Md. Health Exchange Website for Businesses Delayed

Maryland is pushing back the launch of a website for the state's Small Business Health Options Program Exchange until next year.

The Maryland Health Benefit Exchange Board made the announcement Monday, the day it approved a plan to allow eligible small businesses to begin offering employees small group health plans and to access federal tax credits.

Dori Henry, a state health department spokeswoman, says while the website is being pushed back from opening April 1 to Jan. 1, small business will still be able to access plans and tax credits directly through carriers, third party administrators and brokers on April 1.

The state is waiting to follow the federal government's timeline for its SHOP website. It's the second time Maryland has pushed back the launch.