Applying for health coverage through a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires more than stating that you qualify. In many cases, the Health Insurance Marketplace must verify the information you provide, and this is where two commonly misunderstood terms come into play: DMI and SVI.

Failing to understand what these verification statuses mean, how they work, and the deadlines associated with them can lead to delays, loss of financial assistance, or even cancellation of your enrollment. This guide explains what DMI and SVI are, why they matter, and how to comply with verification requirements correctly.

Why the Marketplace Verifies SEP Information

The Marketplace automatically cross-checks your application details with federal and state databases. When information cannot be verified automatically, your application is flagged for manual review.

Verification ensures that:

• A qualifying life event actually occurred

• The event date is accurate

• You meet SEP eligibility requirements

• Your personal and financial data is consistent

This process is where DMI and SVI appear.

What Is DMI in the Marketplace?

DMI stands for Data Matching Issue.

What a DMI Means

A DMI occurs when the information you reported does not match available government records. This does not necessarily mean the information is wrong—it simply means the Marketplace cannot confirm it automatically.

Common DMI Examples

• Income that differs from IRS records

• Recent job changes

• Name or date of birth discrepancies

• Social Security number verification issues

• Pending immigration status confirmation

What Is SVI in the Marketplace?

SVI stands for Special Verification Issue.

What an SVI Means

An SVI is directly related to verifying the qualifying life event that gives you access to a Special Enrollment Period. The Marketplace requires proof that the event actually occurred.

Common SVI Examples

• Loss of prior coverage not confirmed automatically

• Recent relocation

• Marriage

• Birth or adoption

• Household composition changes

Key Differences Between DMI and SVI

Although often confused, they serve different purposes:

DMI

• Verifies personal or financial data

• May affect subsidies

• Usually allows longer deadlines

• Coverage may continue during review

SVI

• Verifies the qualifying life event

• May affect SEP eligibility

• Often has stricter, shorter deadlines

• SEP can be canceled if not verified

Both must be addressed promptly.

Why Verification Deadlines Matter

Each verification type has strict deadlines. Missing them may result in:

• Enrollment cancellation

• Loss or adjustment of premium tax credits

• Repayment obligations at tax time

• SEP closure

Typical DMI Deadlines

Most DMI cases allow:

• Up to 90 days to submit documents

• Coverage may remain active during this period

• Subsidies may be adjusted later

Risks of Ignoring a DMI

Failure to resolve a DMI can lead to:

• Loss of premium tax credits

• Unexpected tax liabilities

• Continued coverage without financial assistance

Typical SVI Deadlines

SVI cases usually have:

• About 30 days to submit proof

• Sometimes even shorter deadlines

• Missed deadlines may void your SEP

Risks of Ignoring an SVI

• Full enrollment cancellation

• Loss of access to coverage outside Open Enrollment

• Need to wait for the next enrollment period

Documents Commonly Requested for DMI

Depending on the issue, the Marketplace may request:

• Tax returns

• Recent pay stubs

• Employer verification letters

• Immigration documents

• Government-issued ID

Documents must be:

• Clear and legible

• Official and unaltered

• Dated

• Consistent with your application

Documents Commonly Requested for SVI

To verify a qualifying event, the Marketplace may request:

• Proof of loss of coverage letter

• COBRA notices

• Lease agreements or mortgage statements

• Marriage certificates

• Birth or adoption records

• Medicaid or CHIP eligibility notices

Submitting incorrect documentation may result in rejection.

How to Know If You Have a DMI or SVI

You may be notified through:

• Marketplace account messages

• Official emails

• Requests for supporting documents

• Notices stating “verification needed”

These notifications should never be ignored.

How to Upload Documents Correctly

Best practices include:

• Use PDF or JPG formats

• Avoid blurry photos

• Do not alter documents

• Upload only what is requested

• Double-check names and dates

Always keep submission confirmations.

What Happens During the Review Process

While verification is pending:

• Coverage may remain active

• Start dates may be delayed

• Additional documents may be requested

• Final determinations may take several weeks

Consistent follow-up is essential.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Confusing DMI with SVI

• Assuming verification resolves itself

• Uploading incorrect documents

• Missing submission deadlines

• Ignoring Marketplace notices

These mistakes are among the leading causes of coverage loss.

When to Seek Professional Assistance

Consider expert help if:

• You don’t understand what’s being requested

• Deadlines are tight

• Your SEP is at risk

• Documents show inconsistencies

• You want to protect your subsidies

Professional guidance can help ensure accurate and timely responses.

SEP verification deadlines, especially those involving DMI and SVI, are among the most critical—and misunderstood—parts of the ACA enrollment process.

Understanding what each verification type means, submitting the correct documentation, and meeting deadlines can be the difference between keeping your coverage or losing it. Staying informed and acting promptly is the best way to protect your access to health insurance.