ACA Data Matching / Verification Notice

What Happened: You reported your income on the marketplace application, but it doesn't match IRS tax records or other income verification sources.

Why This Occurs:

• You estimated current income, but you recently started a new job or changed income (IRS has last year's old income)
• You had a job loss and current income is lower than last year's tax return
• You're self-employed and income fluctuates
• You received a bonus, tax refund, inheritance, or other one-time payment that inflated your estimated income

How to Fix It: Submit current proof of income:

• Most recent pay stubs (2–3 months) — This shows your CURRENT income
• Letter from employer confirming income and start date
• If self-employed: Recent tax return, profit/loss statement, or bank statements showing business income
• If unemployed: Unemployment benefits letter or award notice
• If you have zero income: Statement explaining why (just lost job, student, etc.)

What Happened: You said you're a U.S. citizen or authorized immigrant, but the marketplace couldn't verify this.

Why This Occurs:

• Social Security number doesn't match citizenship records
• Name inconsistencies (maiden name, legal change, etc.)
• Immigration status documentation not linked to records

How to Fix It: Submit citizenship/immigration documentation:

• U.S. Citizens: Copy of birth certificate, passport, or state ID showing citizenship
• Legal Permanent Residents (Green Card): Copy of green card (front and back)
• Refugees/Asylees: I-94 or other USCIS documentation
• Other Authorized Immigrants: Work permit, visa, or USCIS approval notice

Note: Undocumented immigrants don't qualify for marketplace insurance (with few exceptions).

What Happened: You said you don't have other health insurance, but the marketplace found that you might have employer coverage, Medicaid, or other insurance.

Why This Matters: You can't receive marketplace tax credits if you have other affordable coverage. The marketplace is checking to make sure you qualify for subsidies.

How to Fix It:

• If You Do Have Other Coverage: Tell the marketplace. You may not qualify for tax credits, but you can still buy a marketplace plan at full price if you want.
• If You Don't Have Other Coverage: Explain to the marketplace why it appears you do. Submit documentation:
  • Letter from employer saying you're not covered by their health plan
  • Proof that you terminated other coverage (cancellation letter from previous insurer)
  • Documentation that Medicaid ended or you don't qualify

What Happened: The Social Security number you provided doesn't match records.

Why This Occurs:

• Typo when entering SSN (numbers transposed, etc.)
• Name doesn't match Social Security records (married, divorced, legal name change)
• Recent SSN application that's not yet in Social Security's system

How to Fix It:

• Double-check your SSN and correct any typos
• If your name changed, update your SSN records with Social Security (you may need a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order)
• Submit copies of SSN card, state ID, or both to verify information

What Happened: Information about your dependent children doesn't match government records.

Why This Occurs: Name spelling differences, birth date discrepancies, or dependency documentation issues.

How to Fix It: Submit documentation for each dependent:

• Birth certificate
• Social Security card
• Court orders (custody, guardianship)
• Proof of residence showing the child lives with you

If you don't respond by the deadline:

• Tax Credit Reduced or Eliminated: Your subsidy may be taken away. You'll start paying the full premium (can be $300–$800+/month).
• Coverage Suspension: If you can't or don't pay the full premium, your coverage may be terminated.
• Reconciliation at Tax Time: If you've been receiving tax credits you weren't eligible for, you'll owe them back when you file taxes (surprise bill).

This is why responding quickly is critical.