Protecting What Matters Most

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

“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.

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.