Small landscape companies in Washington now have access to a large group health plan through a new partnership between the Washington Association of Landscape Professionals (WALP), Anything Insurance, and the Building Industry Association of Washington (BIAW). The BIAW Health Trust, previously available only to BIAW members, is now open to WALP member companies with as few as two employees. The announcement was made by WALP State President Dave Haizlip at the Northwest Nurseries Summer BBQ on August 12.
The Health Trust is a group health plan that offers 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 service team is available to answer questions from both the company and employees. According to WALP, many members save 10 to 15% over what they currently pay for health benefits.
The two-employee minimum is a critical feature for smaller landscape companies. On their own, small employers are 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 make health insurance more affordable for small businesses that might otherwise struggle to offer coverage.
For landscape companies, health insurance is a significant expense but also an important 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."
The partnership underscores the challenges small businesses face in providing competitive benefits. By joining a larger pool, WALP members can offer health coverage that helps them compete for workers. Access to the program is exclusive to active WALP member companies. Landscape companies interested in the program can learn more about WALP membership at walp.org.
