Health Literacy Month
Empowering individuals through improved health literacy to drive better health outcomes and foster equitable access to care.
Key Takeaways
October is Health Literacy Month, highlighting the importance of empowering individuals to make informed health decisions. With nearly 90% of adults struggling to understand health information, according to the CDC, low health literacy can lead to poor outcomes, higher hospitalizations, and increased health care costs.
October is Health Literacy Month and Myers & Stauffer Supports Informed Health Care Choices
As a firm committed to advancing public health care programs and ensuring accountability in health care systems, we understand that empowering individuals to make informed health decisions is at the core of a well-functioning system. Health literacy, defined as the ability to obtain, understand, and use health information to make informed decisions, is a critical factor in achieving positive health outcomes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 9 out of 10 adults struggle to fully comprehend and use health information. This challenge can lead to poor health outcomes, higher hospitalization rates, and increased health care costs.
Why Health Literacy Matters
Patients today are faced with an overwhelming amount of health information, whether it’s from health care providers, insurance plans, or public health initiatives. The complexity of medical terms, procedures, and instructions can often leave individuals feeling confused and uncertain about their choices. This is especially true for vulnerable populations, including those with low income, limited education, or language barriers. Improving health literacy means simplifying complex information, enhancing communication between health care providers and patients, and providing tools that allow patients to actively participate in their own care. When patients understand their conditions, treatment options, and preventive measures, they are more likely to adhere to prescribed treatments, avoid unnecessary hospital visits, and maintain healthier lifestyles.
How Myers and Stauffer Supports Health Literacy
We are proud to work with state and federal health care programs that serve millions of individuals, many of whom face barriers to understanding their health information. Our Consulting, Managed Care , Benefit/Program Integrity, and Audit teams, each backed by highly trained professionals, can help support and guide states seeking to address health literacy issues and improve their health programs. We can craft the right approaches and processes your state needs to help achieve greater parity and better outcomes and access in health care.
Related Insights
Health Literacy Challenges
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 9 out of 10 adults struggle to fully comprehend and use health information. This challenge can lead to poor health outcomes, higher hospitalization rates, and increased health care costs.
Strengthening Health Literacy
If your organization is looking for guidance on improving health literacy or needs support in enhancing public health care programs, our teams are ready to assist. Reach out to Myers and Stauffer today to learn how we can collaborate on developing tailored solutions that improve access to care, outcomes, and patient understanding.
Partner With Our Experienced Team
Whether you have questions about our services or are looking for a customized solution, our team is here to help.
Julia Kotchevar, MA
Director
Email: jkotchevar@mslc.com
Phone Number: 512-340-3586