# Accessibility bug reports — www.healthcare.gov, week 2026-W31

27 issue type(s) from 570 pages scanned. Generated 2026-07-27 by [vital-scans](https://github.com/mgifford/vital-core), following [accessibility bug-reporting best practices](https://mgifford.github.io/ACCESSIBILITY.md/examples/ACCESSIBILITY_BUG_REPORTING_BEST_PRACTICES.html).

> Automated checks find roughly a third of accessibility barriers. Fields marked "requires manual testing" cannot be observed by an automated scan and need a human with assistive technology.

---
## Target size is at least 24×24 CSS pixels or has spacing (Minimum) (WCAG 2.5.8)

**Bug ID:** `VS-d16a4efb`  
**Pattern ID:** `VS-179ad9b3`  
**URL:** https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/tty  
**XPath / selector:** `<a class="megaMenu-module--topic-link--97a32" href="/keep-or-change-plan/">`  
**WCAG SC:** 2.5.8 — Target Size (Minimum) (Level AA)  
**Rule:** Siteimprove Alfa — `sia-r113` ([reference](https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r113))  
**Severity:** Moderate  
**Frequency:** 39 instances; 39 of 570 pages affected
  
**History:** first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W31 (8 weeks)

### Description
Target size is at least 24×24 CSS pixels or has spacing (Minimum). Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r113 on 39 of 570 scanned pages (39 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
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/tty
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/employer-or-union-retiree-plans
- https://www.healthcare.gov/taxes/marketplace-plan-without-savings
- https://www.healthcare.gov/taxes-reconciling
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/biosimilar-biological-products
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/self-insured-plan
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/employer-shared-responsibility-payment
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/rehabilitative-rehabilitation-services
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/certified-applicant-counselor
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/patient-centered-outcomes-research
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/health-coverage
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/conversion
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/allowed-amount
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/non-preferred-provider
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/life-time-limit
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/grandfathered
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/cancelled-debts
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/prescription-drugs
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/annual-limit
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/well-baby-and-well-child-visits
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/co-op
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/value-based-purchasing-vbp
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/cobra
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/emergency-medical-transportation
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/state-insurance-department

…and more — 39 pages total ([download CSV](csv/alfa__sia-r113.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

### Example pages
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/tty
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/employer-or-union-retiree-plans
- https://www.healthcare.gov/taxes/marketplace-plan-without-savings

---

## Accessible name of link or button matches visible label (WCAG 2.5.3)

**Bug ID:** `VS-91a80526`  
**Pattern ID:** `VS-f7dba940`  
**URL:** https://www.healthcare.gov/shop-calculators-fte  
**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">`  
**WCAG SC:** 2.5.3 — Label in Name (Level A)  
**Rule:** Siteimprove Alfa — `sia-r14` ([reference](https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r14))  
**Severity:** Moderate  
**Frequency:** 3 instances; 2 of 570 pages affected
  
**History:** first seen 2026-W26, last seen 2026-W31 (5 weeks)

### 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
- https://www.healthcare.gov/shop-calculators-fte
- https://www.healthcare.gov/shop-calculators-taxcredit

### 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

### Example pages
- https://www.healthcare.gov/shop-calculators-fte
- https://www.healthcare.gov/shop-calculators-taxcredit

---

## Images must have alternative text (WCAG 1.1.1)

**Bug ID:** `VS-7d63dc37`  
**Pattern ID:** `VS-9074b4dd`  
**URL:** https://www.healthcare.gov/direct-enrollment  
**XPath / selector:** `div:nth-child(1) > div > img`  
**WCAG SC:** 1.1.1 — Non-text Content (Level A)  
**Rule:** axe-core — `image-alt` ([reference](https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/image-alt?application=axeAPI))  
**Severity:** Critical  
**Frequency:** 8 instances; 4 of 570 pages affected
  
**History:** first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W31 (8 weeks)

### HTML snippet
```html
<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/direct-enrollment.
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
- https://www.healthcare.gov/direct-enrollment
- https://www.healthcare.gov/verify-information
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/community-rating
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/payment-bundling

### 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

### Example pages
- https://www.healthcare.gov/direct-enrollment
- https://www.healthcare.gov/verify-information
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/community-rating

---

## <dl> elements must only directly contain properly-ordered <dt> and <dd> groups,  (WCAG 1.3.1)

**Bug ID:** `VS-5fc7a72b`  
**Pattern ID:** `VS-4bcaa7bf`  
**URL:** https://www.healthcare.gov/medicaid-chip/getting-medicaid-chip  
**XPath / selector:** `dl:nth-child(4)`  
**WCAG SC:** 1.3.1 — Info and Relationships (Level A)  
**Rule:** axe-core — `definition-list` ([reference](https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/definition-list?application=axeAPI))  
**Severity:** Serious  
**Frequency:** 4 instances; 2 of 570 pages affected
  
**History:** first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W31 (8 weeks)

### HTML snippet
```html
<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
- https://www.healthcare.gov/medicaid-chip/getting-medicaid-chip
- https://www.healthcare.gov/medicaid-chip

