If you look closely at some of the most rewarding moments as a physician, they rarely stay confined to the exam room. A successful diagnosis, treatment plan, and recovery ripple far outward—affecting not only the patient, but everyone who loves and depends on them. At the end of the day, protecting our families and loved ones is a primary concern for all of us.
Every day, our advisors at TMA Insurance Trust speak directly with independent practice owners across Texas. Lately, one message has become incredibly clear: the high cost of group health premiums is placing a greater financial strain on small to midsize medical practices.
As a dedicated physician, you understand the importance of consulting a specialist when a patient presents with a complex, multifaceted condition. You have also likely seen patients delay seeking care simply because they feel overwhelmed by the process.
Practicing independently offers a level of professional freedom that many physicians value. It also means taking on responsibilities that rarely come up during medical training. Health insurance is often one of the more time-consuming pieces to sort through.
We make hundreds of decisions a day. Some are made without a conscious thought, while others require us to pause and weigh the pros and cons. For major health decisions, you know the value of a second opinion to ensure the best outcome. Why should your group health insurance be any different? As premiums rise industry-wide, many physicians find themselves rushed into plans that don't quite fit.
If you're an independent physician, you might assume your only health insurance option is an individual HMO plan. But what if there is a better way?
Open Enrollment is coming to a close. If you’re reviewing your health insurance coverage for 2026, there is still time to look at solutions that may offer more flexibility than you expect and may help you better manage costs - but the time to do so is limited.
The clock is ticking on Open Enrollment for individual health coverage, which closes on December 11th for a January 1, 2026 effective date. This is a critical moment for practice owners and independent physicians to thoroughly evaluate or reevaluate their current group health insurance options, especially since special enrollment options may allow you to secure flexible group PPO coverage even without employees. This little-known window could be the key to managing your costs and improving your benefits for 2026.
