vital-scans open quality ledger

www.healthcare.gov: Accessibility — week 2026-W29

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.

SCCriterionPagesRulesNotes
4.1.2 Name, Role, Value (ARIA) 554 2
1.4.8 WCAG 1.4.8 292 1
2.5.5 WCAG 2.5.5 292 1
2.5.8 WCAG 2.5.8 48 1
1.4.3 Contrast (Minimum) 11 2

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.

Top 10 clustered component fixes for this week.
ClusterSeverityPagesWho it affectsHow to fixEvidenceDecision
ARIA attributes must conform to valid values · unattributed component
Fix one place, resolve ~552 finding(s) on 552 page(s).
XPath / selector: .index-module--search-form--93f38
<form role="search" method="get" action="/search/" class="index-module--search-form--93f38" aria-controls="search-results">
 Critical 552 Without vision, Limited vision, Limited manipulation/strength Fix the ARIA attribute value — it must reference a real id or use an allowed value. pages (CSV)
Form field label is visible · unattributed component
Fix one place, resolve ~279 finding(s) on 279 page(s).
XPath / selector: {"type":"document","children":[{"type":"type","name":"html","publicId":null,"sys
 Moderate 279 Requires manual testing. See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r61 pages (CSV)
aria attribute is permitted for element role · unattributed component
Fix one place, resolve ~279 finding(s) on 279 page(s).
XPath / selector: @aria-labelledby="mm-topic-featured"
 Moderate 279 Requires manual testing. Only use ARIA states/properties that are allowed on this element/role. pages (CSV)
Text has minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 · unattributed component
Fix one place, resolve ~292 finding(s) on 292 page(s).
XPath / selector: <p class="ds-c-usa-banner__header-text">
 Serious 292 Requires manual testing. See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r73 pages (CSV)
Text has minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 · unattributed component
Fix one place, resolve ~292 finding(s) on 292 page(s).
XPath / selector: <p class="ds-c-usa-banner__action ds-u-align-items--center ds-u-md-display--none ds-u-display--flex">
 Serious 292 Requires manual testing. See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r73 pages (CSV)
Text has minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 · unattributed component
Fix one place, resolve ~279 finding(s) on 279 page(s).
XPath / selector: <p class="megaMenu-module--featured-heading--d1d6f">
 Serious 279 Requires manual testing. See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r73 pages (CSV)
Images must have alternative text · unattributed component
Fix one place, resolve ~8 finding(s) on 4 page(s).
XPath / selector: div:nth-child(1) > div > img
<img src="https://gov1.qualtrics.com/WRQualtricsSiteIntercept/Graphic.php?IM=IM_brriXYMu68CEU3s" style="width: 700px; height: 453px;">
 Critical 4 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)
Elements must meet minimum color contrast ratio thresholds · unattributed component
Fix one place, resolve ~5 finding(s) on 5 page(s).
XPath / selector: #QSIFeedbackButton-btn > div > div:nth-child(2)
<div>TAKE OUR SURVEY</div>
 Serious 5 Limited vision, Without color perception 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. pages (CSV)
All page content should be contained by landmarks · unattributed component
Fix one place, resolve ~8 finding(s) on 4 page(s).
XPath / selector: .QSIPopOver > div:nth-child(1)
<div tabindex="0" style="top: 0px; left: 0px; position: absolute; z-index: 2000000002; width: 700px; height: 453px; background-color: transparent; border-width: 0px; border-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); bor
 Moderate 4 Requires manual testing. Wrap all page content in landmarks (header, nav, main, footer) so users can navigate by region. pages (CSV)
Target size is at least 24×24 CSS pixels or has spacing (Minimum) · unattributed component
Fix one place, resolve ~21 finding(s) on 21 page(s).
XPath / selector: <a class="megaMenu-module--topic-link--97a32" href="/keep-or-change-plan/">
 Moderate 21 Limited manipulation/strength, Limited reach, Limited vision See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r113 pages (CSV)

Bug reports

10 issue type(s) are shown by default out of 25 total. Prioritized by severity, key pages, WCAG level, and prevalence; use the toggle to show everything.

Overall severity mix: 2 critical, 7 serious, 15 moderate, 1 minor. By WCAG category: 9 WCAG 2.0 A, 2 WCAG 2.0 AA, 1 WCAG 2.1 A, 1 WCAG 2.2 AA, 3 WCAG 2.x AAA, 4 Best Practice, 5 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 10 prioritized issue type(s); 15 more are available if you switch to "Show everything".