### 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

### Example pages
- https://www.healthcare.gov/medicaid-chip/getting-medicaid-chip
- https://www.healthcare.gov/medicaid-chip

---

## Table cell headers attributes must refer to other <th> elements in the same tabl (WCAG 1.3.1)

**Bug ID:** `VS-b2aec309`  
**Pattern ID:** `VS-07ba3b17`  
**URL:** https://www.healthcare.gov/small-businesses/learn-more/hra-guide  
**XPath / selector:** `table`  
**WCAG SC:** 1.3.1 — Info and Relationships (Level A)  
**Rule:** axe-core — `td-headers-attr` ([reference](https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/td-headers-attr?application=axeAPI))  
**Severity:** Serious  
**Frequency:** 1 instances; 1 of 570 pages affected
  
**History:** first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W31 (8 weeks)

### HTML snippet
```html
<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
- https://www.healthcare.gov/small-businesses/learn-more/hra-guide

### 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

---

## <ul> and <ol> must only directly contain <li>, <script> or <template> elements (WCAG 1.3.1)

**Bug ID:** `VS-2c7d8471`  
**Pattern ID:** `VS-a0bdbdf6`  
**URL:** https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary  
**XPath / selector:** `.jumpTool-module--jump-list--99f14`  
**WCAG SC:** 1.3.1 — Info and Relationships (Level A)  
**Rule:** axe-core — `list` ([reference](https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/list?application=axeAPI))  
**Severity:** Serious  
**Frequency:** 1 instances; 1 of 570 pages affected
  
**History:** first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W31 (8 weeks)

### HTML snippet
```html
<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
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary

### 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

---

## Element has required owned roles (WCAG 1.3.1)

**Bug ID:** `VS-60af428b`  
**Pattern ID:** `VS-3c632d31`  
**URL:** https://www.healthcare.gov/taxes-2023/no-health-coverage  
**XPath / selector:** `<h2>`  
**WCAG SC:** 1.3.1 — Info and Relationships (Level A)  
**Rule:** Siteimprove Alfa — `sia-r64` ([reference](https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r64))  
**Severity:** Moderate  
**Frequency:** 3 instances; 3 of 570 pages affected
  
**History:** first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W31 (7 weeks)

### Description
Element has required owned roles. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r64 on 3 of 570 scanned pages (3 instances).

### Steps to reproduce
1. Open https://www.healthcare.gov/taxes-2023/no-health-coverage.
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
- https://www.healthcare.gov/taxes-2023/no-health-coverage
- https://www.healthcare.gov/taxes-2023/other-health-coverage
- https://www.healthcare.gov/choose-a-plan/catastrophic-health-plans

### 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

### Example pages
- https://www.healthcare.gov/taxes-2023/no-health-coverage
- https://www.healthcare.gov/taxes-2023/other-health-coverage
- https://www.healthcare.gov/choose-a-plan/catastrophic-health-plans

---

## aria-hidden element is not exposed to assistive technology (WCAG 1.3.1)

**Bug ID:** `VS-3c90d707`  
**Pattern ID:** `VS-9207ed51`  
**URL:** https://www.healthcare.gov/small-businesses/learn-more/hra-guide  
**XPath / selector:** `@headers="header-cell-0-0:table--9f894b3a0"`  
**WCAG SC:** 1.3.1 — Info and Relationships (Level A)  
**Rule:** Siteimprove Alfa — `sia-r45` ([reference](https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r45))  
**Severity:** Moderate  
**Frequency:** 8 instances; 1 of 570 pages affected
  
**History:** first seen 2026-W28, last seen 2026-W31 (2 weeks)

### Description
aria-hidden element is not exposed to assistive technology. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r45 on 1 of 570 scanned pages (8 instances).

