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 exclusively to member businesses, and many members save 10 to 15% over what they currently pay for health benefits. 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 their crews' needs. A dedicated service team answers questions from both the company and 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. This matters because health insurance is often a significant expense for landscape companies, but it is also 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.
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."
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 landscape industry workforce by making health benefits more accessible and affordable, particularly for small businesses that form the backbone of the sector. By joining forces with Anything Insurance and BIAW, WALP is addressing a critical pain point for its members and enhancing the overall competitiveness of Washington's landscape companies in the labor market.
