www.cms.gov: Accessibility — week 2026-W25

Automated Accessibility Conformance Report (OpenACR): Download ACR. Machine-readable; compatible with GSA OpenACR tooling. Automated tools find ~⅓ of real barriers — supplement with manual AT testing.

Training priorities

Top WCAG success criteria by pages affected this week. Use these to focus team training on the highest-impact issues.

SC	Criterion	Pages	Rules	Notes
1.4.8	WCAG 1.4.8	4117	4	Component inconsistency
2.5.5	WCAG 2.5.5	2811	1
1.4.6	WCAG 1.4.6	1184	1
2.5.3	WCAG 2.5.3	1179	1
1.3.1	Info and Relationships (semantic structure)	1011	10

Next 10 actions

Clusters are fingerprinted by normalized selector path + rule id + snippet shape. Rank score = (severity weight × pages affected) / distinct components for the rule. This supersedes the template threshold heuristic while still surfacing it as a validation signal.

Design-system alignment (cms-ds / default). No design-system components detected in sampled findings.

Top 10 clustered component fixes for this week.
Cluster	Severity	Pages	Who it affects	How to fix	Evidence	Decision
Form field label is visible · unattributed component Fix one place, resolve ~2715 finding(s) on 2715 page(s). XPath / selector: `{"type":"document","children":[{"type":"type","name":"html","publicId":null,"sys`	Moderate	2715	Requires manual testing.	See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r61	pages (CSV)	Decision Assigned to Notes
Images must have alternative text · unattributed component Fix one place, resolve ~273 finding(s) on 273 page(s). XPath / selector: `img[src$="cms-site-logo.png"]` `<img src="cms-site-logo.png">`	Critical	273	Without vision, Limited vision, Limited cognitive, language, or learning ability	Give every <img> a meaningful alt attribute. Use alt="" only for decorative images so screen readers skip them.	pages (CSV)	Decision Assigned to Notes
<html> element must have a lang attribute · unattributed component Fix one place, resolve ~273 finding(s) on 273 page(s). XPath / selector: `html` `<html>`	Serious	273	Without vision, Limited cognitive, language, or learning ability	Add a lang attribute to <html> (e.g. lang="en").	pages (CSV)	Decision Assigned to Notes
Document should have one main landmark · unattributed component Fix one place, resolve ~274 finding(s) on 274 page(s). XPath / selector: `html` `<html>`	Moderate	274	Requires manual testing.	Each page should have exactly one <main> landmark.	pages (CSV)	Decision Assigned to Notes
Scrolling content can be accessed by keyboard · unattributed component Fix one place, resolve ~1011 finding(s) on 1010 page(s). XPath / selector: `text: "Feedback"`	Moderate	1010	Requires manual testing.	See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r57	pages (CSV)	Decision Assigned to Notes
Accessible name of link or button matches visible label · unattributed component Fix one place, resolve ~1174 finding(s) on 1174 page(s). XPath / selector: `<a id="aBasketManuButton" class="basket-icon log-click " title="View documents in your Basket" data-page-action="Clicked the Basket navbar link.">`	Moderate	1174	Without vision, Without speech	See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r14	pages (CSV)	Decision Assigned to Notes
Accessible name of link or button matches visible label · unattributed component Fix one place, resolve ~1133 finding(s) on 1133 page(s). XPath / selector: `<a href="#" data-bs-toggle="collapse" id="aCollapseNavigation" aria-label="Collapse Document Navigation">`	Moderate	1133	Without vision, Without speech	See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r14	pages (CSV)	Decision Assigned to Notes
Image has accessible name · unattributed component Fix one place, resolve ~96 finding(s) on 96 page(s). XPath / selector: `<img src="cms-site-logo.png">`	Moderate	96	Without vision, Limited vision, Limited cognitive, language, or learning ability	Give every <img> an accessible name (alt text), or alt="" if purely decorative.	pages (CSV)	Decision Assigned to Notes
Document has a valid lang attribute · unattributed component Fix one place, resolve ~96 finding(s) on 96 page(s). XPath / selector: `<html>`	Moderate	96	Without vision, Limited cognitive, language, or learning ability	Add a valid lang attribute to <html>.	pages (CSV)	Decision Assigned to Notes
Element has required aria-owns · unattributed component Fix one place, resolve ~309 finding(s) on 188 page(s). XPath / selector: `<th scope="col">`	Moderate	188	Without vision, Limited vision, Limited cognitive, language, or learning ability	See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r46	pages (CSV)	Decision Assigned to Notes

Bug reports

13 issue type(s) are shown by default out of 40 total. Prioritized by severity, key pages, WCAG level, and prevalence; use the toggle to show everything.

Overall severity mix: 2 critical, 8 serious, 27 moderate, 3 minor. By WCAG category: 14 WCAG 2.0 A, 4 WCAG 2.0 AA, 1 WCAG 2.2 AA, 2 WCAG 2.x AAA, 11 Best Practice, 8 Undetermined. Ordered by severity, key-page impact, WCAG level, and prevalence. Following accessibility bug-reporting best practices. Download: Markdown · JSON (full archive) · JSON (AI diagnostic) · CSV (all findings) · Priority pages CSV · Priority pages JSON.

Automated testing does not establish full WCAG conformance. Findings in the verification lane require manual testing before they are treated as confirmed failures.

Default view shows 13 prioritized issue type(s); 27 more are available if you switch to "Show everything".

1 finding(s) marked "possible duplicate" — Alfa and axe-core both flagged the same WCAG SC on overlapping pages. If they target the same element, the axe-core report is authoritative. Filter the CSV by possible_duplicate_of to see these. Two engines flagging the same barrier reduces the chance of a false positive.

Findings needing review

These findings need manual verification before they can be treated as confirmed failures. Obligation remains visible for each finding.

Critical axe image-alt WCAG 2.0 A Images must have alternative text (WCAG 1.1.1) 273/8304 pages · 273 instances Likely template

Bug ID: VS-39087fc9
Pattern ID: VS-9074b4dd
Combined ID: VS-39087fc9 (pattern VS-9074b4dd) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category: WCAG 2.0 A
Obligation: required
Handling: review
WCAG SC: 1.1.1 Non-text Content (Level A, WCAG 2.0)
Rule: axe-core — Images must have alternative text [image-alt]
Example URL: https://www.cms.gov/icd10m/version35-fullcode-cms/fullcode_cms/P0009.html
XPath / selector: img[src$="cms-site-logo.png"]
History: first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W25 (2 wk)

HTML snippet — use this to validate the finding without re-running the tool

<img src="cms-site-logo.png">

Description

Images must have alternative text. Detected by axe-core rule image-alt on 273 of 8304 scanned pages (273 instances).

Steps to reproduce

Open https://www.cms.gov/icd10m/version35-fullcode-cms/fullcode_cms/P0009.html.
Locate the element: img[src$="cms-site-logo.png"]
Confirm the axe-core finding for rule image-alt against WCAG 1.1.1 Non-text Content.

Impact

Affects Without vision (1.0%), Limited vision (2.4%), Limited cognitive, language, or learning ability (11.0%).

Without vision — 1.0% of population
Limited vision — 2.4% of population
Limited cognitive, language, or learning ability — 11.0% of population

Affected pages

…and more — all 273 pages (CSV).

Testing environment

Automated: axe-core, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

How to fix: Give every <img> a meaningful alt attribute. Use alt="" only for decorative images so screen readers skip them.

Drupal tip: In Drupal's Media Library, fill the "Alternative text" field when uploading or editing an image. For images in body fields, the CKEditor "Image Properties" dialog includes an Alt Text field.

See remediation guidance: https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/image-alt?application=axeAPI

Triage status Notes

Serious axe html-has-lang WCAG 2.0 A <html> element must have a lang attribute (WCAG 3.1.1) 273/8304 pages · 273 instances Likely template

Bug ID: VS-a80ade6a
Pattern ID: VS-c126b6a6
Combined ID: VS-a80ade6a (pattern VS-c126b6a6) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category: WCAG 2.0 A
Obligation: required
Handling: review
WCAG SC: 3.1.1 Language of Page (Level A, WCAG 2.0)
Rule: axe-core — <html> element must have a lang attribute [html-has-lang]
Example URL: https://www.cms.gov/icd10m/version35-fullcode-cms/fullcode_cms/P0009.html
XPath / selector: html
History: first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W25 (2 wk)

HTML snippet — use this to validate the finding without re-running the tool

<html>

Description

<html> element must have a lang attribute. Detected by axe-core rule html-has-lang on 273 of 8304 scanned pages (273 instances).

Steps to reproduce

Open https://www.cms.gov/icd10m/version35-fullcode-cms/fullcode_cms/P0009.html.
Locate the element: html
Confirm the axe-core finding for rule html-has-lang against WCAG 3.1.1 Language of Page.

Impact

Affects Without vision (1.0%), Limited cognitive, language, or learning ability (11.0%).

Without vision — 1.0% of population
Limited cognitive, language, or learning ability — 11.0% of population

Affected pages

…and more — all 273 pages (CSV).

Testing environment

Automated: axe-core, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

How to fix: Add a lang attribute to <html> (e.g. lang="en").

Drupal tip: Drupal sets the page lang attribute from Admin › Configuration › Regional and Language › Languages. Ensure the default language is configured.

See remediation guidance: https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/html-has-lang?application=axeAPI

Triage status Notes

Serious axe color-contrast WCAG 2.0 AA Elements must meet minimum color contrast ratio thresholds (WCAG 1.4.3) 17/8304 pages · 437 instances Likely template

Bug ID: VS-0f035432
Pattern ID: VS-be8d563e
Combined ID: VS-0f035432 (pattern VS-be8d563e) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category: WCAG 2.0 AA
Obligation: required
Handling: review
WCAG SC: 1.4.3 Contrast (Minimum) (Level AA, WCAG 2.0)
Rule: axe-core — Elements must meet minimum color contrast ratio thresholds [color-contrast]
Example URL: https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/article.aspx?articleid=52516&articleStatus=all&bc=3&sortBy=title&ver=26
XPath / selector: tr:nth-child(1) > td[width="50%"] > p
History: first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W25 (2 wk)

HTML snippet — use this to validate the finding without re-running the tool

<p style="line-height: normal;">Column I</p>

Description

Elements must meet minimum color contrast ratio thresholds. Detected by axe-core rule color-contrast on 107 of 8304 scanned pages (643 instances).

Steps to reproduce

Open https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/article.aspx?articleid=52516&articleStatus=all&bc=3&sortBy=title&ver=26.
Locate the element: tr:nth-child(1) > td[width="50%"] > p
Confirm the axe-core finding for rule color-contrast against WCAG 1.4.3 Contrast (Minimum).