3 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 aria-valid-attr-value WCAG 2.0 A ARIA attributes must conform to valid values (WCAG 4.1.2) 552/570 pages · 552 instances Likely template
Bug ID
VS-02936df9
Pattern ID
VS-af36d20c
Combined ID
VS-02936df9 (pattern VS-af36d20c) — 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)
XPath / selector
.index-module--search-form--93f38
History
first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W29 (6 wk)

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

<form role="search" method="get" action="/search/" class="index-module--search-form--93f38" aria-controls="search-results">

Description

ARIA attributes must conform to valid values. Detected by axe-core rule aria-valid-attr-value on 552 of 570 scanned pages (552 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://www.healthcare.gov/agent-privacy-act-statement.
  2. Locate the element: .index-module--search-form--93f38
  3. Confirm the axe-core finding for rule aria-valid-attr-value 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

…and more — all 552 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: Fix the ARIA attribute value — it must reference a real id or use an allowed value.

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

Serious axe color-contrast WCAG 2.0 AA Elements must meet minimum color contrast ratio thresholds (WCAG 1.4.3) 5/570 pages · 5 instances
Bug ID
VS-5a2a75b1
Pattern ID
VS-be8d563e
Combined ID
VS-5a2a75b1 (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)
XPath / selector
#QSIFeedbackButton-btn > div > div:nth-child(2)
History
first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W29 (6 wk)

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

<div>TAKE OUR SURVEY</div>

Description

Elements must meet minimum color contrast ratio thresholds. Detected by axe-core rule color-contrast on 5 of 570 scanned pages (5 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://www.healthcare.gov/small-businesses/get-answers.
  2. Locate the element: #QSIFeedbackButton-btn > div > div:nth-child(2)
  3. 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.

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

Critical axe image-alt WCAG 2.0 A Images must have alternative text (WCAG 1.1.1) 4/570 pages · 8 instances
Bug ID
VS-2c99bd98
Pattern ID
VS-9074b4dd
Combined ID
VS-2c99bd98 (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)
XPath / selector
div:nth-child(1) > div > img
History
first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W29 (6 wk)

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

<img src="https://gov1.qualtrics.com/WRQualtricsSiteIntercept/Graphic.php?IM=IM_brriXYMu68CEU3s" style="width: 700px; height: 453px;">

Description

Images must have alternative text. Detected by axe-core rule image-alt on 4 of 570 scanned pages (8 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://www.healthcare.gov/income-and-household-information/income.
  2. Locate the element: div:nth-child(1) > div > img
  3. 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

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.

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

Serious axe definition-list WCAG 2.0 A <dl> elements must only directly contain properly-ordered <dt> and <dd> groups, (WCAG 1.3.1) 2/570 pages · 4 instances Likely content
Bug ID
VS-5fc7a72b
Pattern ID
VS-4bcaa7bf
Combined ID
VS-5fc7a72b (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)
XPath / selector
dl:nth-child(4)
History
first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W29 (6 wk)

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

<dl>

Description

<dl> elements must only directly contain properly-ordered <dt> and <dd> groups, . Detected by axe-core rule definition-list on 2 of 570 scanned pages (4 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://www.healthcare.gov/medicaid-chip/getting-medicaid-chip.
  2. Locate the element: dl:nth-child(4)
  3. 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

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

Serious axe list WCAG 2.0 A <ul> and <ol> must only directly contain <li>, <script> or <template> elements (WCAG 1.3.1) 1/570 pages · 1 instances Likely content
Bug ID
VS-2c7d8471
Pattern ID
VS-a0bdbdf6
Combined ID
VS-2c7d8471 (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)
XPath / selector
.jumpTool-module--jump-list--99f14
History
first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W29 (6 wk)

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

<ul class="jumpTool-module--jump-list--99f14 ds-c-list--bare">

Description

<ul> and <ol> must only directly contain <li>, <script> or <template> elements. Detected by axe-core rule list on 1 of 570 scanned pages (1 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary.
  2. Locate the element: .jumpTool-module--jump-list--99f14
  3. 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