### Steps to reproduce
1. Open https://www.healthcare.gov/small-businesses/learn-more/hra-guide.
2. Locate the element: @headers="header-cell-0-0:table--9f894b3a0"
3. Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r45 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
- https://www.healthcare.gov/small-businesses/learn-more/hra-guide

### 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-r45

---

## Table cell has header (WCAG 1.3.1)

**Bug ID:** `VS-152a6561`  
**Pattern ID:** `VS-3f067795`  
**URL:** https://www.healthcare.gov/small-businesses/learn-more/hra-guide  
**XPath / selector:** `<td class="ds-u-text-align--left" role="cell" headers="header-cell-0-0:table--9f894b3a0" data-title=" ">`  
**WCAG SC:** 1.3.1 — Info and Relationships (Level A)  
**Rule:** Siteimprove Alfa — `sia-r77` ([reference](https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r77))  
**Severity:** Moderate  
**Frequency:** 8 instances; 1 of 570 pages affected
  
**History:** first seen 2026-W28, last seen 2026-W31 (2 weeks)

### Description
Table cell has header. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r77 on 1 of 570 scanned pages (8 instances).

### Steps to reproduce
1. Open https://www.healthcare.gov/small-businesses/learn-more/hra-guide.
2. Locate the element: <td class="ds-u-text-align--left" role="cell" headers="header-cell-0-0:table--9f894b3a0" data-title=" ">
3. 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
- https://www.healthcare.gov/small-businesses/learn-more/hra-guide

### 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

---

## Links must be distinguishable without relying on color (WCAG 1.4.1)

**Bug ID:** `VS-219e0619`  
**Pattern ID:** `VS-8ade3360`  
**URL:** https://www.healthcare.gov/see-plans  
**XPath / selector:** `.ds-u-padding--0`  
**WCAG SC:** 1.4.1 — Use of Color (Level A)  
**Rule:** axe-core — `link-in-text-block` ([reference](https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/link-in-text-block?application=axeAPI))  
**Severity:** Serious  
**Frequency:** 1 instances; 1 of 570 pages affected
  
**History:** first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W31 (8 weeks)

### HTML snippet
```html
<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
- https://www.healthcare.gov/see-plans

### 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

---

## ARIA attributes must conform to valid values (WCAG 4.1.2)

**Bug ID:** `VS-02936df9`  
**Pattern ID:** `VS-af36d20c`  
**URL:** https://www.healthcare.gov/agent-privacy-act-statement  
**XPath / selector:** `.index-module--search-form--93f38`  
**WCAG SC:** 4.1.2 — Name, Role, Value (Level A)  
**Rule:** axe-core — `aria-valid-attr-value` ([reference](https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/aria-valid-attr-value?application=axeAPI))  
**Severity:** Critical  
**Frequency:** 552 instances; 552 of 570 pages affected
  
**History:** first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W31 (8 weeks)

### HTML snippet
```html
<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
- https://www.healthcare.gov/agent-privacy-act-statement
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/vision-or-vision-coverage
- https://www.healthcare.gov/small-businesses/health-care-law-and-businesses/how-aca-affects-businesses
- https://www.healthcare.gov/choose-a-plan/your-total-costs
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/generic-drugs
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/tty
- https://www.healthcare.gov/unemployed/cobra-coverage
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/grievance
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/employer-or-union-retiree-plans
- https://www.healthcare.gov/small-businesses/shop-calculators-mpr
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/domestic-partnership
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/primary-care-physician
- https://www.healthcare.gov/coverage/birth-control-benefits
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/health-reimbursement-account-hra
- https://www.healthcare.gov/high-deductible-health-plan/setting-up-hsa
- https://www.healthcare.gov/private-plan-exceptions-outside-open-enrollment
- https://www.healthcare.gov/medicaid-chip/medicaid-expansion-and-you
- https://www.healthcare.gov/lower-costs/save-on-out-of-pocket-costs
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/cafeteria-plan
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/specialist
- https://www.healthcare.gov/health-coverage-exemptions/exemptions-from-the-fee
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/essential-health-benefits
- https://www.healthcare.gov/accessibility
- https://www.healthcare.gov/verify-information/documents-and-deadlines
- https://www.healthcare.gov/people-with-disabilities/coverage-options

…and more — 552 pages total ([download CSV](csv/axe-core__aria-valid-attr-value.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

### Example pages
- https://www.healthcare.gov/agent-privacy-act-statement
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/vision-or-vision-coverage
- https://www.healthcare.gov/small-businesses/health-care-law-and-businesses/how-aca-affects-businesses

---

## aria-hidden element does not contain focusable elements (WCAG 4.1.2)

**Bug ID:** `VS-1aa603d4`  
**Pattern ID:** `VS-f6cf30ff`  
**URL:** https://www.healthcare.gov/contact-us  
**XPath / selector:** `<div aria-labelledby="employers-employees-with-shop-offers-shop-agents-brokers-tab" aria-hidden="true" class="ds-c-tabs__panel twoTab-module--tab-panel--7512c" id="employers-employees-with-shop-offers`  
**WCAG SC:** 4.1.2 — Name, Role, Value (Level A)  
**Rule:** Siteimprove Alfa — `sia-r17` ([reference](https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r17))  
**Severity:** Moderate  
**Frequency:** 1 instances; 1 of 570 pages affected
  
**History:** first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W31 (7 weeks)

### Description
aria-hidden element does not contain focusable elements. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r17 on 1 of 570 scanned pages (1 instances).

