Small landscape companies in Washington state will now have access to a large group health plan previously out of reach. The Washington Association of Landscape Professionals (WALP) has partnered with Anything Insurance and the Building Industry Association of Washington (BIAW) to open the BIAW Health Trust to WALP member companies, with eligibility starting at just two employees.
The Health Trust is a group health plan available exclusively to member businesses. According to the announcement, many members save 10 to 15% over what they currently pay for health benefits. The plans include medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, along with an employee assistance program. Members can choose from more than 50 plans and customize coverage to fit their crews' needs. A dedicated service team answers questions from both the company and its employees.
The two-employee minimum is a key feature that makes the program particularly valuable for smaller landscape companies. On their own, small employers are priced as small groups with limited buying power. Through WALP, member companies gain access to a large group health plan and the greater purchasing power that comes with it.
Dave Haizlip, WALP State President, announced the partnership at the Northwest Nurseries Summer BBQ on August 12. "We’ve worked on bringing this benefit to WALP members for quite some time because access to quality, affordable health insurance can make a real difference for landscape companies and their employees," Haizlip said. "Whether it’s a small company offering benefits for the first time or a larger company looking to reduce costs, this gives our members access to greater buying power. When we announced the partnership at the Northwest Nurseries Summer BBQ and immediately had a small company member ask who they could contact to learn more, it reinforced exactly why we pursued this."
For landscape companies, health insurance represents both a significant expense and a critical tool for attracting and retaining employees. The Health Trust gives WALP members access to group health coverage and competitive pricing that may otherwise be difficult to obtain on their own. This is especially important in a tight labor market where benefits can be a deciding factor for potential hires.
Access to the program is available exclusively to active WALP member companies. Landscape companies interested in the program can learn more about WALP membership at walp.org. The Washington Association of Landscape Professionals represents landscape contractors, designers, suppliers, and allied businesses across Washington state, and runs education, certification, networking, and member benefit programs for the state's landscape industry.
