Fact-Checking Policy

1. Sources of Verification

All factual claims are verified using primary and authoritative sources. We prioritize, in order:

1. Primary government sources: Statutory text, federal regulations, official government websites (HealthCare.gov, CMS.gov, IRS.gov, HHS.gov)
2. Official data and reports: CBO reports, GAO reports, HHS Inspector General findings, state insurance department data
3. Peer-reviewed research: Academic studies published in reputable journals, particularly in health policy, public health, and health economics
4. Authoritative secondary sources: Reputable nonprofit research organizations, university research centers, and major media outlets with established fact-checking processes

2. Verification Process

Each factual claim undergoes the following verification process:

• Identification: All factual claims — including statistics, dates, dollar amounts, policy details, and legal citations — are explicitly identified during the writing process.
• Source Check: Each claim is traced to its original source. Secondary citations are verified against primary sources whenever possible.
• Cross-Verification: Claims are cross-checked against at least two independent authoritative sources when available.
• Context Review: Facts are reviewed for contextual accuracy — ensuring numbers, dates, and policy details are presented in the correct context.
• Editorial Sign-Off: A senior editor signs off on fact-checking before publication.

3. Ongoing Review

Factual content is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains current. Laws, regulations, and policies change — we update content to reflect those changes. Content that has not been reviewed within 12 months receives priority re-review.

4. Corrections

If an error is identified — whether through our own review or through user feedback — we correct it promptly and transparently. See our Corrections Policy for details on how errors are classified, corrected, and communicated.

5. Independence

Fact-checking is conducted independently of any commercial, political, or external influence. No advertiser, sponsor, or partner has input into fact-checking decisions or outcomes. Our commitment is to the accuracy of the information, not to any particular outcome or viewpoint.

6. Report an Error

If you believe you have found an error in our content, please contact us with the details, including the page URL, the claim in question, and the source of the correct information.