### Steps to reproduce
1. Open https://www.healthcare.gov/contact-us.
2. Locate the element: <div aria-labelledby="employers-employees-with-shop-offers-shop-agents-brokers-tab" aria-hidden="true" class="ds-c-tabs__panel twoTab-module--tab-panel--7512c" id="employers-employees-with-shop-offers
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
- https://www.healthcare.gov/contact-us

### 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

---

## Elements must meet minimum color contrast ratio thresholds (WCAG 1.4.3)

**Bug ID:** `VS-5a2a75b1`  
**Pattern ID:** `VS-be8d563e`  
**URL:** https://www.healthcare.gov/small-businesses/get-answers  
**XPath / selector:** `#QSIFeedbackButton-btn > div > div:nth-child(2)`  
**WCAG SC:** 1.4.3 — Contrast (Minimum) (Level AA)  
**Rule:** axe-core — `color-contrast` ([reference](https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/color-contrast?application=axeAPI))  
**Severity:** Serious  
**Frequency:** 5 instances; 5 of 570 pages affected
  
**History:** first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W31 (8 weeks)

### HTML snippet
```html
<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
- https://www.healthcare.gov/small-businesses/get-answers
- https://www.healthcare.gov/contact-us
- https://www.healthcare.gov/topics
- https://www.healthcare.gov/small-businesses/topics
- https://www.healthcare.gov/get-answers

### 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

### Example pages
- https://www.healthcare.gov/small-businesses/get-answers
- https://www.healthcare.gov/contact-us
- https://www.healthcare.gov/topics

---

## Text has sufficient color contrast (Enhanced) (WCAG 1.4.3)

**Bug ID:** `VS-877dee2b`  
**Pattern ID:** `VS-f7e99f4b`  
**URL:** https://www.healthcare.gov/small-businesses  
**XPath / selector:** `text: "Sell SHOP health insurance to small businesses"`  
**WCAG SC:** 1.4.3 — Contrast (Minimum) (Level AA)  
**Rule:** Siteimprove Alfa — `sia-r69` ([reference](https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r69))  
**Severity:** Moderate  
**Frequency:** 20 instances; 5 of 570 pages affected
  
**History:** first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W31 (8 weeks)

### Description
Text has sufficient color contrast (Enhanced). Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r69 on 5 of 570 scanned pages (20 instances).

### Steps to reproduce
1. Open https://www.healthcare.gov/small-businesses.
2. Locate the element: text: "Sell SHOP health insurance to small businesses"
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
- https://www.healthcare.gov/small-businesses
- https://www.healthcare.gov/contact-us
- https://www.healthcare.gov/get-coverage
- https://www.healthcare.gov/small-businesses/topics
- https://www.healthcare.gov/have-coverage

### 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

### Example pages
- https://www.healthcare.gov/small-businesses
- https://www.healthcare.gov/contact-us
- https://www.healthcare.gov/get-coverage

---

## Text has enhanced contrast (WCAG 1.4.6)

**Bug ID:** `VS-77a3b501`  
**Pattern ID:** `VS-646b1e0b`  
**URL:** https://www.healthcare.gov/small-businesses  
**XPath / selector:** `text: "Sell SHOP health insurance to small businesses"`  
**WCAG SC:** 1.4.6 — Contrast (Enhanced) (Level AAA)  
**Rule:** Siteimprove Alfa — `sia-r66` ([reference](https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r66))  
**Severity:** Moderate  
**Frequency:** 21 instances; 5 of 570 pages affected
  
**History:** first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W31 (8 weeks)

### Description
Text has enhanced contrast. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r66 on 5 of 570 scanned pages (21 instances).

### Steps to reproduce
1. Open https://www.healthcare.gov/small-businesses.
2. Locate the element: text: "Sell SHOP health insurance to small businesses"
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
- https://www.healthcare.gov/small-businesses
- https://www.healthcare.gov/contact-us
- https://www.healthcare.gov/get-coverage
- https://www.healthcare.gov/small-businesses/topics
- https://www.healthcare.gov/have-coverage

### 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

### Example pages
- https://www.healthcare.gov/small-businesses
- https://www.healthcare.gov/contact-us
- https://www.healthcare.gov/get-coverage

---

## Text has minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 (WCAG 1.4.8)

**Bug ID:** `VS-d1a91508`  
**Pattern ID:** `VS-2208081b`  
**URL:** https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/tty  
**XPath / selector:** `<p class="ds-c-usa-banner__header-text">`  
**WCAG SC:** 1.4.8 — Visual Presentation (Level AAA)  
**Rule:** Siteimprove Alfa — `sia-r73` ([reference](https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r73))  
**Severity:** Moderate  
**Frequency:** 1709 instances; 281 of 570 pages affected
  
**History:** first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W31 (8 weeks)

### Description
Text has minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r73 on 281 of 570 scanned pages (1709 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
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/tty
- https://www.healthcare.gov/unemployed/cobra-coverage
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/employer-or-union-retiree-plans
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/primary-care-physician
- https://www.healthcare.gov/private-plan-exceptions-outside-open-enrollment
- https://www.healthcare.gov/lower-costs/save-on-out-of-pocket-costs
- https://www.healthcare.gov/health-coverage-exemptions/exemptions-from-the-fee
- https://www.healthcare.gov/people-with-disabilities/coverage-options