Serious axe link-in-text-block WCAG 2.0 A Links must be distinguishable without relying on color (WCAG 1.4.1) 1/570 pages · 1 instances Likely content
Bug ID
VS-219e0619
Pattern ID
VS-8ade3360
Combined ID
VS-219e0619 (pattern VS-8ade3360) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
WCAG 2.0 A
Obligation
required
Handling
review
WCAG SC
1.4.1 Use of Color (Level A, WCAG 2.0)
XPath / selector
.ds-u-padding--0
History
first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W29 (6 wk)

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

<a class="ds-u-text-decoration--none ds-u-padding--0 ds-u-font-weight--normal" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/qualifying-life-event/" aria-label="L

Description

Links must be distinguishable without relying on color. Detected by axe-core rule link-in-text-block on 1 of 570 scanned pages (1 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://www.healthcare.gov/see-plans.
  2. Locate the element: .ds-u-padding--0
  3. Confirm the axe-core finding for rule link-in-text-block against WCAG 1.4.1 Use of Color.

Impact

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

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

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

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) 1/570 pages · 1 instances Likely content
Bug ID
VS-b2aec309
Pattern ID
VS-07ba3b17
Combined ID
VS-b2aec309 (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)
XPath / selector
table
History
first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W29 (6 wk)

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

<table class="ds-c-table ds-c-table--striped ds-c-sm-table--stacked">

Description

Table cell headers attributes must refer to other <th> elements in the same tabl. Detected by axe-core rule td-headers-attr on 1 of 570 scanned pages (1 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://www.healthcare.gov/small-businesses/learn-more/hra-guide.
  2. Locate the element: table
  3. 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

Serious alfa sia-r111 WCAG 2.x AAA Target size is at least 44×44 CSS pixels (Enhanced) (WCAG 2.5.5) 292/570 pages · 12414 instances Likely template
Bug ID
VS-2d5747f0
Pattern ID
VS-cb53cc4d
Combined ID
VS-2d5747f0 (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)
XPath / selector
<a href="https://www.cuidadodesalud.gov/es/glossary/tty/" aria-label="CuidadoDeSalud.gov en Español" class="hc-c-logged-out-links__link sl-c-locale sl_swap" data-listener-attached="true">
History
first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W29 (6 wk)

Description

Target size is at least 44×44 CSS pixels (Enhanced). Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r111 on 292 of 570 scanned pages (12414 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/tty.
  2. Locate the element: <a href="https://www.cuidadodesalud.gov/es/glossary/tty/" aria-label="CuidadoDeSalud.gov en Español" class="hc-c-logged-out-links__link sl-c-locale sl_swap" data-listener-attached="true">
  3. 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

…and more — all 292 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-r111

Serious alfa sia-r73 WCAG 2.x AAA Text has minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 (WCAG 1.4.8) 292/570 pages · 1759 instances Likely template
Bug ID
VS-d1a91508
Pattern ID
VS-2208081b
Combined ID
VS-d1a91508 (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)
XPath / selector
<p class="ds-c-usa-banner__header-text">
History
first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W29 (6 wk)

Description

Text has minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r73 on 292 of 570 scanned pages (1759 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/tty.
  2. Locate the element: <p class="ds-c-usa-banner__header-text">
  3. 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

…and more — all 292 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-r73

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) 48/570 pages · 48 instances Likely template
Bug ID
VS-d16a4efb
Pattern ID
VS-179ad9b3
Combined ID
VS-d16a4efb (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)
XPath / selector
<a class="megaMenu-module--topic-link--97a32" href="/keep-or-change-plan/">
History
first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W29 (6 wk)

Description

Target size is at least 24×24 CSS pixels or has spacing (Minimum). Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r113 on 48 of 570 scanned pages (48 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/tty.
  2. Locate the element: <a class="megaMenu-module--topic-link--97a32" href="/keep-or-change-plan/">
  3. 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

…and more — all 48 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-r113

Moderate alfa sia-r18 Undetermined aria attribute is permitted for element role (WCAG criterion undetermined) 282/570 pages · 282 instances Likely template
Bug ID
VS-7119267b
Pattern ID
VS-e05344b9
Combined ID
VS-7119267b (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
XPath / selector
@aria-labelledby="mm-topic-featured"
History
first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W29 (6 wk)

Description

aria attribute is permitted for element role. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r18 on 282 of 570 scanned pages (282 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/tty.
  2. Locate the element: @aria-labelledby="mm-topic-featured"
  3. Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r18.