Impact

Affects Limited vision (2.4%), Without color perception (4.5%).

Limited vision — 2.4% of population
Without color perception — 4.5% of population

Affected pages

Testing environment

Automated: axe-core, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

How to fix: Increase the contrast between text and its background to at least 4.5:1 (3:1 for large text). Check both light and dark modes.

Drupal tip: Check your Drupal theme's base CSS. Themes like Olivero and Bartik have contrast issues in default color schemes — override failing color pairs in your subtheme's style.css.

See remediation guidance: https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/color-contrast?application=axeAPI

Triage status Notes

Serious axe list WCAG 2.0 A <ul> and <ol> must only directly contain <li>, <script> or <template> elements (WCAG 1.3.1) 8/8304 pages · 461 instances Likely template

Bug ID: VS-f092c5cc
Pattern ID: VS-a0bdbdf6
Combined ID: VS-f092c5cc (pattern VS-a0bdbdf6) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category: WCAG 2.0 A
Obligation: required
Handling: review
WCAG SC: 1.3.1 Info and Relationships (Level A, WCAG 2.0)
Rule: axe-core — <ul> and <ol> must only directly contain <li>, <script> or <template> elements [list]
Example URL: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/search?f%5B0%5D=topic%3A61&f%5B1%5D=topic%3A176&items_per_page=10&search_api_language=en&sort_by=field_date&sort_order=DESC
XPath / selector: .pager__items
History: first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W25 (2 wk)

HTML snippet — use this to validate the finding without re-running the tool

<ul class="pager__items js-pager__items cms-evo-unstyled-list ds-u-display--flex ds-u-justify-content--center">

Description

<ul> and <ol> must only directly contain <li>, <script> or <template> elements. Detected by axe-core rule list on 519 of 8304 scanned pages (1440 instances).

Steps to reproduce

Open https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/search?f%5B0%5D=topic%3A61&f%5B1%5D=topic%3A176&items_per_page=10&search_api_language=en&sort_by=field_date&sort_order=DESC.
Locate the element: .pager__items
Confirm the axe-core finding for rule list against WCAG 1.3.1 Info and Relationships.

Impact

Affects Without vision (1.0%), Limited vision (2.4%), Limited cognitive, language, or learning ability (11.0%).

Without vision — 1.0% of population
Limited vision — 2.4% of population
Limited cognitive, language, or learning ability — 11.0% of population

Affected pages

Testing environment

Automated: axe-core, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

How to fix: Use <ul>/<ol> with only <li> children for lists; don't fake lists with <div>s.

See remediation guidance: https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/list?application=axeAPI

Triage status Notes

Serious axe link-name WCAG 2.0 A Links must have discernible text (WCAG 2.4.4) 8/8304 pages · 18 instances Likely template

Bug ID: VS-e17dc66b
Pattern ID: VS-e9fe47ac
Combined ID: VS-e17dc66b (pattern VS-e9fe47ac) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category: WCAG 2.0 A
Obligation: required
Handling: review
WCAG SC: 2.4.4 Link Purpose (In Context) (Level A, WCAG 2.0)
Rule: axe-core — Links must have discernible text [link-name]
Example URL: https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/ncacal-decision-memo.aspx?ncaid=314&proposed=Y
XPath / selector: ol[type="A"] > a[href="#3"]
History: first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W25 (2 wk)

HTML snippet — use this to validate the finding without re-running the tool

<a href="#3"></a>

Description

Links must have discernible text. Detected by axe-core rule link-name on 10 of 8304 scanned pages (23 instances).

Steps to reproduce

Open https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/ncacal-decision-memo.aspx?ncaid=314&proposed=Y.
Locate the element: ol[type="A"] > a[href="#3"]
Confirm the axe-core finding for rule link-name against WCAG 2.4.4 Link Purpose (In Context).

Impact

Affects Without vision (1.0%), Limited vision (2.4%), Limited cognitive, language, or learning ability (11.0%).

Without vision — 1.0% of population
Limited vision — 2.4% of population
Limited cognitive, language, or learning ability — 11.0% of population

Affected pages

Testing environment

Automated: axe-core, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

How to fix: Give the link discernible text. Avoid empty links and icon-only links without an aria-label.

Drupal tip: "Read more" links from Drupal Views should use the "Link text" rewrite field to add context, or add aria-label via the Views rewrite output.

See remediation guidance: https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/link-name?application=axeAPI

Triage status Notes

Critical axe aria-allowed-attr WCAG 2.0 A Elements must only use supported ARIA attributes (WCAG 4.1.2) 3/8304 pages · 6 instances

Bug ID: VS-f6b01f33
Pattern ID: VS-1467ea8a
Combined ID: VS-f6b01f33 (pattern VS-1467ea8a) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category: WCAG 2.0 A
Obligation: required
Handling: review
WCAG SC: 4.1.2 Name, Role, Value (Level A, WCAG 2.0)
Rule: axe-core — Elements must only use supported ARIA attributes [aria-allowed-attr]
Example URL: http://cms.gov/files/linked-video-files/new-features-medicare-gov
XPath / selector: a[title="Home"]
History: first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W25 (1 wk)

HTML snippet — use this to validate the finding without re-running the tool

<a id="endpoint" class="yt-simple-endpoint style-scope ytd-mini-guide-entry-renderer" aria-selected="false" aria-label="Home" title="Home" href="/">

Description

Elements must only use supported ARIA attributes. Detected by axe-core rule aria-allowed-attr on 3 of 8304 scanned pages (6 instances).

Steps to reproduce

Open http://cms.gov/files/linked-video-files/new-features-medicare-gov.
Locate the element: a[title="Home"]
Confirm the axe-core finding for rule aria-allowed-attr against WCAG 4.1.2 Name, Role, Value.

Impact

Affects Without vision (1.0%), Limited vision (2.4%), Limited manipulation/strength (13.0%).

Without vision — 1.0% of population
Limited vision — 2.4% of population
Limited manipulation/strength — 13.0% of population

Affected pages

Testing environment

Automated: axe-core, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

How to fix: Remove ARIA attributes that aren't allowed on this role/element.

See remediation guidance: https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/aria-allowed-attr?application=axeAPI

Triage status Notes

Serious axe td-headers-attr WCAG 2.0 A Table cell headers attributes must refer to other <th> elements in the same tabl (WCAG 1.3.1) 3/8304 pages · 3 instances

Bug ID: VS-bd919a2a
Pattern ID: VS-07ba3b17
Combined ID: VS-bd919a2a (pattern VS-07ba3b17) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category: WCAG 2.0 A
Obligation: required
Handling: review
WCAG SC: 1.3.1 Info and Relationships (Level A, WCAG 2.0)
Rule: axe-core — Table cell headers attributes must refer to other <th> elements in the same tabl [td-headers-attr]
Example URL: https://www.cms.gov/medicare/regulations-guidance/transmittals/2022-transmittals?items_per_page=25&order=field_dyna_issue_date&page=2&sort=asc
XPath / selector: .MsoTableGrid
History: first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W25 (1 wk)

HTML snippet — use this to validate the finding without re-running the tool

<table class="MsoTableGrid">

Description

Table cell headers attributes must refer to other <th> elements in the same tabl. Detected by axe-core rule td-headers-attr on 3 of 8304 scanned pages (3 instances).

Steps to reproduce

Open https://www.cms.gov/medicare/regulations-guidance/transmittals/2022-transmittals?items_per_page=25&order=field_dyna_issue_date&page=2&sort=asc.
Locate the element: .MsoTableGrid
Confirm the axe-core finding for rule td-headers-attr against WCAG 1.3.1 Info and Relationships.

Impact

Affects Without vision (1.0%), Limited vision (2.4%), Limited cognitive, language, or learning ability (11.0%).

Without vision — 1.0% of population
Limited vision — 2.4% of population
Limited cognitive, language, or learning ability — 11.0% of population

Affected pages

Testing environment

Automated: axe-core, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

How to fix: Associate data cells with their headers correctly using headers/id or scope.

See remediation guidance: https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/td-headers-attr?application=axeAPI

Triage status Notes

Serious axe definition-list WCAG 2.0 A <dl> elements must only directly contain properly-ordered <dt> and <dd> groups, (WCAG 1.3.1) 1/8304 pages · 1 instances Likely content

Bug ID: VS-b7510180
Pattern ID: VS-4bcaa7bf
Combined ID: VS-b7510180 (pattern VS-4bcaa7bf) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category: WCAG 2.0 A
Obligation: required
Handling: review
WCAG SC: 1.3.1 Info and Relationships (Level A, WCAG 2.0)
Rule: axe-core — <dl> elements must only directly contain properly-ordered <dt> and <dd> groups, [definition-list]
Example URL: https://www.cms.gov/training-education/partner-outreach-resources/american-indian/alaska-native/behavioral-health/substance-use-disorders
XPath / selector: .ds-l-col--12 > dl
History: first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W25 (1 wk)

HTML snippet — use this to validate the finding without re-running the tool

<dl><dt><p>What you can do if you think someone has an addiction?</p></dt></dl>

Description

<dl> elements must only directly contain properly-ordered <dt> and <dd> groups, . Detected by axe-core rule definition-list on 1 of 8304 scanned pages (1 instances).

Steps to reproduce

Open https://www.cms.gov/training-education/partner-outreach-resources/american-indian/alaska-native/behavioral-health/substance-use-disorders.
Locate the element: .ds-l-col--12 > dl
Confirm the axe-core finding for rule definition-list against WCAG 1.3.1 Info and Relationships.

Impact

Affects Without vision (1.0%), Limited vision (2.4%), Limited cognitive, language, or learning ability (11.0%).

Without vision — 1.0% of population
Limited vision — 2.4% of population
Limited cognitive, language, or learning ability — 11.0% of population

Affected pages

/training-education/partner-outreach-resources/american-indian/alaska-native/behavioral-health/substance-use-disorders

Testing environment

Automated: axe-core, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

See remediation guidance: https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/definition-list?application=axeAPI

Triage status Notes

Serious axe valid-lang WCAG 2.0 AA lang attribute must have a valid value (WCAG 3.1.2) 1/8304 pages · 1 instances Likely content

Bug ID: VS-8f470a84
Pattern ID: VS-dd1c019f
Combined ID: VS-8f470a84 (pattern VS-dd1c019f) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category: WCAG 2.0 AA
Obligation: required
Handling: review
WCAG SC: 3.1.2 Language of Parts (Level AA, WCAG 2.0)
Rule: axe-core — lang attribute must have a valid value [valid-lang]
Example URL: https://www.cms.gov/data-research/monitoring-programs/improper-payment-measurement-programs/exchange-improper-payment-measurement-eipm/improper-payment-findings
XPath / selector: a[href$="#_ftnref1"] > span[lang="X-NONE"]
History: first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W25 (2 wk)

HTML snippet — use this to validate the finding without re-running the tool

<span lang="X-NONE">[1]</span>

Description

lang attribute must have a valid value. Detected by axe-core rule valid-lang on 1 of 8304 scanned pages (1 instances).