- https://www.healthcare.gov/taxes/marketplace-plan-without-savings
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/agent
- https://www.healthcare.gov/small-businesses/choose-and-enroll/qualify-for-shop-marketplace
- https://www.healthcare.gov/small-businesses
- https://www.healthcare.gov/taxes-2022/job-based-coverage
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/medically-necessary
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/retirement-benefit
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/health-care-workforce-incentive
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/patient-protection-and-affordable-care-act
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/brand-name-drugs
- https://www.healthcare.gov/self-employed
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/cost-sharing-reduction
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/reconcile
- https://www.healthcare.gov/income-and-household-information
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/platinum-health-plan
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/catastrophic-health-plan
- https://www.healthcare.gov/have-job-based-coverage/if-you-lose-job-based-coverage

…and more — 281 pages total ([download CSV](csv/alfa__sia-r73.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

### Example pages
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/tty
- https://www.healthcare.gov/unemployed/cobra-coverage
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/employer-or-union-retiree-plans

---

## Target size is at least 44×44 CSS pixels (Enhanced) (WCAG 2.5.5)

**Bug ID:** `VS-2d5747f0`  
**Pattern ID:** `VS-cb53cc4d`  
**URL:** https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/tty  
**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">`  
**WCAG SC:** 2.5.5 — Target Size (Enhanced) (Level AAA)  
**Rule:** Siteimprove Alfa — `sia-r111` ([reference](https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r111))  
**Severity:** Moderate  
**Frequency:** 12088 instances; 281 of 570 pages affected
  
**History:** first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W31 (8 weeks)

### Description
Target size is at least 44×44 CSS pixels (Enhanced). Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r111 on 281 of 570 scanned pages (12088 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
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/tty
- https://www.healthcare.gov/unemployed/cobra-coverage
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/employer-or-union-retiree-plans
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/primary-care-physician
- https://www.healthcare.gov/private-plan-exceptions-outside-open-enrollment
- https://www.healthcare.gov/lower-costs/save-on-out-of-pocket-costs
- https://www.healthcare.gov/health-coverage-exemptions/exemptions-from-the-fee
- https://www.healthcare.gov/people-with-disabilities/coverage-options
- https://www.healthcare.gov/taxes/marketplace-plan-without-savings
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/agent
- https://www.healthcare.gov/small-businesses/choose-and-enroll/qualify-for-shop-marketplace
- https://www.healthcare.gov/small-businesses
- https://www.healthcare.gov/taxes-2022/job-based-coverage
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/medically-necessary
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/retirement-benefit
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/health-care-workforce-incentive
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/patient-protection-and-affordable-care-act
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/brand-name-drugs
- https://www.healthcare.gov/self-employed
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/cost-sharing-reduction
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/reconcile
- https://www.healthcare.gov/income-and-household-information
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/platinum-health-plan
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/catastrophic-health-plan
- https://www.healthcare.gov/have-job-based-coverage/if-you-lose-job-based-coverage

…and more — 281 pages total ([download CSV](csv/alfa__sia-r111.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

### Example pages
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/tty
- https://www.healthcare.gov/unemployed/cobra-coverage
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/employer-or-union-retiree-plans

---

## Heading levels should only increase by one (WCAG criterion undetermined)

**Bug ID:** `VS-bae8371e`  
**Pattern ID:** `VS-d25f622d`  
**URL:** https://www.healthcare.gov/small-businesses/get-answers  
**XPath / selector:** `h4:nth-child(1)`  
**WCAG SC:** _undetermined_  
**Rule:** axe-core — `heading-order` ([reference](https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/heading-order?application=axeAPI))  
**Severity:** Moderate  
**Frequency:** 12 instances; 12 of 570 pages affected
  
**History:** first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W31 (8 weeks)

### HTML snippet
```html
<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
- https://www.healthcare.gov/small-businesses/get-answers
- https://www.healthcare.gov/health-plan-information
- https://www.healthcare.gov/using-this-site
- https://www.healthcare.gov/shop-calculators-fte
- https://www.healthcare.gov/marketplace-in-your-state
- https://www.healthcare.gov/sep-list
- https://www.healthcare.gov/shop-health-plan-information
- https://www.healthcare.gov/get-answers
- https://www.healthcare.gov/shop-dental-plan-information
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/federal-poverty-level-fpl
- https://www.healthcare.gov/dental-plan-information
- https://www.healthcare.gov/taxes/no-health-coverage

