A new Delaware law eliminates a hidden cost that independent practitioners and small practices have paid for years.
Most health care professionals in Delaware don't realize they're paying for the privilege of joining an insurer's network. Credentialing fees—charges imposed by insurance carriers to process and review your qualifications—are a routine line item for solo practitioners and small independent practices. Starting January 1, 2028, that changes.
Delaware's SB334, An Act To Amend Titles 18 And 29 Of The Delaware Code Relating To Health Care, contains a provision that quietly eliminates these fees altogether. Under § 3305B(d), Section 1, insurance carriers—including third-party administrators and credentialing intermediaries—are now prohibited from charging health care professionals any fee to process a credentialing or recredentialing application.
If you're a solo practitioner, small group, or independent provider, you've likely encountered credentialing fees when applying to join an insurer's network or renewing your participation. These fees can range from modest to substantial, depending on the carrier and the complexity of your application. They're separate from any membership dues or participation agreements—they're specifically for the administrative work of verifying your credentials.
Under the new rule, carriers cannot charge you for this service. Whether you're credentialing for the first time or going through recredentialing (the periodic renewal process), the cost to you is zero.
This affects all types of insurance carriers operating in Delaware, including traditional insurers, third-party administrators (TPAs), and credentialing intermediaries that process applications on behalf of carriers. The ban is comprehensive: no direct fees, no hidden charges buried in other line items.
The provision becomes effective January 1, 2028. This gives carriers time to adjust their billing and administrative systems, and gives practices time to plan. If you're currently paying credentialing fees or anticipating network applications in 2027, mark your calendar. Starting in 2028, those costs disappear.
For independent practitioners and small groups, credentialing fees are a real operational expense. They can add up quickly when you're joining multiple networks or managing recredentialing cycles across several carriers. Eliminating this cost reduces barriers to network participation and lowers the administrative burden on smaller practices that don't have dedicated credentialing staff to absorb these expenses.
The provision is straightforward: it removes a cost, not a requirement. You'll still need to complete credentialing applications, provide documentation, and meet carrier standards. Carriers will still review and verify your qualifications. They simply can't charge you for doing so.
If you have questions about how this applies to your specific situation—whether you're a physician, therapist, dentist, or other licensed professional—your trade association or state licensing board can provide guidance tailored to your field.
Source: Delaware SB334, § 3305B(d), Section 1, effective January 1, 2028.