Steps to reproduce

Open https://www.cms.gov/data-research/monitoring-programs/improper-payment-measurement-programs/exchange-improper-payment-measurement-eipm/improper-payment-findings.
Locate the element: a[href$="#_ftnref1"] > span[lang="X-NONE"]
Confirm the axe-core finding for rule valid-lang against WCAG 3.1.2 Language of Parts.

Impact

Affects Without vision (1.0%), Limited cognitive, language, or learning ability (11.0%).

Without vision — 1.0% of population
Limited cognitive, language, or learning ability — 11.0% of population

Affected pages

/data-research/monitoring-programs/improper-payment-measurement-programs/exchange-improper-payment-measurement-eipm/improper-payment-findings

Testing environment

Automated: axe-core, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

See remediation guidance: https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/valid-lang?application=axeAPI

Triage status Notes

Serious axe accesskeys Best Practice accesskey attribute value should be unique (WCAG criterion undetermined) 119/8304 pages · 352 instances Likely template

Bug ID: VS-a0d4eb65
Pattern ID: VS-bd13f00a
Combined ID: VS-a0d4eb65 (pattern VS-bd13f00a) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category: Best Practice
Obligation: advisory
Handling: review
WCAG SC: Best Practice — not a WCAG requirement
Rule: axe-core — accesskey attribute value should be unique [accesskeys]
Example URL: https://www.cms.gov/icd10m/fy2025-version42.0-fullcode-cms/fullcode_cms/P0240.html
XPath / selector: td[width="31"]:nth-child(3) > a[accesskey="p"][href$="P0239.html"]
History: first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W25 (1 wk)

HTML snippet — use this to validate the finding without re-running the tool

<a accesskey="p" id="prev_page" href="P0239.html"><img src="bakpg.png" alt="Previous Page [Alt-p]" height="14" width="31" vspace="0" hspace="0" align="bottom" border="0"></a>

Description

accesskey attribute value should be unique. Detected by axe-core rule accesskeys on 119 of 8304 scanned pages (352 instances).

Steps to reproduce

Open https://www.cms.gov/icd10m/fy2025-version42.0-fullcode-cms/fullcode_cms/P0240.html.
Locate the element: td[width="31"]:nth-child(3) > a[accesskey="p"][href$="P0239.html"]
Confirm the axe-core finding for rule accesskeys.

Impact

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Affected pages

…and more — all 119 pages (CSV).

Testing environment

Automated: axe-core, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

See remediation guidance: https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/accesskeys?application=axeAPI

Triage status Notes

Moderate alfa sia-r4 WCAG 2.0 A Document has a valid lang attribute (WCAG 3.1.1) 96/8304 pages · 96 instances Likely template

Bug ID: VS-2ed8f8ba
Pattern ID: VS-7a0e5645
Combined ID: VS-2ed8f8ba (pattern VS-7a0e5645) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category: WCAG 2.0 A
Obligation: required
Handling: review
WCAG SC: 3.1.1 Language of Page (Level A, WCAG 2.0)
Rule: Siteimprove Alfa — Document has a valid lang attribute [sia-r4]
Example URL: https://www.cms.gov/icd10m/version372-fullcode-cms/fullcode_cms/P0732.html
XPath / selector: <html>
History: first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W25 (2 wk)

Description

Document has a valid lang attribute. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r4 on 96 of 8304 scanned pages (96 instances).

Steps to reproduce

Open https://www.cms.gov/icd10m/version372-fullcode-cms/fullcode_cms/P0732.html.
Locate the element: <html>
Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r4 against WCAG 3.1.1 Language of Page.

Impact

Affects Without vision (1.0%), Limited cognitive, language, or learning ability (11.0%).

Without vision — 1.0% of population
Limited cognitive, language, or learning ability — 11.0% of population

Affected pages

…and more — all 96 pages (CSV).

Testing environment

Automated: Siteimprove Alfa, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

How to fix: Add a valid lang attribute to <html>.

See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r4

Triage status Notes

Moderate alfa sia-r2 WCAG 2.0 A Image has accessible name (WCAG 1.1.1) 96/8304 pages · 96 instances Likely template

Bug ID: VS-dfbb4585
Pattern ID: VS-a24eaa8c
Combined ID: VS-dfbb4585 (pattern VS-a24eaa8c) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category: WCAG 2.0 A
Obligation: required
Handling: review
WCAG SC: 1.1.1 Non-text Content (Level A, WCAG 2.0)
Rule: Siteimprove Alfa — Image has accessible name [sia-r2]
Example URL: https://www.cms.gov/icd10m/version372-fullcode-cms/fullcode_cms/P0732.html
XPath / selector: <img src="cms-site-logo.png">
History: first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W25 (2 wk)

Description

Image has accessible name. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r2 on 96 of 8304 scanned pages (96 instances).

Steps to reproduce

Open https://www.cms.gov/icd10m/version372-fullcode-cms/fullcode_cms/P0732.html.
Locate the element: <img src="cms-site-logo.png">
Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r2 against WCAG 1.1.1 Non-text Content.

Impact

Affects Without vision (1.0%), Limited vision (2.4%), Limited cognitive, language, or learning ability (11.0%).

Without vision — 1.0% of population
Limited vision — 2.4% of population
Limited cognitive, language, or learning ability — 11.0% of population

Affected pages

…and more — all 96 pages (CSV).

Testing environment

Automated: Siteimprove Alfa, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

How to fix: Give every <img> an accessible name (alt text), or alt="" if purely decorative.

See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r2

Triage status Notes

Moderate alfa sia-r64 WCAG 2.0 A Element has required owned roles (WCAG 1.3.1) 23/8304 pages · 95 instances Likely template

Bug ID: VS-62718435
Pattern ID: VS-3c632d31
Combined ID: VS-62718435 (pattern VS-3c632d31) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category: WCAG 2.0 A
Obligation: required
Handling: review
WCAG SC: 1.3.1 Info and Relationships (Level A, WCAG 2.0)
Rule: Siteimprove Alfa — Element has required owned roles [sia-r64]
Example URL: https://www.cms.gov/icd10m/version372-fullcode-cms/fullcode_cms/P0732.html
XPath / selector: <h1>
History: first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W25 (2 wk)

Description

Element has required owned roles. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r64 on 102 of 8304 scanned pages (103 instances).

Steps to reproduce

Open https://www.cms.gov/icd10m/version372-fullcode-cms/fullcode_cms/P0732.html.
Locate the element: <h1>
Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r64 against WCAG 1.3.1 Info and Relationships.

Impact

Affects Without vision (1.0%), Limited vision (2.4%), Limited cognitive, language, or learning ability (11.0%).

Without vision — 1.0% of population
Limited vision — 2.4% of population
Limited cognitive, language, or learning ability — 11.0% of population

Affected pages

Testing environment

Automated: Siteimprove Alfa, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r64

Triage status Notes

Moderate alfa sia-r57 Undetermined Scrolling content can be accessed by keyboard (WCAG criterion undetermined) 1011/8304 pages · 1014 instances Likely template

Bug ID: VS-42ce1747
Pattern ID: VS-c18be945
Combined ID: VS-42ce1747 (pattern VS-c18be945) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category: Undetermined
Obligation: unmapped
Handling: review
WCAG SC: undetermined
Rule: Siteimprove Alfa — Scrolling content can be accessed by keyboard [sia-r57]
Example URL: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/search?f%5B0%5D=topic%3A61&f%5B1%5D=topic%3A176&items_per_page=10&search_api_language=en&sort_by=field_date&sort_order=DESC
XPath / selector: text: "Feedback"
History: first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W25 (2 wk)

Description

Scrolling content can be accessed by keyboard. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r57 on 1011 of 8304 scanned pages (1014 instances).

Steps to reproduce

Open https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/search?f%5B0%5D=topic%3A61&f%5B1%5D=topic%3A176&items_per_page=10&search_api_language=en&sort_by=field_date&sort_order=DESC.
Locate the element: text: "Feedback"
Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r57.

Impact

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Affected pages

…and more — all 1011 pages (CSV).

Testing environment

Automated: Siteimprove Alfa, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r57

Triage status Notes

Moderate axe region Best Practice All page content should be contained by landmarks (WCAG criterion undetermined) 275/8304 pages · 6064 instances Likely template

Bug ID: VS-0bc252c3
Pattern ID: VS-f18df681
Combined ID: VS-0bc252c3 (pattern VS-f18df681) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category: Best Practice
Obligation: advisory
Handling: review
WCAG SC: Best Practice — not a WCAG requirement
Rule: axe-core — All page content should be contained by landmarks [region]
Example URL: https://www.cms.gov/icd10m/version35-fullcode-cms/fullcode_cms/P0009.html
XPath / selector: .arrows > tbody > tr:nth-child(1)
History: first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W25 (2 wk)

HTML snippet — use this to validate the finding without re-running the tool

<tr>
		<td><img src="cms-site-logo.png"></td>
		<td style="text-align:center;"><h1>ICD-10-CM/PCS MS-DRG v35.0 Definitions Manual</h1><h1></h1></td>
		<td></td>
		<td></td>
		<td></td>
	</tr>

Description

All page content should be contained by landmarks. Detected by axe-core rule region on 275 of 8304 scanned pages (6064 instances).

Steps to reproduce

Open https://www.cms.gov/icd10m/version35-fullcode-cms/fullcode_cms/P0009.html.
Locate the element: .arrows > tbody > tr:nth-child(1)
Confirm the axe-core finding for rule region.

Impact

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Affected pages

…and more — all 275 pages (CSV).

Testing environment

Automated: axe-core, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

How to fix: Wrap all page content in landmarks (header, nav, main, footer) so users can navigate by region.

Drupal tip: Use Drupal's region system (header, navigation, main, sidebar, footer) and map each to an HTML5 landmark element in your theme's page.html.twig.

