seeing a dramatic upsurge in new cases of Covid-19. Without work, for most physicians, that would mean their income would diminish significantly or stop altogether.

Disability insurance is there to provide income at those times and is therefore considered an essential safety net to help protect our finances. That said, we find that many physicians – even those who currently have some disability insurance – may not have enough coverage, leaving their financial future vulnerable.

A dislocated shoulder from a fall during a hike, a broken ankle during a football game-–as a physician, you’re familiar with how to physically treat these kinds of injuries. But are you prepared financially if they happen to you or someone in your family? Your health insurance will cover a good portion of your medical bills, but additional medical and non-medical expenses can accumulate quickly. Accident insurance covers medical and non-medical expenses to help bridge the gap between your health insurance and these additional out of pocket expenses. A cash benefit is paid directly to you upon diagnosis of a covered, accidental injury.

We don’t have to tell you about the importance of good oral health. You know better than most that a healthy mouth can be an important factor in terms of our overall physical health.

Like other insurance agencies, TMA Insurance Trust is a full-service insurance agency with a staff of professional agent-advisors who have years of experience. But that is where the similarities end. Here are four exclusive advantages for members from TMA Insurance Trust you may not be aware of.

Physicians know that preventive care and early detection is so important when it comes to physical health. The same can be said of dental health. In fact, in recent years, research has uncovered a correlation between regular dental checkups and good physical health. In this article, we’ll explore that link, and talk briefly about the importance of dental insurance.

Open Enrollment will be over soon. But there’s still time to take advantage of opportunities to get a higher quality insurance plan potentially at a lower cost than what you may be paying now.

One such opportunity may appeal to solo and small practice owners who want the greater freedom and choice of a PPO health insurance plan.

“You get what you pay for” is a timeworn adage that, while simple, conveys a profound truth: paying less often means getting less. When independent practice owners start to research health insurance options, price is often the biggest deciding factor--for valid reasons. But if you rely solely on price, when you have a medical emergency, you may find your insurance coverage is sorely lacking. The difficulty is finding the balance between obtaining comprehensive insurance coverage that will provide the kind of coverage you need and keeping the practice’s budget in check. It’s a balance that’s become even more crucial during the pandemic.

Open Enrollment is here – time to think about whether to renew or choose a new health plan for yourself or your practice.

But choosing a health plan may not be so easy. There are many factors to consider – like cost, deductibles, plan features and restrictions, even the level of service you receive from your agent. On top of that, health insurance today is complicated. Trying to get a handle on all the regulations in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) can be time-consuming and exhausting.

So what if you had help from a health insurance specialist? Someone who could find “hidden” opportunities in the complex regulations?

While group PPO coverage is available to all practice owners, its high cost can put this coveted, more inclusive coverage outside the realm of possibility for smaller practices. Requirements for eligibility also mean that most solo practitioners are only able to access individual or group HMO plans.

Though your practice may be small, to us you’re big. Since its existence, TMA Insurance Trust has committed to working tirelessly for small practices that feel limited in their insurance choices. Our recent efforts have uncovered two special insurance options that could transform coverage for many solo and small, independent practice owners.

If a patient needs specialized care outside of your expertise, you likely wouldn’t hesitate to refer them to a specialist. TMA Insurance Trust has been the “go-to” health insurance specialist for physicians for decades. Last year, we helped over 700 practice owners get quality coverage at a competitive price. This year, once again, we’ve used our specialized skills and experience to uncover a way for physicians to help control their insurance costs and possibly secure better group coverage for themselves and their practice.

As a practice owner, when one of your patients needs specialized care or advice, you refer them to a physician who specializes in that particular field of medicine. That’s standard procedure.

But what about in your own life? What if you needed advice in an area in which you had limited knowledge? What if, for example, you wanted advice about health insurance? Would you reach out to a “specialist?”

Life moves fast for small practice owners. Between the responsibilities of running your practice and your family commitments, each day can seem like it never has enough hours in it to get everything done.

So it’s a good bet that in your spare time – what little you have – you’re not poring over the latest iterations of health insurance regulations. Which means you may not be aware of special health insurance options available to you during the small group Special Enrollment Period (11/15 – 12/15, 2021).

When Open Enrollment begins, you will have access to special health insurance options that may help you secure better coverage for yourself and those in your practice. These options are the best kept secret in the insurance industry. TMA Insurance Trust is here to make sure you know, have access to, and can benefit from these limited time options. We’re also here to help in every step of the enrollment process. We diligently make sure you have the support and information you need to make informed decisions, and our goal is to make the process as easy and stress-free as possible.

Let’s face it, shopping online has become the “new normal.” These days, almost anything you can think of – from electronics to groceries to new cars – can be purchased with a few clicks on a keyboard or smartphone.

The latest surge in online shopping may have been accelerated by the current pandemic, but it is now virtually commonplace for most of us to go online for many of the essential goods and services we need to keep our lives on track.

That said, thanks to the ease and convenience of our online enrollment platform – available exclusively to TMA members – this may finally be the right time for you to get the protection of a term life insurance plan.