### 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

### Example pages
- https://www.healthcare.gov/small-businesses/get-answers
- https://www.healthcare.gov/health-plan-information
- https://www.healthcare.gov/using-this-site

---

## Landmarks should have a unique role or role/label/title (i.e. accessible name) c (WCAG criterion undetermined)

**Bug ID:** `VS-4f99ee73`  
**Pattern ID:** `VS-8806389c`  
**URL:** https://www.healthcare.gov/verify-information/documents-and-deadlines  
**XPath / selector:** `#box-content--3269fd380`  
**WCAG SC:** _undetermined_  
**Rule:** axe-core — `landmark-unique` ([reference](https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/landmark-unique?application=axeAPI))  
**Severity:** Moderate  
**Frequency:** 10 instances; 10 of 570 pages affected
  
**History:** first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W31 (8 weeks)

### HTML snippet
```html
<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 10 of 570 scanned pages (10 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
- https://www.healthcare.gov/verify-information/documents-and-deadlines
- https://www.healthcare.gov/have-job-based-coverage/change-to-marketplace-plan
- https://www.healthcare.gov/preventive-care-women
- https://www.healthcare.gov/unemployed/coverage
- https://www.healthcare.gov/medicaid-chip/transfer-to-marketplace
- https://www.healthcare.gov/agent-broker-quick-start
- https://www.healthcare.gov/unemployed
- https://www.healthcare.gov/small-businesses/learn-more/individual-coverage-hra
- https://www.healthcare.gov/medicaid-chip/using-medicaid-or-chip-coverage
- https://www.healthcare.gov/coverage-outside-open-enrollment/confirm-special-enrollment-period

### 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

### Example pages
- https://www.healthcare.gov/verify-information/documents-and-deadlines
- https://www.healthcare.gov/have-job-based-coverage/change-to-marketplace-plan
- https://www.healthcare.gov/preventive-care-women

---

## All page content should be contained by landmarks (WCAG criterion undetermined)

**Bug ID:** `VS-5fac57dc`  
**Pattern ID:** `VS-f18df681`  
**URL:** https://www.healthcare.gov/direct-enrollment  
**XPath / selector:** `.QSIPopOver > div:nth-child(1)`  
**WCAG SC:** _undetermined_  
**Rule:** axe-core — `region` ([reference](https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/region?application=axeAPI))  
**Severity:** Moderate  
**Frequency:** 8 instances; 4 of 570 pages affected
  
**History:** first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W31 (8 weeks)

### HTML snippet
```html
<div tabindex="0" style="top: 0px; left: 0px; position: absolute; z-index: 2000000000; 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/direct-enrollment.
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
- https://www.healthcare.gov/direct-enrollment
- https://www.healthcare.gov/verify-information
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/community-rating
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/payment-bundling

### 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

### Example pages
- https://www.healthcare.gov/direct-enrollment
- https://www.healthcare.gov/verify-information
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/community-rating

---

## Headings should not be empty (WCAG criterion undetermined)

**Bug ID:** `VS-2cccfa20`  
**Pattern ID:** `VS-0066c67d`  
**URL:** https://www.healthcare.gov/choose-a-plan/your-total-costs  
**XPath / selector:** `.index-module--content--6c4f4 > h3`  
**WCAG SC:** _undetermined_  
**Rule:** axe-core — `empty-heading` ([reference](https://dequeuniversity.com/rules/axe/4.12/empty-heading?application=axeAPI))  
**Severity:** Minor  
**Frequency:** 4 instances; 4 of 570 pages affected
  