See remediation guidance: https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/region?application=axeAPI

Triage status Notes

Moderate axe landmark-one-main Best Practice Document should have one main landmark (WCAG criterion undetermined) 274/8304 pages · 274 instances Likely template

Bug ID: VS-bab7376e
Pattern ID: VS-d5d82446
Combined ID: VS-bab7376e (pattern VS-d5d82446) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category: Best Practice
Obligation: advisory
Handling: review
WCAG SC: Best Practice — not a WCAG requirement
Rule: axe-core — Document should have one main landmark [landmark-one-main]
Example URL: https://www.cms.gov/icd10m/version35-fullcode-cms/fullcode_cms/P0009.html
XPath / selector: html
History: first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W25 (2 wk)

HTML snippet — use this to validate the finding without re-running the tool

<html>

Description

Document should have one main landmark. Detected by axe-core rule landmark-one-main on 274 of 8304 scanned pages (274 instances).

Steps to reproduce

Open https://www.cms.gov/icd10m/version35-fullcode-cms/fullcode_cms/P0009.html.
Locate the element: html
Confirm the axe-core finding for rule landmark-one-main.

Impact

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Affected pages

…and more — all 274 pages (CSV).

Testing environment

Automated: axe-core, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

How to fix: Each page should have exactly one <main> landmark.

See remediation guidance: https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/landmark-one-main?application=axeAPI

Triage status Notes

Minor axe empty-heading Best Practice Headings should not be empty (WCAG criterion undetermined) 24/8304 pages · 276 instances Likely template

Bug ID: VS-9feec96c
Pattern ID: VS-0066c67d
Combined ID: VS-9feec96c (pattern VS-0066c67d) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category: Best Practice
Obligation: advisory
Handling: review
WCAG SC: Best Practice — not a WCAG requirement
Rule: axe-core — Headings should not be empty [empty-heading]
Example URL: https://www.cms.gov/icd10m/version35-fullcode-cms/fullcode_cms/P0009.html
XPath / selector: h1:nth-child(2)
History: first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W25 (2 wk)

HTML snippet — use this to validate the finding without re-running the tool

<h1></h1>

Description

Headings should not be empty. Detected by axe-core rule empty-heading on 286 of 8304 scanned pages (288 instances).

Steps to reproduce

Open https://www.cms.gov/icd10m/version35-fullcode-cms/fullcode_cms/P0009.html.
Locate the element: h1:nth-child(2)
Confirm the axe-core finding for rule empty-heading.

Impact

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Affected pages

Testing environment

Automated: axe-core, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

How to fix: Remove empty headings or give them text. Don't use heading tags for spacing.

See remediation guidance: https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/empty-heading?application=axeAPI

Triage status Notes

Moderate axe page-has-heading-one Best Practice Page should contain a level-one heading (WCAG criterion undetermined) 21/8304 pages · 21 instances Likely template

Bug ID: VS-4ff074cb
Pattern ID: VS-fa44f293
Combined ID: VS-4ff074cb (pattern VS-fa44f293) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category: Best Practice
Obligation: advisory
Handling: review
WCAG SC: Best Practice — not a WCAG requirement
Rule: axe-core — Page should contain a level-one heading [page-has-heading-one]
Example URL: https://www.cms.gov/nosurprises/help-resolve-payment-disputes
XPath / selector: html
History: first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W25 (2 wk)

HTML snippet — use this to validate the finding without re-running the tool

<html lang="en" dir="ltr" class=" js" style="--vw: 12.8px; --vh: 8px;">

Description

Page should contain a level-one heading. Detected by axe-core rule page-has-heading-one on 21 of 8304 scanned pages (21 instances).

Steps to reproduce

Open https://www.cms.gov/nosurprises/help-resolve-payment-disputes.
Locate the element: html
Confirm the axe-core finding for rule page-has-heading-one.

Impact

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Affected pages

Testing environment

Automated: axe-core, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

See remediation guidance: https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/page-has-heading-one?application=axeAPI

Triage status Notes

Moderate axe heading-order Best Practice Heading levels should only increase by one (WCAG criterion undetermined) 18/8304 pages · 264 instances Likely template

Bug ID: VS-6ff82f96
Pattern ID: VS-d25f622d
Combined ID: VS-6ff82f96 (pattern VS-d25f622d) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category: Best Practice
Obligation: advisory
Handling: review
WCAG SC: Best Practice — not a WCAG requirement
Rule: axe-core — Heading levels should only increase by one [heading-order]
Example URL: http://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/reports/local-coverage-final-lcds-contractor-report.aspx?contractorName=all&contractorNumber=all&lcdid=34356&lcdStatus=all&sortBy=title
XPath / selector: #navStickyHeader
History: first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W25 (2 wk)

HTML snippet — use this to validate the finding without re-running the tool

<h3 id="navStickyHeader" class="bg-white d-inline expand-head-pad">Report Information</h3>

Description

Heading levels should only increase by one. Detected by axe-core rule heading-order on 365 of 8304 scanned pages (367 instances).

Steps to reproduce

Open http://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/reports/local-coverage-final-lcds-contractor-report.aspx?contractorName=all&contractorNumber=all&lcdid=34356&lcdStatus=all&sortBy=title.
Locate the element: #navStickyHeader
Confirm the axe-core finding for rule heading-order.

Impact

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Affected pages

Testing environment

Automated: axe-core, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

How to fix: Use heading levels in order (h1 → h2 → h3) without skipping; structure, not size.

Drupal tip: Drupal Views and blocks can insert headings at arbitrary levels. In the Views UI, set "Title tag" for each display. For block titles, configure the heading level in the block's layout settings.

See remediation guidance: https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/heading-order?application=axeAPI

Triage status Notes

Moderate alfa sia-r111 WCAG 2.x AAA Target size is at least 44×44 CSS pixels (Enhanced) (WCAG 2.5.5) 16/8304 pages · 62649 instances Likely template

Bug ID: VS-69850ae6
Pattern ID: VS-cb53cc4d
Combined ID: VS-69850ae6 (pattern VS-cb53cc4d) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category: WCAG 2.x AAA
Obligation: aspirational
Handling: review
WCAG SC: 2.5.5 Target Size (Enhanced) (Level AAA, WCAG 2.1)
Rule: Siteimprove Alfa — Target size is at least 44×44 CSS pixels (Enhanced) [sia-r111]
Example URL: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/new-report-federal-health-insurance-options-helped-prevent-major-coverage-losses
XPath / selector: <a href="/about-cms" class="menu-item-link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/132926" data-once="navigationLinkMatch">
History: first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W25 (2 wk)

Description

Target size is at least 44×44 CSS pixels (Enhanced). Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r111 on 2811 of 8304 scanned pages (97889 instances).

Steps to reproduce

Open https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/new-report-federal-health-insurance-options-helped-prevent-major-coverage-losses.
Locate the element: <a href="/about-cms" class="menu-item-link" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/132926" data-once="navigationLinkMatch">
Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r111 against WCAG 2.5.5 Target Size (Enhanced).

Impact

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Affected pages

Testing environment

Automated: Siteimprove Alfa, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r111

Triage status Notes

Moderate alfa sia-r73 WCAG 2.x AAA Text has minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 (WCAG 1.4.8) 16/8304 pages · 18788 instances Likely template

Bug ID: VS-62a6ea03
Pattern ID: VS-2208081b
Combined ID: VS-62a6ea03 (pattern VS-2208081b) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category: WCAG 2.x AAA
Obligation: aspirational
Handling: review
WCAG SC: 1.4.8 Visual Presentation (Level AAA, WCAG 2.0)
Rule: Siteimprove Alfa — Text has minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 [sia-r73]
Example URL: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/new-report-federal-health-insurance-options-helped-prevent-major-coverage-losses
XPath / selector: <p class="ds-c-usa-banner__header-text">
History: first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W25 (2 wk)

Description

Text has minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r73 on 2802 of 8304 scanned pages (29357 instances).

Steps to reproduce

Open https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/new-report-federal-health-insurance-options-helped-prevent-major-coverage-losses.
Locate the element: <p class="ds-c-usa-banner__header-text">
Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r73 against WCAG 1.4.8 Visual Presentation.

Impact

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Affected pages

Testing environment

Automated: Siteimprove Alfa, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r73

Triage status Notes

Moderate alfa sia-r61 Undetermined Form field label is visible (WCAG criterion undetermined) 13/8304 pages · 1412 instances Likely template

Bug ID: VS-d02db27b
Pattern ID: VS-7118fead
Combined ID: VS-d02db27b (pattern VS-7118fead) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category: Undetermined
Obligation: unmapped
Handling: review
WCAG SC: undetermined
Rule: Siteimprove Alfa — Form field label is visible [sia-r61]
Example URL: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/new-report-federal-health-insurance-options-helped-prevent-major-coverage-losses
XPath / selector: {"type":"document","children":[{"type":"type","name":"html","publicId":null,"sys
History: first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W25 (2 wk)

Description

Form field label is visible. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r61 on 2715 of 8304 scanned pages (2715 instances).

Steps to reproduce

Open https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/new-report-federal-health-insurance-options-helped-prevent-major-coverage-losses.
Locate the element: {"type":"document","children":[{"type":"type","name":"html","publicId":null,"sys
Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r61.

Impact

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Affected pages

Testing environment

Automated: Siteimprove Alfa, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r61

Triage status Notes

Moderate deprecated-html presentational-attr Undetermined Presentational attribute (use CSS) (WCAG criterion undetermined) 10/8304 pages · 1224 instances Likely template

Bug ID: VS-bf152231
Pattern ID: VS-04a9d28c
Combined ID: VS-bf152231 (pattern VS-04a9d28c) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category: Undetermined
Obligation: unmapped
Handling: review
WCAG SC: undetermined
Rule: deprecated-html — Presentational attribute (use CSS) [presentational-attr]
Example URL: http://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/medcac-meeting.aspx?bc=15&medcacid=30&sortBy=meetingdate&year=all
XPath / selector: div
History: first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W25 (2 wk)

HTML snippet — use this to validate the finding without re-running the tool

<div align="center"><strong>Medicare Coverage Advisory Committee<br>
October 6, 2005<br>
7:30 AM - 4:30 PM<br>
CMS Auditorium<br>
Agenda</strong></div>

Description

Presentational attribute (use CSS). Detected by deprecated-html rule presentational-attr on 115 of 8304 scanned pages (3061 instances).

Steps to reproduce

Open http://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/medcac-meeting.aspx?bc=15&medcacid=30&sortBy=meetingdate&year=all.
Locate the element: div
Confirm the deprecated-html finding for rule presentational-attr.

