Why Healthcare Providers Must Prioritize WCAG Compliance in 2025
In 2024, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a final ruling requiring all healthcare providers who receive government funding to meet specific accessibility standards for their digital platforms. The ruling sets a clear deadline of May 11, 2026, for compliance, emphasizing the importance of creating inclusive, accessible online experiences. At the heart of this mandate is adherence to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Level AA standards.
For healthcare providers, digital accessibility is no longer optional. This article explains what WCAG is, why compliance is critical, and how to prepare for the upcoming deadline.
What Is WCAG?
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are a set of internationally recognized standards developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) to make digital content accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. These guidelines cover four core principles:
- Perceivable: Content must be presented in ways that users can easily perceive, such as providing text alternatives for images or captions for videos.
- Operable: Users must be able to navigate and interact with content, including through assistive technologies like screen readers.
- Understandable: Content and navigation must be clear and predictable.
- Robust: Digital platforms must be compatible with a wide range of devices and assistive technologies.
Why Does WCAG Compliance Apply to Healthcare Providers?
The HHS ruling ties compliance with WCAG to legal requirements under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. This means any healthcare provider receiving federal financial assistance must ensure their digital properties meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards.
Failure to comply could result in:
- Legal repercussions, including lawsuits or fines.
- Loss of federal funding.
- Harm to reputation and exclusion of patients with disabilities.
The Cost of Non-Compliance
Ignoring the May 2026 deadline is not an option. Non-compliance could lead to penalties and reputational damage, but more importantly, it undermines your mission to provide equitable care. Accessible digital platforms improve patient outcomes, foster trust, and align with modern inclusivity standards.
Average Timelines for Compliance
Meeting WCAG standards is a complex, multi-step process that varies based on the size and complexity of your digital properties. Below are general estimates:
| Website Size | Average Compliance Timeline |
|---|---|
| Small Websites (10–20 pages): | 2–4 months |
| Medium Websites (20–50 pages): | 4–8 months |
| Large Websites (50+ pages): | 8–12+ months |
These timelines account for activities such as audits, remediation, testing, and user validation. Starting early ensures you stay on track to meet the deadline.
Average Costs for WCAG Compliance?
The cost of achieving WCAG compliance also varies based on the size and complexity of your website, as well as the level of accessibility required. Below is a general breakdown to help you understand what to expect:
| Website Size | Average Cost Range | Factors Influencing Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small Websites (10–20 pages): | $5,000–$15,000 | Basic audits, remediation of simple issues, and light testing. |
| Medium Websites (20–50 pages): | $15,000–$50,000 | More in-depth audits, complex fixes, and testing with assistive technologies. |
| Large Websites (50+ pages): | $50,000–$100,000+ | Comprehensive audits, large-scale remediation, ongoing monitoring, and user testing. |
What Affects the Cost of WCAG Compliance?
- Website Complexity: More intricate designs or advanced functionality (e.g., booking systems, patient portals) require additional effort to make accessible.
- Level of Accessibility Needed: Achieving WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards involves addressing more nuanced issues than basic compliance levels.
- Remediation Approach: The cost can differ based on whether you update your existing website or rebuild it entirely.
- Testing Requirements: Including user testing with individuals with disabilities adds to the cost but ensures real-world accessibility.
How to Prepare
- Perform an Accessibility Audit: Identify gaps in your website’s current state.
- Create a Remediation Plan: Prioritize fixes based on severity and impact.
- Engage Experts: Digital accessibility is a specialized field requiring technical expertise and familiarity with WCAG standards.
- Test with Users: Include individuals with disabilities in your testing process to ensure real-world effectiveness.
- Monitor and Maintain: Accessibility is not a one-time task but an ongoing commitment.
Why AccessiTREE Is the Right Partner
At AccessiTREE, we specialize in helping healthcare providers align with WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards. Our team understands the unique challenges of healthcare organizations, blending technical expertise with a patient-centered approach.
What Sets Us Apart
- Tailored Solutions: We create phased remediation plans based on your budget, priorities, and deadlines.
- Expert Team: Our professionals have deep expertise in regulated industries, ensuring we align with the unique needs of your organization.
- Comprehensive Support: From audits to remediation and testing, we provide end-to-end services designed to meet your goals.
Ready to Begin?
Do not wait until the deadline looms closer. Start your journey toward compliance today by requesting a free WCAG accessibility assessment with AccessiTREE. Together, we will create a roadmap for success.