When it comes to your health, people talk about a different kind of literacy, called health literacy, which the National Institutes of Health (NIH) describes as “the degree to which individuals have the ability to find, understand, and use information and services to inform health-related decisions and actions for themselves and others.”
Health literacy has nothing to do with formal education. Even individuals with advanced degrees can struggle with making decisions about their own health. Someone who is health literate knows how to find information about their health and put it to use. They focus on making well-informed healthcare decisions, including decisions about their health insurance. When someone is health literate, they’re able to play a more active role in improving their own health and the health of their family members.
Improving health literacy is something that could benefit us all. And yet, research has found that only 12% of Americans are considered “proficient” when it comes to health literacy. To brush up on your own health literacy skills, here are some steps you can take towards being your own best health advocate.
- Know your goals and make a plan when you visit a provider. Doctor’s appointments are often brief and can feel rushed. Plus, many people feel stressed when they go to the doctor. Before your appointment, think about what you want to say and the questions you want to ask. Be sure to write everything down. That way, even if you draw a blank at the appointment, you have your list to turn to.
- Ask for a translator or bring one with you. If your first language is different than the language spoken in your doctor’s office, and you have concerns about communicating, ask in advance if the office has any translation services. If not, be sure to bring someone who can translate for you.
- Bring up-to-date information with you about your health and health history. That can include a list of health conditions that have impacted your family, health challenges you’ve had yourself, medications you take and more.
- Take notes. Don’t be afraid to jot things down during your appointment. If it helps, bring a friend or family member along so they can listen in, take notes and ask questions, too.
- If you don’t understand something, ask the provider to explain it. Don’t feel shy about asking questions. If a health care provider is using scientific words or language that doesn’t make sense to you, ask if they can translate it into plain language. Then, repeat back to them what you heard to be sure you’re understanding the message correctly.
- Ask your doctor where you can find more information. It’s tempting to turn to the internet and do our own research on health conditions, medications, treatments and more. Seeking information is an integral part of health literacy. However, the information must come from trusted sources. Your healthcare team is qualified to share those sources with you. They may even be able to provide you with handouts or share videos about specific topics.
- Attend classes and lectures about health topics at your local colleges, community centers and health systems. Physicians and other care providers often host events aimed at educating patients, caregivers and the public on a whole array of health topics. Check out what’s available in your area and drop by a session.
- Learn the language. Health care seems to have its own code, whether you’re talking to providers or your insurance company. If you don’t understand something you hear or read, ask for the definition or look it up. For health insurance terms, this glossary is a good place to start.
- Make the most of your health insurance plan. Health insurance helps protect your health and finances, and it’s most effective when you use it as much as you can. When you’re an active participant in your plan, it means you understand what your plan covers. You use those benefits when you’re healthy (for example, you see your doctor regularly and get the vaccines and screenings they recommend) as well as when you’re sick. In addition, your health insurance may offer benefits such as discounted gym memberships that help you reach your own health goals. Log in to myBlueCross today and learn about what you might be missing.
- In case of an emergency, be prepared. You can’t always prevent an emergency, but you can prepare for one. When it comes to your health, preparation starts with understanding your insurance policy and what it covers. It’s also helpful to research what facilities are available in your area and understand when to go to the emergency room vs. when to go to urgent care. An emergency fund can also provide peace of mind in case something unexpected happens.
- Know where to turn for help. If you’re confused about something that concerns your health, you should always ask for assistance. If it’s a concern involving your physical or mental health, reach out to your provider. You may be able to call the office or send a message through the patient portal to get an answer, or they may ask you to come in for an appointment. If you need help with insurance claims or coverage, contact your insurance company by email or phone and ask for assistance.
- Understand the importance of health literacy. When an individual is interested and invested in improving their own health, it benefits everyone. A person who is health literate may be more likely to act as a partner with their health care providers and their insurance provider to make informed decisions about their care. When that benefits their health and wellness, everybody wins.
