Brokers Alliance and Western Asset Protection (WAP), two of Arizona’s largest life and health insurance brokerages, announced a partnership that would expand the distribution of their respective businesses.

Brokers Alliance, founded by Fountain Hills native David Racich, is one of the country’s leading life insurance and annuity distributors.

It’s estimated that 40 percent of Americans don’t have any form of insurance. WAP specializes in Medicare insurance and has more than 800 certified and credentialed advisors in several states.

“Two of the largest insurance distributors of their kind are coming together,” says Eric Palmer, CMO of Brokers Alliance. “This will make us a one-stop-shop for health and life insurance in the Southwest.”

WAP is a family-owned insurance agency founded in 1982. Siblings Mari and Paul Rose, whose parents purchased WAP in 1998, currently run the business. Initially built on Medicare supplement insurance, the company expanded into Medicare Advantage insurance in 2005.

“We are very excited to announce our new partnership with Brokers Alliance,” says Paul Rose. “This partnership solidifies our intention to diversify our business into life, annuity and other financial products that our clients can trust us to deliver.  We believe Brokers Alliance has the staff, dedication, integrity and key technology our advisors deserve to make doing business as simple as possible allowing us to focus on each client’s needs.”

Earlier this year, Brokers Alliance formed a partnership with Omega IM Group. Brokers Alliance plans to nearly double its employee base, from 60 to 120, in the next 18 months.