Impact

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Affected pages

…and more — all 282 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: Only use ARIA states/properties that are allowed on this element/role.

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

Moderate alfa sia-r61 Undetermined Form field label is visible (WCAG criterion undetermined) 279/570 pages · 279 instances Likely template
Bug ID
VS-a2124d8e
Pattern ID
VS-7118fead
Combined ID
VS-a2124d8e (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
XPath / selector
{"type":"document","children":[{"type":"type","name":"html","publicId":null,"sys
History
first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W29 (6 wk)

Description

Form field label is visible. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r61 on 279 of 570 scanned pages (279 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/tty.
  2. Locate the element: {"type":"document","children":[{"type":"type","name":"html","publicId":null,"sys
  3. Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r61.

Impact

Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

Affected pages

…and more — all 279 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-r61

Moderate axe heading-order Best Practice Heading levels should only increase by one (WCAG criterion undetermined) 12/570 pages · 12 instances Likely template
Bug ID
VS-bae8371e
Pattern ID
VS-d25f622d
Combined ID
VS-bae8371e (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
XPath / selector
h4:nth-child(1)
History
first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W29 (6 wk)

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

<h4>Apply &amp; enroll in SHOP insurance at any time</h4>

Description

Heading levels should only increase by one. Detected by axe-core rule heading-order on 12 of 570 scanned pages (12 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://www.healthcare.gov/small-businesses/get-answers.
  2. Locate the element: h4:nth-child(1)
  3. 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.

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

Moderate axe landmark-unique Best Practice Landmarks should have a unique role or role/label/title (i.e. accessible name) c (WCAG criterion undetermined) 11/570 pages · 11 instances Likely template
Bug ID
VS-4f99ee73
Pattern ID
VS-8806389c
Combined ID
VS-4f99ee73 (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
XPath / selector
#box-content--3269fd380
History
first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W29 (6 wk)

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

<div class="ds-c-alert ds-c-alert--hide-icon ds-c-alert--lightweight" role="region" aria-labelledby="box-content--3269fd380__a11y-label" id="box-content--3269fd380">

Description

Landmarks should have a unique role or role/label/title (i.e. accessible name) c. Detected by axe-core rule landmark-unique on 11 of 570 scanned pages (11 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://www.healthcare.gov/verify-information/documents-and-deadlines.
  2. Locate the element: #box-content--3269fd380
  3. 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

Moderate alfa sia-r53 Undetermined Headings are structured hierarchically (WCAG criterion undetermined) 8/570 pages · 8 instances
Bug ID
VS-e415c3b4
Pattern ID
VS-f054f4a4
Combined ID
VS-e415c3b4 (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
XPath / selector
<h4>
History
first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W29 (6 wk)

Description

Headings are structured hierarchically. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r53 on 8 of 570 scanned pages (8 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://www.healthcare.gov/small-businesses/get-answers.
  2. Locate the element: <h4>
  3. 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

Moderate alfa sia-r66 WCAG 2.x AAA Text has enhanced contrast (WCAG 1.4.6) 6/570 pages · 15 instances
Bug ID
VS-f53c9c5e
Pattern ID
VS-646b1e0b
Combined ID
VS-f53c9c5e (pattern VS-646b1e0b) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
WCAG 2.x AAA
Obligation
aspirational
Handling
review
WCAG SC
1.4.6 Contrast (Enhanced) (Level AAA, WCAG 2.0)
XPath / selector
text: "TAKE OUR SURVEY"
History
first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W29 (6 wk)

Description

Text has enhanced contrast. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r66 on 6 of 570 scanned pages (15 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://www.healthcare.gov/small-businesses/get-answers.
  2. Locate the element: text: "TAKE OUR SURVEY"
  3. Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r66 against WCAG 1.4.6 Contrast (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

How to fix: Increase text contrast to meet WCAG AAA (7:1).

See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r66

Moderate alfa sia-r69 WCAG 2.0 AA Text has sufficient color contrast (Enhanced) (WCAG 1.4.3) 6/570 pages · 14 instances · possible duplicate
Bug ID
VS-3f8443d2
Pattern ID
VS-f7e99f4b
Combined ID
VS-3f8443d2 (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)
XPath / selector
text: "TAKE OUR SURVEY"
History
first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W29 (6 wk)
Possible duplicate
Same WCAG SC covered by axe report VS-5a2a75b1 (pattern VS-be8d563e). If axe and this engine flag the same element, the axe report takes precedence — mark this as duplicate in JIRA.