If you are at or nearing retirement, you have probably begun to think about Medicare. But you may also be wondering what happens to my family or my staff if I go on Medicare? If your spouse or dependent children are on your plan, will they lose their coverage? If you are a practice owner with a group policy for your staff, what happens to them when you go on Medicare. This article will help answer those questions.

There are never enough hours in a day. As a busy physician, you undoubtedly feel the truth of those words on a daily basis. The demands on your time--from patient care to family responsibilities--can leave you feeling like there are some tasks you just can’t seem to get to. That feeling can intensify as your career progresses and you experience changes in your life.

Wash the car. Clean out the attic. Sort through expenses for your income tax.

Have you ever found yourself procrastinating about doing certain tasks? It’s normal to put off some tasks – especially if they seem like they’re not on a pressing timetable. It’s what we all do to some extent or another.

But if you’re a younger physician, there’s one thing you may not want to put off – giving your family the security and protection of life insurance.

We’ve all heard the saying when it rains it pours. When something goes wrong, it can end up unleashing a storm of difficulties. Insurance was made for those rainy days and umbrella liability insurance was made for those times when a rainy day turns into a storm.

Most of us are familiar with the basic concept of life insurance: It provides your beneficiary with a payment if you pass away during the time you are covered.

But as you may know, there are different kinds of life insurance. For example, there is term life insurance and whole, or permanent, life insurance.

Health insurance is vital. No one knows the truth of that statement more than physicians. When you need health insurance - whether you are looking for group health options for your practice, need individual health insurance, or need to make changes to your current coverage - our team is here to assist you with your needs, all year long.

We pay for disability insurance for a good reason. We trust it will be there to provide a benefit payment if we get sick or injured and cannot work.

But if you did become ill or injured and couldn’t work, do you know how long it would take to receive your benefit payment? It may be longer than you think.

If you are a female physician, your personal achievement and hard work has come with an economic reward. Because you have a significant income, you likely play a prominent role in the lifestyle your family leads. You also bring financial stability to your household.

Because your family’s well being likely hinges on your income, life insurance protection plays an important role. But according to life insurance industry estimates, about 58% of men have life insurance, but only 48% of women are covered.* Do you have the life insurance you need to help protect your family’s future?

Life insurance shouldn’t be a mystery. Yet many people, physicians included, may have some misconceptions about it.

We don’t want you to miss out on this important protection for your family. So here’s some information that may help shed new light on what you know – or don’t know – about the life insurance we offer.

Time passes fast. Especially for physicians, who invest heavily in their education and training. Days turn into weeks, and months into years. Along the way you may get married, buy a home, have children. Perhaps you start your own practice or pursue a specialty. With each change that comes along, life has undoubtedly gotten more complex. Income, assets, investments, and savings likely have grown through the years.

As you were planning for retirement, you probably thought a lot about making sure you would have enough income to cover your medical expenses. However, dental care during retirement is an often-overlooked expense that can take a serious bite out of your hard-earned retirement income.

Retired physicians may be surprised to find out those twice a year visits to your dentist’s office are not covered under traditional Medicare. Medicare supplement plans don’t include dental insurance either. And although some Medicare Advantage managed care plans offer dental benefits, both the network and the coverage could be very limited.

When shopping online most of us would like to see as much information as possible about what we’re looking to buy. That obviously includes the price. Once we know the cost, we can make a reasonably informed decision about whether or not to make the purchase.

Because life insurance offers financial protection for loved ones, most physicians see the value in securing this financial protection for their families.

What if you could supplement your life insurance protection, simply and affordably? Some physicians choose to help protect their families financially with an Accidental Death and Dismemberment plan. Let’s talk about how practical and affordable this insurance is, and why you may want to obtain it.

For most physicians, disability insurance is a given. Indeed, it’s considered an essential form of income protection.

But assuming you have a disability insurance plan, it may surprise you to learn just how much of your future income is not protected.

In life we protect the things that are important to us. That can include our family, our health, our home – and for a practicing physician, that should include your income.

That’s why there’s disability insurance – to help provide income if we get ill or injured and can’t work for a long stretch of time.

Most of us don’t choose to take unnecessary risks, but accidents still happen. Accidents and injuries can happen anytime and anywhere: driving to the grocery store, while taking on a small home improvement project, or tripping on an uneven sidewalk.

Most of us don’t choose to take unnecessary risks, but accidents still happen. Injuries can occur in completely innocuous situations: a drive to the grocery store, during a small home improvement project, at a soccer game.

When you or a family member gets hurt, your health insurance will take care of a good portion of your medical bills. Still, there are additional medical and non-medical expenses that can accumulate quickly. Accident insurance can lend a helping hand financially.

As a Texas physician who currently has or will soon be eligible for Original Medicare, it is important to understand the limitations of Original Medicare. Health-related costs are one of the largest expenses during retirement. However, with proper insurance planning, many of these expenses can be covered by the insurance company, not by your retirement nest egg.

As a physician, what is your most valuable asset? Some would say it’s your ability to earn income. This can be particularly true if you are a surgeon or specialist.

Think about it. You’ve spent years in medical school, residency, and then more time acquiring the skills demanded of your specialty. We don’t have to tell you – this is an enormous investment of time, money, and very hard work.

