The Washington Association of Landscape Professionals (WALP) has announced a new partnership 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, offering medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, plus an employee assistance program. Members can choose from more than 50 plans and customize coverage to meet the needs of their workforce, with a dedicated service team available to answer questions from both employers and employees.
One of the most significant aspects of this program is its accessibility to small businesses. The two-employee minimum makes the Health Trust particularly valuable for smaller landscape companies that typically face high premiums and limited options in the small group market. By participating through WALP, member companies gain access to a large group health plan and the greater buying power that comes with it. According to the announcement, many members save 10 to 15% over what they currently pay for health benefits. This cost reduction can be a lifeline for small businesses struggling with rising healthcare expenses.
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." The immediate interest from a small company member at the announcement underscores the demand for such a solution.
For landscape companies, health insurance is not only a major expense but also a critical tool for attracting and retaining skilled workers in a competitive labor market. By offering comprehensive benefits at a lower cost, WALP members can enhance their employee value proposition without breaking their budgets. The program is available exclusively to active WALP member companies. Landscape companies interested in learning more can visit walp.org for membership information. Additional details about the insurance services can be found at anythinginsurance.com. The BIAW Health Trust is administered by the Building Industry Association of Washington, which represents member businesses across the state. This collaboration highlights the growing trend of industry associations leveraging collective buying power to address common challenges faced by small businesses.