Description

Text has sufficient color contrast (Enhanced). Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r69 on 6 of 570 scanned pages (14 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://www.healthcare.gov/small-businesses/get-answers.
  2. Locate the element: text: "TAKE OUR SURVEY"
  3. 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

Moderate axe region Best Practice All page content should be contained by landmarks (WCAG criterion undetermined) 4/570 pages · 8 instances
Bug ID
VS-f91d9fe6
Pattern ID
VS-f18df681
Combined ID
VS-f91d9fe6 (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
XPath / selector
.QSIPopOver > div:nth-child(1)
History
first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W29 (6 wk)

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

<div tabindex="0" style="top: 0px; left: 0px; position: absolute; z-index: 2000000002; width: 700px; height: 453px; background-color: transparent; border-width: 0px; border-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); bor

Description

All page content should be contained by landmarks. Detected by axe-core rule region on 4 of 570 scanned pages (8 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://www.healthcare.gov/income-and-household-information/income.
  2. Locate the element: .QSIPopOver > div:nth-child(1)
  3. Confirm the axe-core finding for rule region.

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

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

Minor axe empty-heading Best Practice Headings should not be empty (WCAG criterion undetermined) 4/570 pages · 4 instances
Bug ID
VS-2cccfa20
Pattern ID
VS-0066c67d
Combined ID
VS-2cccfa20 (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
XPath / selector
.index-module--content--6c4f4 > h3
History
first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W29 (6 wk)

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

<h3>&nbsp;</h3>

Description

Headings should not be empty. Detected by axe-core rule empty-heading on 4 of 570 scanned pages (4 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://www.healthcare.gov/choose-a-plan/your-total-costs.
  2. Locate the element: .index-module--content--6c4f4 > h3
  3. 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

Moderate alfa sia-r57 Undetermined Scrolling content can be accessed by keyboard (WCAG criterion undetermined) 3/570 pages · 3 instances
Bug ID
VS-6a9a1e60
Pattern ID
VS-c18be945
Combined ID
VS-6a9a1e60 (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
XPath / selector
text: "TAKE OUR SURVEY"
History
first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W29 (5 wk)

Description

Scrolling content can be accessed by keyboard. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r57 on 3 of 570 scanned pages (3 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://www.healthcare.gov/small-businesses/get-answers.
  2. Locate the element: text: "TAKE OUR SURVEY"
  3. Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r57.

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-r57

Moderate alfa sia-r17 WCAG 2.0 A aria-hidden element does not contain focusable elements (WCAG 4.1.2) 2/570 pages · 6 instances Likely content
Bug ID
VS-05f49a25
Pattern ID
VS-f6cf30ff
Combined ID
VS-05f49a25 (pattern VS-f6cf30ff) — 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)
XPath / selector
<div aria-labelledby="employers" aria-hidden="true" class="ds-c-tabs__panel fourTab-module--content--b9237" id="employers">
History
first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W29 (5 wk)

Description

aria-hidden element does not contain focusable elements. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r17 on 2 of 570 scanned pages (6 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://www.healthcare.gov/small-businesses/get-answers.
  2. Locate the element: <div aria-labelledby="employers" aria-hidden="true" class="ds-c-tabs__panel fourTab-module--content--b9237" id="employers">
  3. Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r17 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: 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-r17

Moderate alfa sia-r2 WCAG 2.0 A Image has accessible name (WCAG 1.1.1) 2/570 pages · 4 instances · possible duplicate Likely content
Bug ID
VS-26e14b96
Pattern ID
VS-a24eaa8c
Combined ID
VS-26e14b96 (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)
XPath / selector
<img src="https://gov1.qualtrics.com/WRQualtricsSiteIntercept/Graphic.php?IM=IM_brriXYMu68CEU3s" style="width: 700px; height: 453px;">
History
first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W29 (5 wk)
Possible duplicate
Same WCAG SC covered by axe report VS-2c99bd98 (pattern VS-9074b4dd). If axe and this engine flag the same element, the axe report takes precedence — mark this as duplicate in JIRA.