**History:** first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W31 (8 weeks)

### HTML snippet
```html
<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
- https://www.healthcare.gov/choose-a-plan/your-total-costs
- https://www.healthcare.gov/taxes-2023/no-health-coverage
- https://www.healthcare.gov/taxes-2023/other-health-coverage
- https://www.healthcare.gov/choose-a-plan/catastrophic-health-plans

### 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

### Example pages
- https://www.healthcare.gov/choose-a-plan/your-total-costs
- https://www.healthcare.gov/taxes-2023/no-health-coverage
- https://www.healthcare.gov/taxes-2023/other-health-coverage

---

## aria attribute is permitted for element role (WCAG criterion undetermined)

**Bug ID:** `VS-7119267b`  
**Pattern ID:** `VS-e05344b9`  
**URL:** https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/tty  
**XPath / selector:** `@aria-labelledby="mm-topic-featured"`  
**WCAG SC:** _undetermined_  
**Rule:** Siteimprove Alfa — `sia-r18` ([reference](https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r18))  
**Severity:** Moderate  
**Frequency:** 276 instances; 276 of 570 pages affected
  
**History:** first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W31 (8 weeks)

### Description
aria attribute is permitted for element role. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r18 on 276 of 570 scanned pages (276 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
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/tty
- https://www.healthcare.gov/unemployed/cobra-coverage
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/employer-or-union-retiree-plans
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/primary-care-physician
- https://www.healthcare.gov/private-plan-exceptions-outside-open-enrollment
- https://www.healthcare.gov/lower-costs/save-on-out-of-pocket-costs
- https://www.healthcare.gov/health-coverage-exemptions/exemptions-from-the-fee
- https://www.healthcare.gov/people-with-disabilities/coverage-options
- https://www.healthcare.gov/taxes/marketplace-plan-without-savings
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/agent
- https://www.healthcare.gov/small-businesses/choose-and-enroll/qualify-for-shop-marketplace
- https://www.healthcare.gov/small-businesses
- https://www.healthcare.gov/taxes-2022/job-based-coverage
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/medically-necessary
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/retirement-benefit
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/health-care-workforce-incentive
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/patient-protection-and-affordable-care-act
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/brand-name-drugs
- https://www.healthcare.gov/self-employed
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/cost-sharing-reduction
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/reconcile
- https://www.healthcare.gov/income-and-household-information
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/platinum-health-plan
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/catastrophic-health-plan
- https://www.healthcare.gov/have-job-based-coverage/if-you-lose-job-based-coverage

…and more — 276 pages total ([download CSV](csv/alfa__sia-r18.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

### Example pages
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/tty
- https://www.healthcare.gov/unemployed/cobra-coverage
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/employer-or-union-retiree-plans

---

## Form field label is visible (WCAG criterion undetermined)

**Bug ID:** `VS-a2124d8e`  
**Pattern ID:** `VS-7118fead`  
**URL:** https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/tty  
**XPath / selector:** `{"type":"document","children":[{"type":"type","name":"html","publicId":null,"sys`  
**WCAG SC:** _undetermined_  
**Rule:** Siteimprove Alfa — `sia-r61` ([reference](https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r61))  
**Severity:** Moderate  
**Frequency:** 274 instances; 274 of 570 pages affected
  
**History:** first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W31 (8 weeks)

### Description
Form field label is visible. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r61 on 274 of 570 scanned pages (274 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
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/tty
- https://www.healthcare.gov/unemployed/cobra-coverage
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/employer-or-union-retiree-plans
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/primary-care-physician
- https://www.healthcare.gov/private-plan-exceptions-outside-open-enrollment
- https://www.healthcare.gov/lower-costs/save-on-out-of-pocket-costs
- https://www.healthcare.gov/health-coverage-exemptions/exemptions-from-the-fee
- https://www.healthcare.gov/people-with-disabilities/coverage-options
- https://www.healthcare.gov/taxes/marketplace-plan-without-savings
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/agent
- https://www.healthcare.gov/small-businesses/choose-and-enroll/qualify-for-shop-marketplace
- https://www.healthcare.gov/small-businesses
- https://www.healthcare.gov/taxes-2022/job-based-coverage
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/medically-necessary
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/retirement-benefit
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/health-care-workforce-incentive
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/patient-protection-and-affordable-care-act