Accordingly, it’s likely that by now you are earning an income which reflects this investment and commitment. So shouldn’t you take extra care to help protect that income?

You may be a practice owner looking for group health insurance for yourself and your staff. Or maybe you’re searching for an individual health insurance plan for yourself and your family. Or it could be that you’re exploring the numerous Medicare options that are available to you.

Choosing a health insurance plan, or making changes to current coverage, can involve some very important decisions. So we suggest you consider getting a second opinion from a specialist – your TMA Insurance Trust advisor.

People tend to grow out of things. When we’re very young, our parents lament at how quickly we grow out of our shoes and jeans. As we get older, we may grow out of our apartment, our vehicle. As you’ve advanced through your career, you likely grew out of your first job; you wanted something that fit your training and needs better. Of course, as we get older, we grow in experience. Our wisdom deepens. Our income grows as well.

You’re a young physician, and your own long-term disability insurance may seem like an insurance product that you do not need. You are healthy. You are a hard worker and in control of your life. You make good choices. But the reality is that sudden accidents and serious illnesses may strike at any time, to any person.

When you operate a medical practice, certain insurance policies are a necessary expense. You’re paying for the insurance, but are you getting the best possible service to go along with it? Some small practice owners are paying for coverage, but get very little assistance from their insurance company. 

Working with TMA Insurance Trust is different. With over 60 years serving only Texas physicians, we offer focused expertise and outstanding personalized service that will exceed your expectations.

If you are about to turn 65, we congratulate you! Your 65th birthday isn’t just a personal milestone, it is the time you can finally begin drawing the Medicare benefits which you have paid into all your working life.

As a group, physicians tend to prepare well for their financial future, and for them, not all insurance protection is needed. But for most physicians, life insurance can offer financial protection that makes practical sense. In this way, we tend to call life insurance “essential protection.”

Home sweet home. There’s no place like home. Home is where the heart is.

But after a year of lockdowns and restrictions, most people are getting tired of staring at the same four walls. If you are thinking about making some changes, you are not alone. It is reported that Americans spent $339 billion last year in home improvements.

Eating almost all our meals from home had us longing for a nicer kitchen with new cabinets, updated countertops, and energy-efficient appliances. In search of a quiet place to study or work, we invested in a comfortable, well-equipped home office. Gym closures led us to put in a home gym and maybe even a backyard pool. Canceled vacations made us re-imagine how to convert porches, patios, and decks as outdoor retreats.

If you’re a practice owner or manager, you bear a lot of responsibility. One of those responsibilities is choosing and managing your practice’s group health insurance needs. Because your group health insurance can renew at any time throughout the year, remember that we at TMA Insurance Trust are here year-round to help you when you need it. Whether your plan is up for renewal or you’re offering group benefits for the first time, we can do the research, and look for superior options; and will always provide you with the best service. At TMA Insurance Trust, it’s “open enrollment” for group insurance all year long.

In 2019, did you expect that a pandemic would sweep the nation? Some practice owners faced insurmountable obstacles outside their control and their practices did not survive. Those that still own viable practices may be thinking of ways to better protect their practices in the future. Though there is no insurance against a pandemic, there are types of coverage that can help provide additional financial protection for your practice.

One such type is Business Overhead Expense (BOE) insurance.

When you elect to enroll for Medicare Part A and/or B coverage, you still have important decisions to make; should you buy a Medicare Supplement plan and/or a Medicare Part D Prescription plan? Deciding on how best to fill the gaps in your Medicare coverage can be a daunting and time consuming undertaking. You may be able to sort through all the options and do research on your own, but why should you when you have personable, professional help at the ready - at no cost to you? Let us carry the burden. Here’s how we can help.

Could it get any worse? That’s what so many Texans are asking these days.

With a crippling pandemic, a devastating storm and its disastrous aftermath, the people of Texas – certainly Texas physicians – have seen enough tribulation this past year. It’s become clear that our lives can change dramatically overnight as a result of circumstances over which we have little or no control.

It is from this perspective that we might approach the topic of life insurance.

Whether you already own your own home or plan on relocating in retirement, there are several opportunities for you to save money on homeowners insurance, if you or your spouse is 55 years of age or older. An advisor can review your current policy to determine if you are paying more than necessary, and help you take advantage of some industry savings that may be available to you at this stage in life.

The pandemic has impacted nearly every aspect of the economy, including physician-owned practices. Conditions have become very challenging, especially for solo and small practice owners. TMA Insurance Trust is fully committed to the success of practice owners and we want to make sure you are aware of the free assistance and support that are available to you.

If you are retired or thinking about retirement, you’ve probably heard that medical expenses are often the biggest drain on retirement savings. According to some estimates, the average couple will need $295,000 in today's dollars for medical expenses in retirement, and this doesn’t include the costs of long-term care.

According to data compiled by the Texas Medical Association and other organizations, even before the pandemic approximately five million Texans – more than one-sixth of the state’s population – were uninsured. Then the pandemic hit, leading to layoffs and furloughs which caused many who were previously insured to lose their coverage.