Impact

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Affected pages

Testing environment

Automated: deprecated-html, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Triage status Notes

Moderate alfa sia-r78 Undetermined Table header has scope (WCAG criterion undetermined) 6/8304 pages · 252 instances Likely template

Bug ID: VS-7cfa423c
Pattern ID: VS-2cd767ca
Combined ID: VS-7cfa423c (pattern VS-2cd767ca) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category: Undetermined
Obligation: unmapped
Handling: review
WCAG SC: undetermined
Rule: Siteimprove Alfa — Table header has scope [sia-r78]
Example URL: https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/article.aspx?articleid=54480&articleStatus=all&bc=5&contractorNumber=all&sortBy=title&stateRegion=all&ver=11
XPath / selector: <h4>
History: first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W25 (2 wk)

Description

Table header has scope. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r78 on 653 of 8304 scanned pages (1051 instances).

Steps to reproduce

Open https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/article.aspx?articleid=54480&articleStatus=all&bc=5&contractorNumber=all&sortBy=title&stateRegion=all&ver=11.
Locate the element: <h4>
Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r78.

Impact

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Affected pages

Testing environment

Automated: Siteimprove Alfa, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r78

Triage status Notes

Moderate alfa sia-r113 WCAG 2.2 AA Target size is at least 24×24 CSS pixels or has spacing (Minimum) (WCAG 2.5.8) 5/8304 pages · 227 instances Likely template

Bug ID: VS-76dae7c4
Pattern ID: VS-179ad9b3
Combined ID: VS-76dae7c4 (pattern VS-179ad9b3) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category: WCAG 2.2 AA
Obligation: required
Handling: review
WCAG SC: 2.5.8 Target Size (Minimum) (Level AA, WCAG 2.2)
Rule: Siteimprove Alfa — Target size is at least 24×24 CSS pixels or has spacing (Minimum) [sia-r113]
Example URL: https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/article.aspx?articleId=55533&ver=2
XPath / selector: <a href="#lblRelatedNationalSubheader" data-href="lblRelatedNationalSubheader" class="nav-link toc-link no-link log-click" title="Jump to Related National Coverage Documents">
History: first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W25 (2 wk)

Description

Target size is at least 24×24 CSS pixels or has spacing (Minimum). Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r113 on 659 of 8304 scanned pages (1134 instances).

Steps to reproduce

Open https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/article.aspx?articleId=55533&ver=2.
Locate the element: <a href="#lblRelatedNationalSubheader" data-href="lblRelatedNationalSubheader" class="nav-link toc-link no-link log-click" title="Jump to Related National Coverage Documents">
Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r113 against WCAG 2.5.8 Target Size (Minimum).

Impact

Affects Limited manipulation/strength (13.0%), Limited reach (2.0%), Limited vision (2.4%).

Limited manipulation/strength — 13.0% of population
Limited reach — 2.0% of population
Limited vision — 2.4% of population

Affected pages

Testing environment

Automated: Siteimprove Alfa, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r113

Triage status Notes

Moderate alfa sia-r69 WCAG 2.0 AA Text has sufficient color contrast (Enhanced) (WCAG 1.4.3) 3/8304 pages · 17 instances Likely template

Bug ID: VS-5886030a
Pattern ID: VS-f7e99f4b
Combined ID: VS-5886030a (pattern VS-f7e99f4b) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category: WCAG 2.0 AA
Obligation: required
Handling: review
WCAG SC: 1.4.3 Contrast (Minimum) (Level AA, WCAG 2.0)
Rule: Siteimprove Alfa — Text has sufficient color contrast (Enhanced) [sia-r69]
Example URL: https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/article.aspx?articleid=52516&articleStatus=all&bc=3&sortBy=title&ver=26
XPath / selector: text: "Column I"
History: first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W25 (2 wk)

Description

Text has sufficient color contrast (Enhanced). Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r69 on 15 of 8304 scanned pages (86 instances).

Steps to reproduce

Open https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/article.aspx?articleid=52516&articleStatus=all&bc=3&sortBy=title&ver=26.
Locate the element: text: "Column I"
Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r69 against WCAG 1.4.3 Contrast (Minimum).

Impact

Affects Limited vision (2.4%), Without color perception (4.5%).

Limited vision — 2.4% of population
Without color perception — 4.5% of population

Affected pages

Testing environment

Automated: Siteimprove Alfa, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

How to fix: Increase text contrast to meet WCAG AA (4.5:1, or 3:1 for large text).

See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r69

Triage status Notes

Moderate alfa sia-r53 Undetermined Headings are structured hierarchically (WCAG criterion undetermined) 2/8304 pages · 89 instances Likely template

Bug ID: VS-fb03efe8
Pattern ID: VS-f054f4a4
Combined ID: VS-fb03efe8 (pattern VS-f054f4a4) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category: Undetermined
Obligation: unmapped
Handling: review
WCAG SC: undetermined
Rule: Siteimprove Alfa — Headings are structured hierarchically [sia-r53]
Example URL: https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/article.aspx?articleid=52516&articleStatus=all&bc=3&sortBy=title&ver=26
XPath / selector: <h3 id="h3GeneralInformationHeader" class="document-view-section-header">
History: first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W25 (2 wk)

Description

Headings are structured hierarchically. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r53 on 1116 of 8304 scanned pages (1117 instances).

Steps to reproduce

Open https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/article.aspx?articleid=52516&articleStatus=all&bc=3&sortBy=title&ver=26.
Locate the element: <h3 id="h3GeneralInformationHeader" class="document-view-section-header">
Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r53.

Impact

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Affected pages

Testing environment

Automated: Siteimprove Alfa, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

How to fix: Use headings in a logical, non-skipping order.

See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r53

Triage status Notes

Moderate axe landmark-unique Best Practice Landmarks should have a unique role or role/label/title (i.e. accessible name) c (WCAG criterion undetermined) 2/8304 pages · 2 instances Likely content

Bug ID: VS-4b5d1ef8
Pattern ID: VS-8806389c
Combined ID: VS-4b5d1ef8 (pattern VS-8806389c) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category: Best Practice
Obligation: advisory
Handling: review
WCAG SC: Best Practice — not a WCAG requirement
Rule: axe-core — Landmarks should have a unique role or role/label/title (i.e. accessible name) c [landmark-unique]
Example URL: https://www.cms.gov/priorities/health-equity/minority-health/resource-center/webinars-trainings/coverage-care-c2c-webinars
XPath / selector: .ds-u-lg-padding--0.ds-u-margin-y--2.ds-u-lg-margin-y--4:nth-child(8) > .ds-u-lg-padding-right--2.ds-l-lg-col--4.ds-u-padding-x--0 > div[role="region"]
History: first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W25 (1 wk)

HTML snippet — use this to validate the finding without re-running the tool

<div role="region">

Description

Landmarks should have a unique role or role/label/title (i.e. accessible name) c. Detected by axe-core rule landmark-unique on 2 of 8304 scanned pages (2 instances).

Steps to reproduce

Open https://www.cms.gov/priorities/health-equity/minority-health/resource-center/webinars-trainings/coverage-care-c2c-webinars.
Locate the element: .ds-u-lg-padding--0.ds-u-margin-y--2.ds-u-lg-margin-y--4:nth-child(8) > .ds-u-lg-padding-right--2.ds-l-lg-col--4.ds-u-padding-x--0 > div[role="region"]
Confirm the axe-core finding for rule landmark-unique.

Impact

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Affected pages

Testing environment

Automated: axe-core, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

How to fix: When a landmark role/type repeats (e.g. two <nav>s), give each a distinct accessible name with aria-label or aria-labelledby (e.g. "Primary" and "Footer" navigation) so screen-reader users can tell them apart.

See remediation guidance: https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/landmark-unique?application=axeAPI

Triage status Notes

Moderate alfa sia-r110 WCAG 2.0 A Element has required parent role (WCAG 1.3.1) 1/8304 pages · 101 instances · possible duplicate Likely content

Bug ID: VS-b20d2a9f
Pattern ID: VS-f155eeec
Combined ID: VS-b20d2a9f (pattern VS-f155eeec) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category: WCAG 2.0 A
Obligation: required
Handling: review
WCAG SC: 1.3.1 Info and Relationships (Level A, WCAG 2.0)
Rule: Siteimprove Alfa — Element has required parent role [sia-r110]
Example URL: http://cms.gov/priorities/innovation/files/access-api-impl-data-access-video
XPath / selector: @role="text"
History: first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W25 (1 wk)
Possible duplicate: Same WCAG SC covered by axe report VS-b7510180 (pattern VS-4bcaa7bf). If axe and this engine flag the same element, the axe report takes precedence — mark this as duplicate in JIRA.

Description

Element has required parent role. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r110 on 1 of 8304 scanned pages (101 instances).

Steps to reproduce

Open http://cms.gov/priorities/innovation/files/access-api-impl-data-access-video.
Locate the element: @role="text"
Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r110 against WCAG 1.3.1 Info and Relationships.

Impact

Affects Without vision (1.0%), Limited vision (2.4%), Limited cognitive, language, or learning ability (11.0%).

Without vision — 1.0% of population
Limited vision — 2.4% of population
Limited cognitive, language, or learning ability — 11.0% of population

Affected pages

/priorities/innovation/files/access-api-impl-data-access-video

Testing environment

Automated: Siteimprove Alfa, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r110

Triage status Notes

Moderate alfa sia-r21 Undetermined Element has valid WAI-ARIA role (WCAG criterion undetermined) 1/8304 pages · 101 instances Likely content

Bug ID: VS-6b0a83a5
Pattern ID: VS-66d5b8b4
Combined ID: VS-6b0a83a5 (pattern VS-66d5b8b4) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category: Undetermined
Obligation: unmapped
Handling: review
WCAG SC: undetermined
Rule: Siteimprove Alfa — Element has valid WAI-ARIA role [sia-r21]
Example URL: http://cms.gov/priorities/innovation/files/access-api-impl-data-access-video
XPath / selector: @role="text"
History: first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W25 (1 wk)

Description

Element has valid WAI-ARIA role. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r21 on 1 of 8304 scanned pages (101 instances).

Steps to reproduce

Open http://cms.gov/priorities/innovation/files/access-api-impl-data-access-video.
Locate the element: @role="text"
Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r21.

Impact

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Affected pages

/priorities/innovation/files/access-api-impl-data-access-video

Testing environment

Automated: Siteimprove Alfa, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r21

Triage status Notes

Moderate alfa sia-r18 Undetermined aria attribute is permitted for element role (WCAG criterion undetermined) 1/8304 pages · 27 instances Likely content

Bug ID: VS-dedfac2c
Pattern ID: VS-e05344b9
Combined ID: VS-dedfac2c (pattern VS-e05344b9) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category: Undetermined
Obligation: unmapped
Handling: review
WCAG SC: undetermined
Rule: Siteimprove Alfa — aria attribute is permitted for element role [sia-r18]
Example URL: http://cms.gov/priorities/innovation/files/access-api-impl-data-access-video
XPath / selector: @aria-label="YouTube Video Player"
History: first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W25 (1 wk)

Description

aria attribute is permitted for element role. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r18 on 1 of 8304 scanned pages (27 instances).

