Texas Medical Liability Trust (TMLT), the largest medical liability insurance provider in Texas, has announced several changes to help members care for COVID-19 patients and to offer relief from financial hardships related to the pandemic.
In a statement, TMLT said it will not cancel any policy if members cannot pay premiums on time because of COVID-19.
In addition, if you have temporarily closed your practice during the crisis, you might be able to change your status to a “leave of absence” or “part time basis,” TMLT said. This change could assist in reducing your premium during the time when you are unable to practice, the insurer said.
“This crisis is especially personal for us at TMLT, as we’ve worked with you, the people at the front lines of this crisis, for more than 40 years,” TMLT President and CEO Robert D. Donohoe said. “If you expect your premium payment will be delayed, please contact us as soon as possible.”
TMLT also has declared an additional 10% special dividend, which will be applied as a credit to policyholders’ next premium invoice. The amount will be based on each policyholder’s in-force premium amount as of March 1, 2020, and is in addition to any previously declared dividends, TMLT said.
TMLT also is offering medical professional liability coverage at no cost to any retired Texas physician working on a volunteer basis and in direct response to the emergency order regarding the pandemic. Find more information about the coverage in a frequently asked questions (FAQ) document on the TMLT website.
During the crisis, TMLT staff is available to take your calls from 8 am to 8 pm (CT) at (800) 580-8658. If calling after 8 pm, follow the telephone prompts to report a claim, ask a risk management question, or ask a question about your account. Onlnine payments can also be made through TMLT’s guest portal or by logging in to your myTMLT account.
“As the CEO of Texas Medical Liability Trust, it has been my greatest honor to serve and protect the physicians of Texas and beyond,” Mr. Donohoe said. “And now, at perhaps the medical community’s greatest hour of need in a generation, I pledge my full support and the personal support of TMLT’s employees to provide service and assistance in any way we can.”
Correction: This story has been corrected to say TMLT is offering medical professional liability coverage to any retired Texas physician volunteering during the emergency order.