Description

Image has accessible name. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r2 on 2 of 570 scanned pages (4 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://www.healthcare.gov/income-and-household-information/income.
  2. Locate the element: <img src="https://gov1.qualtrics.com/WRQualtricsSiteIntercept/Graphic.php?IM=IM_brriXYMu68CEU3s" style="width: 700px; height: 453px;">
  3. 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

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

Moderate alfa sia-r14 WCAG 2.1 A Accessible name of link or button matches visible label (WCAG 2.5.3) 2/570 pages · 3 instances Likely content
Bug ID
VS-91a80526
Pattern ID
VS-f7dba940
Combined ID
VS-91a80526 (pattern VS-f7dba940) — use this format in JIRA/spreadsheets to filter by instance or pattern
WCAG category
WCAG 2.1 A
Obligation
required
Handling
review
WCAG SC
2.5.3 Label in Name (Level A, WCAG 2.1)
XPath / selector
<button type="button" aria-label="Label describing the subject of the tooltip" aria-describedby="tooltip-trigger--1" class="ds-c-tooltip__trigger ds-c-tooltip__trigger-icon ds-u-display--inline">
History
first seen 2026-W26, last seen 2026-W29 (4 wk)

Description

Accessible name of link or button matches visible label. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r14 on 2 of 570 scanned pages (3 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://www.healthcare.gov/shop-calculators-fte.
  2. Locate the element: <button type="button" aria-label="Label describing the subject of the tooltip" aria-describedby="tooltip-trigger--1" class="ds-c-tooltip__trigger ds-c-tooltip__trigger-icon ds-u-display--inline">
  3. Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r14 against WCAG 2.5.3 Label in Name.

Impact

Affects Without vision (1.0%), Without speech (0.5%).

  • Without vision — 1.0% of population
  • Without speech — 0.5% 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

See remediation guidance: https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r14

Moderate alfa sia-r78 Undetermined Table header has scope (WCAG criterion undetermined) 2/570 pages · 2 instances Likely content
Bug ID
VS-991cedd7
Pattern ID
VS-2cd767ca
Combined ID
VS-991cedd7 (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
XPath / selector
<h2 class="index-module--content-heading--bc675 ds-text-heading--3xl ds-u-margin-top--4 ds-u-margin-bottom--2">
History
first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W29 (4 wk)

Description

Table header has scope. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r78 on 2 of 570 scanned pages (2 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://www.healthcare.gov/marketplace-appeals/getting-help.
  2. Locate the element: <h2 class="index-module--content-heading--bc675 ds-text-heading--3xl ds-u-margin-top--4 ds-u-margin-bottom--2">
  3. 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

Moderate alfa sia-r64 WCAG 2.0 A Element has required owned roles (WCAG 1.3.1) 1/570 pages · 1 instances · possible duplicate Likely content
Bug ID
VS-c31cc115
Pattern ID
VS-3c632d31
Combined ID
VS-c31cc115 (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)
XPath / selector
<h2>
History
first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W29 (5 wk)
Possible duplicate
Same WCAG SC covered by axe report VS-2c7d8471 (pattern VS-a0bdbdf6). If axe and this engine flag the same element, the axe report takes precedence — mark this as duplicate in JIRA.

Description

Element has required owned roles. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r64 on 1 of 570 scanned pages (1 instances).

Steps to reproduce

  1. Open https://www.healthcare.gov/choose-a-plan/catastrophic-health-plans.
  2. Locate the element: <h2>
  3. 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

