The Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) is the state's new online health insurance marketplace. It enables small businesses and their employees to compare and select from a variety of qualified health plans from Insurers and select the plans that suit their needs and budgets. SHOP is a program of the Maryland Health Connection.

The two main reasons to consider purchasing your group health plan on the SHOP is the potential for a Premium Tax Credit of up to 50% of your annual premium, and the ability to offer your employees the opportunity to purchase their health coverage from any health insurance carrier in the market, known as Employee Choice. You can learn more about both of these opportunities by clicking on the Start Shopping tab at the top of this screen.