Steps to reproduce

Open http://cms.gov/priorities/innovation/files/access-api-impl-data-access-video.
Locate the element: @aria-label="YouTube Video Player"
Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r18.

Impact

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Affected pages

/priorities/innovation/files/access-api-impl-data-access-video

Testing environment

Automated: Siteimprove Alfa, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

How to fix: Only use ARIA states/properties that are allowed on this element/role.

See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r18

Triage status Notes

Moderate alfa sia-r77 WCAG 2.0 A Table cell has header (WCAG 1.3.1) 1/8304 pages · 23 instances Likely template

Bug ID: VS-a3fe82a9
Pattern ID: VS-3f067795
Combined ID: VS-a3fe82a9 (pattern VS-3f067795) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category: WCAG 2.0 A
Obligation: required
Handling: review
WCAG SC: 1.3.1 Info and Relationships (Level A, WCAG 2.0)
Rule: Siteimprove Alfa — Table cell has header [sia-r77]
Example URL: https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/ncacal-decision-memo.aspx?ncaid=314&proposed=Y
XPath / selector: <td width="198" valign="top" style="width:148.25pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt">
History: first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W25 (2 wk)

Description

Table cell has header. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r77 on 11 of 8304 scanned pages (258 instances).

Steps to reproduce

Open https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/ncacal-decision-memo.aspx?ncaid=314&proposed=Y.
Locate the element: <td width="198" valign="top" style="width:148.25pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt">
Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r77 against WCAG 1.3.1 Info and Relationships.

Impact

Affects Without vision (1.0%), Limited vision (2.4%), Limited cognitive, language, or learning ability (11.0%).

Without vision — 1.0% of population
Limited vision — 2.4% of population
Limited cognitive, language, or learning ability — 11.0% of population

Affected pages

/newsroom/fact-sheets/proposed-pathways-success-medicare-shared-savings-program

Testing environment

Automated: Siteimprove Alfa, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r77

Triage status Notes

Moderate alfa sia-r12 WCAG 2.0 A Button has accessible name (WCAG 4.1.2) 1/8304 pages · 3 instances Likely content

Bug ID: VS-62f680fc
Pattern ID: VS-29f9f921
Combined ID: VS-62f680fc (pattern VS-29f9f921) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category: WCAG 2.0 A
Obligation: required
Handling: review
WCAG SC: 4.1.2 Name, Role, Value (Level A, WCAG 2.0)
Rule: Siteimprove Alfa — Button has accessible name [sia-r12]
Example URL: http://cms.gov/priorities/innovation/files/access-api-impl-data-access-video
XPath / selector: <button id="button" class="style-scope yt-icon-button" aria-pressed="true">
History: first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W25 (1 wk)

Description

Button has accessible name. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r12 on 1 of 8304 scanned pages (3 instances).

Steps to reproduce

Open http://cms.gov/priorities/innovation/files/access-api-impl-data-access-video.
Locate the element: <button id="button" class="style-scope yt-icon-button" aria-pressed="true">
Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r12 against WCAG 4.1.2 Name, Role, Value.

Impact

Affects Without vision (1.0%), Limited vision (2.4%), Limited manipulation/strength (13.0%).

Without vision — 1.0% of population
Limited vision — 2.4% of population
Limited manipulation/strength — 13.0% of population

Affected pages

/priorities/innovation/files/access-api-impl-data-access-video

Testing environment

Automated: Siteimprove Alfa, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

How to fix: Give the button an accessible name via text, aria-label, or aria-labelledby.

See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r12

Triage status Notes

Moderate axe landmark-no-duplicate-main Best Practice Document should not have more than one main landmark (WCAG criterion undetermined) 1/8304 pages · 1 instances Likely content

Bug ID: VS-dbfc9581
Pattern ID: VS-cd69be3a
Combined ID: VS-dbfc9581 (pattern VS-cd69be3a) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category: Best Practice
Obligation: advisory
Handling: review
WCAG SC: Best Practice — not a WCAG requirement
Rule: axe-core — Document should not have more than one main landmark [landmark-no-duplicate-main]
Example URL: http://cms.gov/Outreach-and-Education/Medicare-Learning-Network-MLN/MLNProducts/EnrollmentResources/provider-resources/provider-enrolment/Med-Prov-Enroll-MLN9658742.html
XPath / selector: main
History: first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W25 (1 wk)

HTML snippet — use this to validate the finding without re-running the tool

<main>

Description

Document should not have more than one main landmark. Detected by axe-core rule landmark-no-duplicate-main on 1 of 8304 scanned pages (1 instances).

Steps to reproduce

Open http://cms.gov/Outreach-and-Education/Medicare-Learning-Network-MLN/MLNProducts/EnrollmentResources/provider-resources/provider-enrolment/Med-Prov-Enroll-MLN9658742.html.
Locate the element: main
Confirm the axe-core finding for rule landmark-no-duplicate-main.

Impact

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Affected pages

/Outreach-and-Education/Medicare-Learning-Network-MLN/MLNProducts/EnrollmentResources/provider-resources/provider-enrolment/Med-Prov-Enroll-MLN9658742.html

Testing environment

Automated: axe-core, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

See remediation guidance: https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/landmark-no-duplicate-main?application=axeAPI

Triage status Notes

Moderate alfa sia-r87 Undetermined First focusable element is link to main content (WCAG criterion undetermined) 1/8304 pages · 1 instances Likely content

Bug ID: VS-d0115a72
Pattern ID: VS-aa242c2d
Combined ID: VS-d0115a72 (pattern VS-aa242c2d) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category: Undetermined
Obligation: unmapped
Handling: review
WCAG SC: undetermined
Rule: Siteimprove Alfa — First focusable element is link to main content [sia-r87]
Example URL: http://cms.gov/priorities/innovation/files/access-api-impl-data-access-video
XPath / selector: {"type":"document","children":[{"type":"type","name":"html","publicId":null,"sys
History: first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W25 (1 wk)

Description

First focusable element is link to main content. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r87 on 1 of 8304 scanned pages (1 instances).

Steps to reproduce

Open http://cms.gov/priorities/innovation/files/access-api-impl-data-access-video.
Locate the element: {"type":"document","children":[{"type":"type","name":"html","publicId":null,"sys
Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r87.

Impact

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Affected pages

/priorities/innovation/files/access-api-impl-data-access-video

Testing environment

Automated: Siteimprove Alfa, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r87

Triage status Notes

Moderate alfa sia-r8 WCAG 2.0 A Form field has accessible name (WCAG 4.1.2) 1/8304 pages · 1 instances Likely content

Bug ID: VS-ee1076f7
Pattern ID: VS-a48e6078
Combined ID: VS-ee1076f7 (pattern VS-a48e6078) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category: WCAG 2.0 A
Obligation: required
Handling: review
WCAG SC: 4.1.2 Name, Role, Value (Level A, WCAG 2.0)
Rule: Siteimprove Alfa — Form field has accessible name [sia-r8]
Example URL: http://cms.gov/medicare/health-drug-plans/provider-complaints-form
XPath / selector: <div class="choices__list" role="listbox">
History: first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W25 (1 wk)

Description

Form field has accessible name. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r8 on 1 of 8304 scanned pages (1 instances).

Steps to reproduce

Open http://cms.gov/medicare/health-drug-plans/provider-complaints-form.
Locate the element: <div class="choices__list" role="listbox">
Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r8 against WCAG 4.1.2 Name, Role, Value.

Impact

Affects Without vision (1.0%), Limited vision (2.4%), Limited manipulation/strength (13.0%).

Without vision — 1.0% of population
Limited vision — 2.4% of population
Limited manipulation/strength — 13.0% of population

Affected pages

/medicare/health-drug-plans/provider-complaints-form

Testing environment

Automated: Siteimprove Alfa, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

How to fix: Associate the form field with a label.

See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r8

Triage status Notes

Moderate axe landmark-main-is-top-level Best Practice Main landmark should not be contained in another landmark (WCAG criterion undetermined) 1/8304 pages · 1 instances Likely content

Bug ID: VS-e82665a0
Pattern ID: VS-ff3ceb19
Combined ID: VS-e82665a0 (pattern VS-ff3ceb19) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category: Best Practice
Obligation: advisory
Handling: review
WCAG SC: Best Practice — not a WCAG requirement
Rule: axe-core — Main landmark should not be contained in another landmark [landmark-main-is-top-level]
Example URL: http://cms.gov/Outreach-and-Education/Medicare-Learning-Network-MLN/MLNProducts/EnrollmentResources/provider-resources/provider-enrolment/Med-Prov-Enroll-MLN9658742.html
XPath / selector: #NAV_MAIN
History: first seen 2026-W25, last seen 2026-W25 (1 wk)

HTML snippet — use this to validate the finding without re-running the tool

<div id="NAV_MAIN" role="main">

Description

Main landmark should not be contained in another landmark. Detected by axe-core rule landmark-main-is-top-level on 1 of 8304 scanned pages (1 instances).

Steps to reproduce

Open http://cms.gov/Outreach-and-Education/Medicare-Learning-Network-MLN/MLNProducts/EnrollmentResources/provider-resources/provider-enrolment/Med-Prov-Enroll-MLN9658742.html.
Locate the element: #NAV_MAIN
Confirm the axe-core finding for rule landmark-main-is-top-level.

Impact

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Affected pages

/Outreach-and-Education/Medicare-Learning-Network-MLN/MLNProducts/EnrollmentResources/provider-resources/provider-enrolment/Med-Prov-Enroll-MLN9658742.html

Testing environment

Automated: axe-core, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

See remediation guidance: https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/landmark-main-is-top-level?application=axeAPI

Triage status Notes

Moderate axe meta-viewport WCAG 2.0 AA Zooming and scaling must not be disabled (WCAG 1.4.4) 1/8304 pages · 1 instances Likely content

Bug ID: VS-f90f0c24
Pattern ID: VS-6c86a43a
Combined ID: VS-f90f0c24 (pattern VS-6c86a43a) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category: WCAG 2.0 AA
Obligation: required
Handling: review
WCAG SC: 1.4.4 Resize Text (Level AA, WCAG 2.0)
Rule: axe-core — Zooming and scaling must not be disabled [meta-viewport]
Example URL: https://www.cms.gov/Outreach-and-Education/MLN/WBT/MLN3995723-MLNPartsCD/FWA/story.html
XPath / selector: meta[name="viewport"]
History: first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W25 (2 wk)

HTML snippet — use this to validate the finding without re-running the tool

<meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width,initial-scale=1,user-scalable=no,shrink-to-fit=no,minimal-ui">

Description

Zooming and scaling must not be disabled. Detected by axe-core rule meta-viewport on 1 of 8304 scanned pages (1 instances).

