Medical Assistant Benefits

Medical Assistants are healthcare workers that offer support services to physicians, nurses, or other healthcare professionals.

Their general duties include clinical and administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments or prepping the examination rooms for each patient visit.

If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a medical assistant, you might be wondering what kind of benefits this role entails.

Read on to find out the benefits received by medical assistants and to what extent those benefits are covered.

Read more: Is Medical Assistant a Good Career?

Working in healthcare can offer many unique perks to an employee apart from the benefits.

Also see: Medical Assistant vs Nurse

Let us take a look at the most common benefits offered to medical assistants:

Benefit #1 Medical Insurance –

According to a survey conducted by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), nearly 74% of full-time medical assistants receive major health insurance.

The Affordable Care Act states that all of the major medical plans need to cover the cost of standard preventative healthcare, such as any screening tests or vaccinations.

Generally, most of the major health insurance plans cover medications, hospital visits or stays, surgeries, emergency visits, and other urgent care.

Health insurance typically does not provide any amount of coverage until a specific deductible amount is met. The average deductible amount specified for each family is somewhere around $3,868 for the U.S.

Source: 2022 CMA (AAMA) Compensation and Benefits Report

Read more: 12 Reasons to Become a Medical Assistant

Benefit #2 Paid Time Off (PTO)-

The AAMA also reported that nearly 83% of all medical assistants received paid time off (PTO). This means that full-time medical assistants can take time off from their work without losing any salary.

PTOs generally range from one to two weeks per year. However, this increases the longer an employee stays at their organization.

Read more about: Certified Medical Assistant Salary

Benefit #3 Dental Insurance-

The survey conducted by AAMA further reported that nearly 83% of full-time medical assistants received dental coverage as well.

Even though the dental insurance offered for medical assistants usually does not cover advanced orthodontic care like braces, it does cover two dental cleanings per year and one set of X-rays. Some dental coverage plans may also include minor procedures such as filings.

Also read: Medical Assistant Terminology

Benefit #4 Disability Insurance-

64% of full-time medical assistants also receive disability insurance as part of their benefits, according to a survey conducted by the AAMA.

This type of insurance does not usually cover medical costs, but it does compensate for the lost salary due to any unexpected disabilities. This might include conditions such as recent blindness, severe injuries, or loss of hearing.

These disabilities do not necessarily need to be caused at the workplace. Typically, employers cover short-term disabilities for two years, and long-term disabilities might be covered for their whole life.

Read: Medical Assistant Certificate Requirements

Benefit #5 Sick Leaves-

The AAMA survey also reported that 58% of all medical assistants also get a sick leave benefit from their employers. This is typically separate and in addition to the PTOs offered.

The Family Leave and Medical Act (FMLA) requires every employer to allow their employees nearly 12 weeks of time off from work to care for their own health or family members without losing their jobs.

Even though the FMLA allows employees to take time off from their work without losing their positions, it is not required for employers to pay for these leaves. Some employers do offer regular salaries even if they are on sick leave.

Read more about: Medical Assistant Hours

Benefit #6 Vision Insurance-

Another benefit for full-time medical assistants is that they also receive insurance for concerns related to vision.

The AAMA survey reported that 78% of full-time employees receive vision insurance, which typically covers glasses or contacts and eye exams.

Even though this type of insurance does not cover vision correction surgeries, most policies cover doctor’s visits, eye exams, and glasses/contacts.

Also see: National Certified Medical Assistant NCMA

Benefit #7 Basic Hospitalization-

Medical assistants are also offered a basic hospitalization benefit which generally covers the cost of a long-term stay at the hospital. Long-term hospitalization includes staying at the hospital for a month or more.

According to the AAMA, 41% of medical assistants are offered this benefit.

Also see: Medical Assistant vs EMT

Benefit #8 Accidental Dismemberment or Death-

Most employers also provide accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance. The AAMA reported 54% of full-time medical assistants get this benefit.

Even though this is similar to life insurance, the requirements are more specific. To receive a payout after a serious injury or death, these requirements need to be met.

Any accidents, such as choking or a car crash, are usually covered by AD&D insurance. However, health issues such as a stroke or a heart attack are not covered under this benefit.

Also see: Medical Assistant Job Outlook

Benefit #9 Discount on Prescription Medications-

40% of full-time medical assistants receive discounts on prescription medication, as reported by the AAMA. This is, however, not applicable to all prescribed medicines.

Benefit #10 – Healthcare Provider Discounts-

Even though this is generally something that employers do not offer, healthcare workers, including medical assistants, can enjoy discounts on things such as spa packages, shoes, clothes, food delivery, and travel, among others.

Also see: Is Medical Assistant Degree Required?

Medical Assistant – FAQs

What do Medical Assistants Do?

Medical assistants are important in healthcare systems. They handle a mix of administrative tasks like scheduling appointments, managing records, and billing, while also assisting with clinical duties.

This can involve taking vital signs, preparing patients for examinations, assisting during procedures, conducting basic lab tests, administering medications (under a doctor’s direction), and sometimes even performing basic wound care. They’re versatile team members who support both healthcare providers and patients in various medical settings like clinics, hospitals, or physicians’ offices.

How much do Medical Assistants earn annually?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS), the average annual income of Medical Assistants is $38,270, or $18.40 per hour.

Is it worth it to become a Medical Assistant?

Becoming a medical assistant can be worth it for many reasons. It’s a fulfilling role that allows you to directly impact patients’ lives by providing care and support.

The training period is shorter compared to some other healthcare professions, making it an accessible entry point into the field. There’s also a demand for medical assistants, offering good job prospects and growth potential. It’s a versatile career that lets you blend administrative tasks with hands-on patient care, making each day varied and rewarding.

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