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.