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/brand-name-drugs
- https://www.healthcare.gov/self-employed
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/cost-sharing-reduction
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/reconcile
- https://www.healthcare.gov/income-and-household-information
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/platinum-health-plan
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/catastrophic-health-plan
- https://www.healthcare.gov/have-job-based-coverage/if-you-lose-job-based-coverage

…and more — 274 pages total ([download CSV](csv/alfa__sia-r61.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

### Example pages
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/tty
- https://www.healthcare.gov/unemployed/cobra-coverage
- https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/employer-or-union-retiree-plans

---

## Headings are structured hierarchically (WCAG criterion undetermined)

**Bug ID:** `VS-cc6419e1`  
**Pattern ID:** `VS-f054f4a4`  
**URL:** https://www.healthcare.gov/shop-calculators-fte  
**XPath / selector:** `<h4 style="text-transform: uppercase;">`  
**WCAG SC:** _undetermined_  
**Rule:** Siteimprove Alfa — `sia-r53` ([reference](https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r53))  
**Severity:** Moderate  
**Frequency:** 4 instances; 4 of 570 pages affected
  
**History:** first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W31 (8 weeks)

### Description
Headings are structured hierarchically. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r53 on 4 of 570 scanned pages (4 instances).

### Steps to reproduce
1. Open https://www.healthcare.gov/shop-calculators-fte.
2. Locate the element: <h4 style="text-transform: uppercase;">
3. Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r53.

### Impact
Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

### Affected pages
- https://www.healthcare.gov/shop-calculators-fte
- https://www.healthcare.gov/marketplace-in-your-state
- https://www.healthcare.gov/dental-plan-information
- https://www.healthcare.gov/taxes/no-health-coverage

### 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

### Example pages
- https://www.healthcare.gov/shop-calculators-fte
- https://www.healthcare.gov/marketplace-in-your-state
- https://www.healthcare.gov/dental-plan-information

---

## Scrolling content can be accessed by keyboard (WCAG criterion undetermined)

**Bug ID:** `VS-9293aa12`  
**Pattern ID:** `VS-c18be945`  
**URL:** https://www.healthcare.gov/contact-us  
**XPath / selector:** `text: "TAKE OUR SURVEY"`  
**WCAG SC:** _undetermined_  
**Rule:** Siteimprove Alfa — `sia-r57` ([reference](https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r57))  
**Severity:** Moderate  
**Frequency:** 2 instances; 2 of 570 pages affected
  
**History:** first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W31 (7 weeks)

### Description
Scrolling content can be accessed by keyboard. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r57 on 2 of 570 scanned pages (2 instances).

### Steps to reproduce
1. Open https://www.healthcare.gov/contact-us.
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
- https://www.healthcare.gov/contact-us
- https://www.healthcare.gov/small-businesses/topics

### 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

### Example pages
- https://www.healthcare.gov/contact-us
- https://www.healthcare.gov/small-businesses/topics

---

## Table header has scope (WCAG criterion undetermined)

**Bug ID:** `VS-991cedd7`  
**Pattern ID:** `VS-2cd767ca`  
**URL:** https://www.healthcare.gov/marketplace-appeals/getting-help  
**XPath / selector:** `<h2 class="index-module--content-heading--bc675 ds-text-heading--3xl ds-u-margin-top--4 ds-u-margin-bottom--2">`  
**WCAG SC:** _undetermined_  
**Rule:** Siteimprove Alfa — `sia-r78` ([reference](https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r78))  
**Severity:** Moderate  
**Frequency:** 2 instances; 2 of 570 pages affected
  
**History:** first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W31 (5 weeks)

### 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
- https://www.healthcare.gov/marketplace-appeals/getting-help
- https://www.healthcare.gov/sitemap

### 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

### Example pages
- https://www.healthcare.gov/marketplace-appeals/getting-help
- https://www.healthcare.gov/sitemap

---

## Focus is not lost after interaction (WCAG criterion undetermined)

**Bug ID:** `VS-8f13338f`  
**Pattern ID:** `VS-3804c2fa`  
**URL:** https://www.healthcare.gov/contact-us  
**XPath / selector:** `<button class="twoTab-module--mobile-tab-button--0010c" role="presentation">`  
**WCAG SC:** _undetermined_  
**Rule:** Siteimprove Alfa — `sia-r86` ([reference](https://alfa.siteimprove.com/rules/sia-r86))  
**Severity:** Moderate  
**Frequency:** 2 instances; 1 of 570 pages affected
  
**History:** first seen 2026-W24, last seen 2026-W31 (4 weeks)

### Description
Focus is not lost after interaction. Detected by Siteimprove Alfa rule sia-r86 on 1 of 570 scanned pages (2 instances).

### Steps to reproduce
1. Open https://www.healthcare.gov/contact-us.
2. Locate the element: <button class="twoTab-module--mobile-tab-button--0010c" role="presentation">
3. Confirm the Siteimprove Alfa finding for rule sia-r86.

### Impact
Not captured by automated scan — requires manual testing.

### Affected pages
- https://www.healthcare.gov/contact-us

### 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-r86