Steps to reproduce

Open https://www.cms.gov/Outreach-and-Education/MLN/WBT/MLN3995723-MLNPartsCD/FWA/story.html.
Locate the element: meta[name="viewport"]
Confirm the axe-core finding for rule meta-viewport against WCAG 1.4.4 Resize Text.

Impact

Affects Limited vision (2.4%).

Limited vision — 2.4% of population

Affected pages

/Outreach-and-Education/MLN/WBT/MLN3995723-MLNPartsCD/FWA/story.html

Testing environment

Automated: axe-core, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

How to fix: Don't disable zoom (user-scalable=no / maximum-scale=1); low-vision users need to zoom.

See remediation guidance: https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/meta-viewport?application=axeAPI

Triage status Notes

Minor axe empty-table-header Best Practice Table header text should not be empty (WCAG criterion undetermined) 1/8304 pages · 3 instances Likely template

Bug ID: VS-15372af5
Pattern ID: VS-d69fc059
Combined ID: VS-15372af5 (pattern VS-d69fc059) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category: Best Practice
Obligation: advisory
Handling: review
WCAG SC: Best Practice — not a WCAG requirement
Rule: axe-core — Table header text should not be empty [empty-table-header]
Example URL: http://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/medcac-meeting.aspx?medcacid=8
XPath / selector: div[align="center"] > table > tbody:nth-child(1) > tr > th
History: first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W25 (2 wk)

HTML snippet — use this to validate the finding without re-running the tool

<th></th>

Description

Table header text should not be empty. Detected by axe-core rule empty-table-header on 22 of 8304 scanned pages (67 instances).

Steps to reproduce

Open http://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/medcac-meeting.aspx?medcacid=8.
Locate the element: div[align="center"] > table > tbody:nth-child(1) > tr > th
Confirm the axe-core finding for rule empty-table-header.

Impact

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Affected pages

/newsroom/fact-sheets/proposed-pathways-success-medicare-shared-savings-program

Testing environment

Automated: axe-core, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

See remediation guidance: https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/empty-table-header?application=axeAPI

Triage status Notes

Minor axe aria-allowed-role Best Practice ARIA role should be appropriate for the element (WCAG criterion undetermined) 1/8304 pages · 1 instances Likely content

Bug ID: VS-2cbab211
Pattern ID: VS-4fac2f41
Combined ID: VS-2cbab211 (pattern VS-4fac2f41) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category: Best Practice
Obligation: advisory
Handling: review
WCAG SC: Best Practice — not a WCAG requirement
Rule: axe-core — ARIA role should be appropriate for the element [aria-allowed-role]
Example URL: https://www.cms.gov/Outreach-and-Education/MLN/WBT/MLN3995723-MLNPartsCD/FWA/story.html
XPath / selector: body
History: first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W25 (2 wk)

HTML snippet — use this to validate the finding without re-running the tool

<body style="background: #072137" class="cs-HTML theme-unified view-desktop is-landscape ff-on ff-drop-in-base ff-js-api-basics ff-multiple-quiz-tracking ff-native-prompts ff-player-size-option sideba

Description

ARIA role should be appropriate for the element. Detected by axe-core rule aria-allowed-role on 1 of 8304 scanned pages (1 instances).

Steps to reproduce

Open https://www.cms.gov/Outreach-and-Education/MLN/WBT/MLN3995723-MLNPartsCD/FWA/story.html.
Locate the element: body
Confirm the axe-core finding for rule aria-allowed-role.

Impact

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Affected pages

/Outreach-and-Education/MLN/WBT/MLN3995723-MLNPartsCD/FWA/story.html

Testing environment

Automated: axe-core, headless Chromium (Playwright). Manual AT verification: Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Suggested fix

How to fix: Remove or change the ARIA role — it isn't allowed on this element type.

See remediation guidance: https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/aria-allowed-role?application=axeAPI

Triage status Notes

Deque axe-core findings

Rule-level axe-core summary (25 rule type(s))

Each failing rule links out to the axe-core documentation. For full element-level detail including HTML snippets and XPaths, see the bug reports above.

axe-core rules failing in 2026-W25, by pages affected
Rule	Impact	Pages affected	Instances	Example pages	All affected
<ul> and <ol> must only directly contain <li>, <script> or <template> elements [list]	serious	519	1440	/newsroom/search /medicare-coverage-database/view/article.aspx /medicare-coverage-database/view/article.aspx	all 519 pages (CSV)
Links must be distinguishable without relying on color [link-in-text-block]	serious	503	1136	/medicare-coverage-database/view/lcd.aspx /medicare-coverage-database/view/nca.aspx /medicare-coverage-database/view/article.aspx	all 503 pages (CSV)
Heading levels should only increase by one [heading-order]	moderate	365	367	/medicare-coverage-database/reports/local-coverage-final-lcds-contractor-report.aspx /training-education/medicare-learning-networkr-mln/compliance/medicare-provider-compliance-tips/infusion-pumps /medicare-coverage-database/reports/local-coverage-final-lcds-contractor-report.aspx	all 365 pages (CSV)
Headings should not be empty [empty-heading]	minor	286	288	/icd10m/version35-fullcode-cms/fullcode_cms/P0009.html /icd10m/version372-fullcode-cms/fullcode_cms/P0732.html /icd10m/fy2025-version42.0-fullcode-cms/fullcode_cms/P0240.html	all 286 pages (CSV)
All page content should be contained by landmarks [region]	moderate	275	6064	/icd10m/version35-fullcode-cms/fullcode_cms/P0009.html /icd10m/version372-fullcode-cms/fullcode_cms/P0732.html /icd10m/fy2025-version42.0-fullcode-cms/fullcode_cms/P0240.html	all 275 pages (CSV)
Document should have one main landmark [landmark-one-main]	moderate	274	274	/icd10m/version35-fullcode-cms/fullcode_cms/P0009.html /icd10m/version372-fullcode-cms/fullcode_cms/P0732.html /icd10m/fy2025-version42.0-fullcode-cms/fullcode_cms/P0240.html	all 274 pages (CSV)
<html> element must have a lang attribute [html-has-lang]	serious	273	273	/icd10m/version35-fullcode-cms/fullcode_cms/P0009.html /icd10m/version372-fullcode-cms/fullcode_cms/P0732.html /icd10m/fy2025-version42.0-fullcode-cms/fullcode_cms/P0240.html	all 273 pages (CSV)
Images must have alternative text [image-alt]	critical	273	273	/icd10m/version35-fullcode-cms/fullcode_cms/P0009.html /icd10m/version372-fullcode-cms/fullcode_cms/P0732.html /icd10m/fy2025-version42.0-fullcode-cms/fullcode_cms/P0240.html	all 273 pages (CSV)
accesskey attribute value should be unique [accesskeys]	serious	119	352	/icd10m/fy2025-version42.0-fullcode-cms/fullcode_cms/P0240.html /icd10m/FY2026-nprm-version43-fullcode-cms/fullcode_cms/P0757.html /icd10m/fy2025-version42.0-fullcode-cms/fullcode_cms/P0688.html	all 119 pages (CSV)
Elements must meet minimum color contrast ratio thresholds [color-contrast]	serious	107	643	/medicare-coverage-database/view/article.aspx /icd10m/FY2026-nprm-version43-fullcode-cms/fullcode_cms/P0757.html /icd10m/FY2026-nprm-version43-fullcode-cms/fullcode_cms/P0035.html	all 107 pages (CSV)
scope attribute should be used correctly [scope-attr-valid]	moderate	54	1372	/medicare-coverage-database/details/nca-decision-memo.aspx /medicare-coverage-database/view/medcac-meeting.aspx /medicare-coverage-database/details/nca-decision-memo.aspx	all 54 pages (CSV)
Table header text should not be empty [empty-table-header]	minor	22	67	/medicare-coverage-database/view/medcac-meeting.aspx /medicare-coverage-database/view/medcac-meeting.aspx /medicare-coverage-database/view/ncacal-decision-memo.aspx	all 22 pages (CSV)
Page should contain a level-one heading [page-has-heading-one]	moderate	21	21	/nosurprises/help-resolve-payment-disputes /priorities/key-initiatives/hospital-price-transparency/resources /medicare/quality/quality-improvement-organizations/family-centered-care	all 21 pages (CSV)
<li> elements must be contained in a <ul> or <ol> [listitem]	serious	18	197	/medicare-coverage-database/view/medcac-meeting.aspx /medicare-coverage-database/view/medcac-meeting.aspx /medicare-coverage-database/view/ncacal-decision-memo.aspx	all 18 pages (CSV)
Links must have discernible text [link-name]	serious	10	23	/medicare-coverage-database/view/ncacal-decision-memo.aspx /data-research/cms-data/learn-more-about-cms-data /data-research/monitoring-programs/medicare-fee-service-compliance-programs/medical-review-education/hospice	all 10 pages (CSV)
Elements must only use supported ARIA attributes [aria-allowed-attr]	critical	3	6	/files/linked-video-files/new-features-medicare-gov /medicare/health-drug-plans/provider-complaints-form /medicare/health-drug-plans/provider-complaints-form	all 3 pages (CSV)
Table cell headers attributes must refer to other <th> elements in the same table [td-headers-attr]	serious	3	3	/medicare/regulations-guidance/transmittals/2022-transmittals /medicare/regulations-guidance/transmittals/2022-transmittals /medicare/regulations-guidance/transmittals/2022-transmittals	all 3 pages (CSV)
Scrollable region must have keyboard access [scrollable-region-focusable]	serious	3	3	/medicare-coverage-database/view/ncacal-decision-memo.aspx /medicare-coverage-database/view/ncacal-decision-memo.aspx /medicare-coverage-database/view/ncacal-decision-memo.aspx	all 3 pages (CSV)
Landmarks should have a unique role or role/label/title (i.e. accessible name) combination [landmark-unique]	moderate	2	2	/priorities/health-equity/minority-health/resource-center/webinars-trainings/coverage-care-c2c-webinars /Outreach-and-Education/Medicare-Learning-Network-MLN/MLNProducts/EnrollmentResources/provider-resources/provider-enrolment/Med-Prov-Enroll-MLN9658742.html	all 2 pages (CSV)
<dl> elements must only directly contain properly-ordered <dt> and <dd> groups, <script>, <template> or <div> elements [definition-list]	serious	1	1	/training-education/partner-outreach-resources/american-indian/alaska-native/behavioral-health/substance-use-disorders	all 1 pages (CSV)
lang attribute must have a valid value [valid-lang]	serious	1	1	/data-research/monitoring-programs/improper-payment-measurement-programs/exchange-improper-payment-measurement-eipm/improper-payment-findings	all 1 pages (CSV)
ARIA role should be appropriate for the element [aria-allowed-role]	minor	1	1	/Outreach-and-Education/MLN/WBT/MLN3995723-MLNPartsCD/FWA/story.html	all 1 pages (CSV)
Zooming and scaling must not be disabled [meta-viewport]	moderate	1	1	/Outreach-and-Education/MLN/WBT/MLN3995723-MLNPartsCD/FWA/story.html	all 1 pages (CSV)
Main landmark should not be contained in another landmark [landmark-main-is-top-level]	moderate	1	1	/Outreach-and-Education/Medicare-Learning-Network-MLN/MLNProducts/EnrollmentResources/provider-resources/provider-enrolment/Med-Prov-Enroll-MLN9658742.html	all 1 pages (CSV)
Document should not have more than one main landmark [landmark-no-duplicate-main]	moderate	1	1	/Outreach-and-Education/Medicare-Learning-Network-MLN/MLNProducts/EnrollmentResources/provider-resources/provider-enrolment/Med-Prov-Enroll-MLN9658742.html	all 1 pages (CSV)

