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. This move addresses a critical need for small landscape businesses that have historically faced limited buying power and high costs when trying to offer health benefits to their employees.
The BIAW Health Trust is a group health plan available only 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, 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, simplifying administration and support.
What makes this program especially valuable for smaller landscape companies is the two-employee minimum. On their own, small employers are priced as 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 can be a game-changer for companies that previously could not afford to offer benefits or were stuck with expensive, limited options.
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 is a significant expense and an important tool for attracting and retaining employees. In a competitive labor market, offering comprehensive benefits can set a company apart. 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 for small businesses that often struggle to compete with larger firms on benefits.
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 underscores WALP's commitment to supporting its members' bottom lines and helping them build sustainable, competitive businesses.
