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. The Health Trust is a group health plan available only to member businesses and could significantly reduce health insurance costs for landscape companies across Washington state.
According to the announcement, many members save 10 to 15% over what they pay today on health benefits. The plans include medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, plus an employee assistance program. Members can choose from more than 50 plans and build coverage around what their crews need. A service team answers questions from both the company and its employees.
The two-employee minimum 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. This access can be a game-changer for small businesses that have struggled to offer competitive benefits.
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. In an industry where labor shortages are common, offering robust benefits can be a decisive factor in hiring and keeping skilled workers.
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 partnership represents a strategic move to strengthen the state's landscape industry by improving the overall benefits landscape for employers and employees alike.
