The benefits package PAs receive when working locum tenens with Weatherby

Physician assistants/associates (PAs) who work locum tenens with Weatherby Healthcare are considered W-2 employees and are therefore eligible for full benefits. So, not only will working locum tenens allow you to have a flexible schedule and high earning potential, but you’ll also receive great benefits beginning on day one of your assignment.

Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions about Weatherby’s PA locum tenens benefits.

Do I receive healthcare coverage right away?

Yes. Weatherby provides PAs with coverage on the very first day they work with us. All you have to do is complete and return all the requested payroll documents before your assignment start date.

What PA locum tenens benefits are available?

Weatherby offers a variety of benefits for locum tenens PAs, including:

Health insurance benefits

• Three PPO insurance plans with varying deductible limits and premium costs.

• Optional dental and vision insurance.

• CirrusMD, a telemedicine app with access to board-certified primary care physicians 24/7 when you or your family are sick.  

• Headspace EAP, an employee assistance program that offers free mental health coaching, tools for mindfulness, and financial, legal, elder care, childcare, and identity theft support.

Financial benefits

• Company-paid basic life insurance of $50,000.

• 401(k) plans through Fidelity Investments (Weatherby matches 50% of the first 8% you contribute).

• Optional pet insurance, which can help you save money on veterinary bills.

• Workers’ compensation.

• PerkSpot benefits, including discounts on airfare, ride share, cell phone services, clothing, and entertainment.

AmeriBen, a third-party administrator available 24/7, manages Weatherby’s healthcare benefits.

How do I sign up for benefits?

Weatherby will email you a link to your benefits portal, where you can review your options and elect coverage. While you’ll have 30 days from the start of your assignment to enroll, signing up sooner is advised so you don’t have to make up missed premium payments in later paychecks.

Who is eligible for benefits?

When you enroll in benefits as a PA, you can pay for coverage for your spouse, domestic partner, and/or dependent children (up to age 26).

Save more: How to maximize tax savings as a PA locum

What happens to my benefits when my assignment ends?

If you begin a new assignment with Weatherby within 31 days, you can keep the same benefits coverage—even while you’re not working. However, you will need to pay the cost of premiums accrued during the gap between your assignments from your next assignment’s paychecks.

If you have a longer gap between assignments or stop working with Weatherby, you’ll still be eligible to continue your health benefits through COBRA. You can elect COBRA coverage for up to 18 months, but Weatherby will no longer contribute its share of your premiums once your employment ends.

When can I make changes to my benefits?

You can make changes to your benefits every time you begin a new contract or assignment, which adds more flexibility to your locum tenens employment. PAs don’t have to remain on a specific plan or wait until an open enrollment period to change their elections.

If you experience a change of life event—including a marriage, divorce, or birth of a child, for example—you can also change your benefits before beginning a new assignment.

Who can I talk to if I have more questions?

PAs who work locum tenens with Weatherby receive robust benefits as W-2 employees, and there’s always someone ready to help! For more detailed information on Weatherby’s PA locum tenens benefits, contact your consultant or the Weatherby People Services team at 800.811.1796.

Are you interested in learning more about locum tenens as a career alternative? Give us a call at 954.343.3050 or view today’s locum tenens PA job opportunities.