Deque axe-core findings

Rule-level axe-core summary (11 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-W29, by pages affected
RuleImpactPages affectedInstancesExample pagesAll affected
ARIA attributes must conform to valid values [aria-valid-attr-value] critical 552 552 /agent-privacy-act-statement
/glossary/vision-or-vision-coverage
/small-businesses/health-care-law-and-businesses/how-aca-affects-businesses		 all 552 pages (CSV)
Heading levels should only increase by one [heading-order] moderate 12 12 /small-businesses/get-answers
/health-plan-information
/using-this-site		 all 12 pages (CSV)
Landmarks should have a unique role or role/label/title (i.e. accessible name) combination [landmark-unique] moderate 11 11 /verify-information/documents-and-deadlines
/have-job-based-coverage/change-to-marketplace-plan
/preventive-care-women		 all 11 pages (CSV)
Elements must meet minimum color contrast ratio thresholds [color-contrast] serious 5 5 /small-businesses/get-answers
/contact-us
/topics		 all 5 pages (CSV)
Images must have alternative text [image-alt] critical 4 8 /income-and-household-information/income
/glossary/member-survey-results
/glossary/claim		 all 4 pages (CSV)
All page content should be contained by landmarks [region] moderate 4 8 /income-and-household-information/income
/glossary/member-survey-results
/glossary/claim		 all 4 pages (CSV)
Headings should not be empty [empty-heading] minor 4 4 /choose-a-plan/your-total-costs
/taxes-2023/no-health-coverage
/taxes-2023/other-health-coverage		 all 4 pages (CSV)
<dl> elements must only directly contain properly-ordered <dt> and <dd> groups, <script>, <template> or <div> elements [definition-list] serious 2 4 /medicaid-chip/getting-medicaid-chip
/medicaid-chip		 all 2 pages (CSV)
Table cell headers attributes must refer to other <th> elements in the same table [td-headers-attr] serious 1 1 /small-businesses/learn-more/hra-guide all 1 pages (CSV)
<ul> and <ol> must only directly contain <li>, <script> or <template> elements [list] serious 1 1 /glossary all 1 pages (CSV)
Links must be distinguishable without relying on color [link-in-text-block] serious 1 1 /see-plans all 1 pages (CSV)

Siteimprove Alfa findings

Rule-level Alfa summary (14 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-W29, by pages affected
RuleImpactPages affectedInstancesExample pagesAll affected
Target size is at least 44×44 CSS pixels (Enhanced) [sia-r111] n/a 292 12414 /glossary/tty
/unemployed/cobra-coverage
/glossary/grievance		 all 292 pages (CSV)
Text has minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 [sia-r73] n/a 292 1759 /glossary/tty
/unemployed/cobra-coverage
/glossary/grievance		 all 292 pages (CSV)
aria attribute is permitted for element role [sia-r18] n/a 282 282 /glossary/tty
/unemployed/cobra-coverage
/glossary/grievance		 all 282 pages (CSV)
Form field label is visible [sia-r61] n/a 279 279 /glossary/tty
/unemployed/cobra-coverage
/glossary/grievance		 all 279 pages (CSV)
Target size is at least 24×24 CSS pixels or has spacing (Minimum) [sia-r113] n/a 48 48 /glossary/tty
/glossary/grievance
/glossary/health-reimbursement-account-hra		 all 48 pages (CSV)
Headings are structured hierarchically [sia-r53] n/a 8 8 /small-businesses/get-answers
/using-this-site
/shop-calculators-fte		 all 8 pages (CSV)
Text has enhanced contrast [sia-r66] n/a 6 15 /small-businesses/get-answers
/topics
/have-coverage		 all 6 pages (CSV)
Text has sufficient color contrast (Enhanced) [sia-r69] n/a 6 14 /small-businesses/get-answers
/topics
/have-coverage		 all 6 pages (CSV)
Scrolling content can be accessed by keyboard [sia-r57] n/a 3 3 /small-businesses/get-answers
/topics
/get-answers		 all 3 pages (CSV)
aria-hidden element does not contain focusable elements [sia-r17] n/a 2 6 /small-businesses/get-answers
/get-answers		 all 2 pages (CSV)
Image has accessible name [sia-r2] n/a 2 4 /income-and-household-information/income
/glossary/claim		 all 2 pages (CSV)
Accessible name of link or button matches visible label [sia-r14] n/a 2 3 /shop-calculators-fte
/shop-calculators-taxcredit		 all 2 pages (CSV)
Table header has scope [sia-r78] n/a 2 2 /marketplace-appeals/getting-help
/sitemap		 all 2 pages (CSV)
Element has required owned roles [sia-r64] n/a 1 1 /choose-a-plan/catastrophic-health-plans 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 (1822 raw engine findings → 1819 unique).

Unique issues (rule × page)
1819
Caught by both engines
3 highest confidence
axe only
594
Alfa only
1222
2 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-W29, by pages affected.
IssuePagesRule references
Headings should not be empty4axe empty-heading · Alfa sia-r64 · ACT ffd0e9
Images must have alternative text4axe image-alt · Alfa sia-r2 · ACT 23a2a8