Siteimprove Alfa findings

Rule-level Alfa summary (31 rule type(s))

Rule-level summary from Siteimprove Alfa (W3C ACT-based). Findings that overlap with axe-core on the same WCAG success criterion are noted as possible duplicates in the bug reports above.

Alfa rules failing in 2026-W25, by pages affected
Rule	Impact	Pages affected	Instances	Example pages	All affected
Target size is at least 44×44 CSS pixels (Enhanced) [sia-r111]	n/a	2811	97889	/newsroom/press-releases/new-report-federal-health-insurance-options-helped-prevent-major-coverage-losses /medicare-coverage-database/view/article.aspx /newsroom/search	all 2811 pages (CSV)
Text has minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 [sia-r73]	n/a	2802	29357	/newsroom/press-releases/new-report-federal-health-insurance-options-helped-prevent-major-coverage-losses /medicare-coverage-database/view/article.aspx /newsroom/search	all 2802 pages (CSV)
Form field label is visible [sia-r61]	n/a	2715	2715	/newsroom/press-releases/new-report-federal-health-insurance-options-helped-prevent-major-coverage-losses /medicare-coverage-database/view/article.aspx /newsroom/search	all 2715 pages (CSV)
Text has enhanced contrast [sia-r66]	n/a	1184	6288	/medicare-coverage-database/view/article.aspx /medicare-coverage-database/view/medcac-meeting.aspx /medicare-coverage-database/view/article.aspx	all 1184 pages (CSV)
Link is distinguishable without relying on color [sia-r74]	n/a	1181	77847	/medicare-coverage-database/view/article.aspx /medicare-coverage-database/view/medcac-meeting.aspx /medicare-coverage-database/view/article.aspx	all 1181 pages (CSV)
Accessible name of link or button matches visible label [sia-r14]	n/a	1179	3365	/medicare-coverage-database/view/article.aspx /medicare-coverage-database/view/medcac-meeting.aspx /medicare-coverage-database/view/article.aspx	all 1179 pages (CSV)
Headings are structured hierarchically [sia-r53]	n/a	1116	1117	/medicare-coverage-database/view/article.aspx /medicare-coverage-database/view/article.aspx /medicare-coverage-database/view/article.aspx	all 1116 pages (CSV)
Scrolling content can be accessed by keyboard [sia-r57]	n/a	1011	1014	/newsroom/search /about-cms/information-systems/privacy/notice-privacy-practices-original-medicare /medicare/regulations-guidance/transmittals/2021-transmittals	all 1011 pages (CSV)
Target size is at least 24×24 CSS pixels or has spacing (Minimum) [sia-r113]	n/a	659	1134	/medicare-coverage-database/view/article.aspx /medicare-coverage-database/view/article.aspx /icd10m/version372-fullcode-cms/fullcode_cms/P0732.html	all 659 pages (CSV)
Table header has scope [sia-r78]	n/a	653	1051	/medicare-coverage-database/view/article.aspx /icd10m/version372-fullcode-cms/fullcode_cms/P0732.html /medicare-coverage-database/view/article.aspx	all 653 pages (CSV)
Element has required aria-owns [sia-r46]	n/a	189	311	/medicare-coverage-database/view/article.aspx /medicare-coverage-database/view/article.aspx /medicare-coverage-database/view/article.aspx	all 189 pages (CSV)
Presentational children of an element are not focusable [sia-r68]	n/a	166	430	/medicare-coverage-database/view/article.aspx /medicare-coverage-database/view/nca.aspx /medicare-coverage-database/view/lcd.aspx	all 166 pages (CSV)
Element has required owned roles [sia-r64]	n/a	102	103	/icd10m/version372-fullcode-cms/fullcode_cms/P0732.html /icd10m/fy2025-version42.0-fullcode-cms/fullcode_cms/P0240.html /icd10m/FY2026-nprm-version43-fullcode-cms/fullcode_cms/P0757.html	all 102 pages (CSV)
Image has accessible name [sia-r2]	n/a	96	96	/icd10m/version372-fullcode-cms/fullcode_cms/P0732.html /icd10m/fy2025-version42.0-fullcode-cms/fullcode_cms/P0240.html /icd10m/FY2026-nprm-version43-fullcode-cms/fullcode_cms/P0757.html	all 96 pages (CSV)
Document has a valid lang attribute [sia-r4]	n/a	96	96	/icd10m/version372-fullcode-cms/fullcode_cms/P0732.html /icd10m/fy2025-version42.0-fullcode-cms/fullcode_cms/P0240.html /icd10m/FY2026-nprm-version43-fullcode-cms/fullcode_cms/P0757.html	all 96 pages (CSV)
Scrollable element is keyboard accessible [sia-r80]	n/a	84	638	/medicare-coverage-database/view/article.aspx /medicare-coverage-database/view/article.aspx /medicare-coverage-database/view/article.aspx	all 84 pages (CSV)
iframe element is not empty [sia-r71]	n/a	50	425	/medicare-coverage-database/view/article.aspx /medicare-coverage-database/view/article.aspx /medicare-coverage-database/view/article.aspx	all 50 pages (CSV)
Duplicate role landmark is labeled [sia-r79]	n/a	25	25	/medicare-coverage-database/details/nca-decision-memo.aspx /medicare-coverage-database/view/ncacal-decision-memo.aspx /medicare-coverage-database/view/ncacal-decision-memo.aspx	all 25 pages (CSV)
No obsolete or deprecated elements are used [sia-r70]	n/a	20	20	/medicare-coverage-database/view/ncacal-decision-memo.aspx /medicare-coverage-database/view/medcac-meeting.aspx /medicare-coverage-database/view/ncacal-decision-memo.aspx	all 20 pages (CSV)
Text has sufficient color contrast (Enhanced) [sia-r69]	n/a	15	86	/medicare-coverage-database/view/article.aspx /medicare-coverage-database/view/article.aspx /medicare-coverage-database/view/lcd.aspx	all 15 pages (CSV)
Table cell has header [sia-r77]	n/a	11	258	/medicare-coverage-database/view/ncacal-decision-memo.aspx /medicare-coverage-database/view/ncd.aspx /newsroom/fact-sheets/proposed-pathways-success-medicare-shared-savings-program	all 11 pages (CSV)
Keyboard trap does not exist [sia-r85]	n/a	8	68	/medicare-coverage-database/view/ncacal-public-comments.aspx /medicare-coverage-database/view/ncacal-decision-memo.aspx /medicare-coverage-database/view/ncacal-decision-memo.aspx	all 8 pages (CSV)
Link has accessible name [sia-r11]	n/a	2	4	/medicare-coverage-database/view/ncacal-decision-memo.aspx /medicare-coverage-database/view/medicare-coverage-document.aspx	all 2 pages (CSV)
Link in text block is visually distinguishable without color [sia-r62]	n/a	2	2	/medicare-coverage-database/view/article.aspx /medicare-coverage-database/overview-and-quick-search.aspx	all 2 pages (CSV)
Element has valid WAI-ARIA role [sia-r21]	n/a	1	101	/priorities/innovation/files/access-api-impl-data-access-video	all 1 pages (CSV)
Element has required parent role [sia-r110]	n/a	1	101	/priorities/innovation/files/access-api-impl-data-access-video	all 1 pages (CSV)
aria attribute is permitted for element role [sia-r18]	n/a	1	27	/priorities/innovation/files/access-api-impl-data-access-video	all 1 pages (CSV)
Button has accessible name [sia-r12]	n/a	1	3	/priorities/innovation/files/access-api-impl-data-access-video	all 1 pages (CSV)
sia-r76	n/a	1	2	/medicare-coverage-database/view/ncacal-decision-memo.aspx	all 1 pages (CSV)
First focusable element is link to main content [sia-r87]	n/a	1	1	/priorities/innovation/files/access-api-impl-data-access-video	all 1 pages (CSV)
Form field has accessible name [sia-r8]	n/a	1	1	/medicare/health-drug-plans/provider-complaints-form	all 1 pages (CSV)

Unique accessibility issues (axe + Alfa consolidated)

axe and Alfa both implement W3C ACT rules, so the same issue is often caught by both. These are deduplicated by ACT rule and page, so a shared finding counts once (19320 raw engine findings → 19025 unique).

Unique issues (rule × page): 19025
Caught by both engines: 295 highest confidence
axe only: 2841
Alfa only: 15889

5 rule type(s) caught by both engines — highest confidence

Two independent ACT-rule implementations (Deque axe-core and Siteimprove Alfa) flagged the same issue on the same pages. Agreement between separate engines is strong evidence the barrier is real, not a single-tool false positive — the best place to start.

Rules flagged by both axe-core and Alfa in 2026-W25, by pages affected.
Issue	Pages	Rule references
Headings should not be empty	287	axe empty-heading · Alfa sia-r64 · ACT ffd0e9
<html> element must have a lang attribute	273	axe html-has-lang · Alfa sia-r4 · ACT b5c3f8
Images must have alternative text	273	axe image-alt · Alfa sia-r2 · ACT 23a2a8
Links must have discernible text	10	axe link-name · Alfa sia-r11 · ACT c487ae
Elements must only use supported ARIA attributes	4	axe aria-allowed-attr · Alfa sia-r18 · ACT 5c01ea