Small landscape companies in Washington often face steep health insurance costs because they are priced as small groups with limited buying power. A new partnership aims to change that. The Washington Association of Landscape Professionals (WALP) has teamed up with Anything Insurance and the Building Industry Association of Washington (BIAW) to open the BIAW Health Trust to WALP member companies. The Health Trust is a group health plan available exclusively to member businesses, and many members save 10 to 15% over what they currently pay for health benefits.
The program offers medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, plus an employee assistance program. Members can choose from more than 50 plans and build coverage that fits their crews' needs. A dedicated service team answers questions from both the company and its employees.
The two-employee minimum is what makes the program especially valuable for smaller landscape companies. On their own, small employers are priced like the small group they are, with limited buying power. Through WALP, member companies gain access to a large group health plan and the greater buying 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 can be a significant expense and an important 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 particularly important in a tight labor market where benefits can be a deciding factor for workers considering job offers.
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. By joining WALP, companies not only gain access to the Health Trust but also become part of a network that represents landscape contractors, designers, suppliers, and allied businesses across Washington state. WALP runs education, certification, networking, and member benefit programs for the state's landscape industry.
Anything Insurance, a Benefit Solutions NW company, provides employee benefits and insurance services to Washington businesses. The BIAW represents member businesses across Washington state and administers the BIAW Health Trust, a group health plan for member companies. This collaboration leverages the expertise and purchasing power of all three organizations to deliver tangible savings and better coverage options to landscape professionals. As health care costs continue to rise, this partnership offers a practical solution for companies looking to provide competitive benefits without breaking the bank.
