Landscape companies across Washington state now have a new option for employee health coverage. 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 announcement was made by WALP State President Dave Haizlip at the Northwest Nurseries Summer BBQ on August 12.
The BIAW Health Trust is a group health plan available only to member businesses. According to the announcement, many members save 10 to 15% compared to their current health benefits costs. The plan offers medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as an employee assistance program. Members can choose from more than 50 plans and customize coverage to fit the needs of their workforce. A dedicated service team is available to answer questions from both employers and 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 typically priced as small groups 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 can be especially important for landscape companies, where health insurance is often a significant expense and a critical tool for attracting and retaining employees.
“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.”
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.
WALP represents landscape contractors, designers, suppliers, and allied businesses across Washington state. The organization 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. BIAW represents member businesses across Washington state and administers the BIAW Health Trust.
