Who We Are
Washington’s
Source for
Employee Benefits
Business Health Trust offers comprehensive, affordable employee benefits to small and mid-sized businesses and non-profits in the state so that they can provide competitive employee benefit programs for sustainable organizations and healthy, productive employees.
Our Story
Business Health Trust was founded in 2007 so that small businesses and non-profits could offer their employees the health benefits they need to stay competitive, and provide health insurance for groups that might not otherwise be able to afford coverage.
Business Health Trust is what the insurance industry calls an Association Health Plan. Association Health Plans (AHPs) allow small businesses to join together as a group to purchase insurance so their employees can have access to the same pricing and coverage enjoyed by large employers.
Since our founding, we’ve merged with other health trusts, expanded our reach across the state, improved our offerings, and added additional benefits. Today, more than 15,000 small business employees across the state get their health insurance benefits through Business Health Trust.
More than just a benefits solution, we advocate for small business insurance needs in Washington. We are vigilant about staying on top of changes in the small business health insurance market and advocating for changes that benefit small businesses—nationally, and at the state and local level.
Our Partner Associations
Our partnership with regional Chambers and business associations in Washington allows us to offer insurance plans to virtually every type of business throughout the state of Washington.
Whether you own a small restaurant in Cle Elum, or you’re launching a tech start-up in Seattle, you can offer your employees quality, affordable benefits through Business Health Trust.
Learn more about What We Offer
You can join any Chamber or association, regardless of where your business is located and still qualify for benefits through Business Health Trust. We make joining easy and part of your enrollment, just choose your association when you sign up. If your business is outside one of these regions, you can still be covered by the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce.
Our Team
We’ve gathered a team of insurance professionals to handle everything from benefit design, to ongoing benefit plan administration and customer service for ultimate convenience.
Leadership – Trustees are appointed by Board of Trustees of the Sponsoring Organization (Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce) and serve in a volunteer capacity.
- Marilyn Strickland – BHT Trustee and President & CEO at Seattle Metro Chamber
- Jane Billbe – BHT Trustee and VP of HR and Administration at Seattle Metro Chamber
- Evelyn Lemoine – Industry Trust Trustee, community volunteer
- Sarai Childs – Executive Director
If you are interested in serving as a Trustee, please contact saraic@businesshealthtrust.com
VIMLY is our Third-Party Administrator. They provide benefit administration to support the day-to-day needs of employers and employees. This includes enrollment, eligibility, financial services and customer service.
Advanced Professionals Insurance & Benefit Solutions is our Managing General Agent. With more than 50 years of combined trust management experience, and deep knowledge of the ever-changing health insurance environment, they design Business Health Trust’s benefit packages, provide ongoing program management, and work with insurance producers/brokers to best meet the specific needs of their clients.
Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and the Industry Groups housed at the Chamber serve as the Plan sponsors of the Business Health Trust and Industry Health Trusts. Pursuant to a joint billing agreement, which you acknowledge and approve upon enrollment, one point two percent of the gross insurance premium is paid to Plan Sponsor as a participation fee. This joint collection is for the convenience of the employer. This fee is not a Trust asset. The services performed by the Plan Sponsor for such fee include, but are not limited to: (i) promotion and marketing the industry trusts to promote growth and stability; (ii) monitoring regulatory compliance at the state and federal level; (iii) public affairs relating to healthcare issues impacting small businesses; (iv) performing administrative services relating to maintenance of the trust platforms; (v) utilization of the Seattle Chamber facilities; (vi) access to and utilization of the Seattle Chamber staff as point persons for inquiries and issues.
