Health care is more complex than ever. Between insurance terms, provider networks, prescriptions and billing, many employees are expected to navigate a system that isn’t always easy to understand.
Low health literacy is common in the United States. Many adults struggle to interpret medical instructions, understand insurance coverage or identify reliable health information. When that happens, it can lead to missed care, unnecessary costs and avoidable confusion.
For employers, this creates a real opportunity to help.
Improving employee health-care literacy isn’t just a benefits issue. It supports better decision-making and more effective use of available resources.
What Is Health-Care Literacy?
Health-care literacy is the ability to find, understand and use health information to make informed decisions.
In the workplace, that often shows up in simple but important ways, such as:
- Understanding what a plan covers
- Knowing when and where to seek care
- Following medication or treatment instructions
- Navigating billing and insurance terms
When employees struggle in these areas, they are more likely to delay care or experience unexpected costs.
Why It Matters for Employers
When health information is confusing, employees don’t always ask questions. They may avoid care, use emergency services when it isn’t necessary or misunderstand what their benefits actually include.
That can impact both employee well-being and overall cost control for organizations.
Supporting health-care literacy helps employees make better use of their benefits and feel more confident in their decisions.
How Employers Can Improve Health-Care Literacy
Make Information Easier to Understand
Benefits materials are often filled with technical language. Employers can work with providers to simplify documents and focus on plain language summaries that highlight what employees actually need to know.
Offer Support During and After Enrollment
Open enrollment is important, but it shouldn’t be the only touchpoint. One-on-one support, whether through HR or a benefits partner, helps employees better understand their options throughout the year.
Use Multiple Communication Channels
Employees absorb information differently. Short guides, FAQs, newsletters and digital tools can help reinforce key topics like preventive care, provider selection and medical billing.
Leverage Technology
Mobile apps and online portals give employees faster access to plan details, claims information and provider networks. Making these tools easy to use can reduce confusion and improve access to care.
Encourage Preventive Care
Regular checkups, screenings and vaccinations help catch issues early. Clear communication about what is covered and why it matters can increase participation in preventive services.
Build Ongoing Communication
Health-care literacy improves with repetition. Regular reminders and updates help employees feel more confident navigating their benefits and understanding how to use them effectively.
The Bottom Line
Health-care literacy affects more than just understanding benefits. It influences how employees access care, manage their health and make financial decisions tied to medical costs.
Employers who prioritize clarity and communication help create a healthier, more informed workforce, and a benefits experience that actually works the way it should.
This article was originally written for The MBA‘s Business Magazine and can be read here.