The American Nursery and Landscape Association (ANLA) has endorsed a new, low-cost benefit program for part-time and seasonal workers. The program, Fundamental Care, is not a group insurance plan. Rather, each employee of the company's choosing is covered individually and for only as long as the premium is paid. Simple to administer and low cost, the program is designed to assist the landscape industry in recruiting and retaining pat-time and seasonal workers. Optional dependent coverage is also available. Fine print is minimal, and premiums are kept low by capping benefits and imposing a six-month pre-existing condition exclusion.

Specific features of the program include:

•80 percent co-pay for expenses for accidental injury, non-work related (up to $5,000/year with a $50 deductible).

•"First dollar" reimbursement for typical medical expenses due to doctor and emergency room visits ($50 per visit, up to five visits/year) and initial hospital care

•Discounts on prescriptions through more than 40,000 network pharmacies and vision care at participating service providers

•Accidental death benefit of $25,000

For more information, contact the managing Program Director at American Plantsman Insurance Brokers, Ltd. at 888-842-0405.