Empowering communities with health literacy to improve care, reduce costs, and build trust in the healthcare system.
Adrian Jordan, CEO and President, Wellpoint DC
Health literacy isn’t just about understanding medical jargon—it’s about feeling confident and empowered to take charge of your health. Yet for millions of Americans, navigating medical information, weighing treatment options, and making sense of insurance benefits can feel overwhelming.
In Washington, D.C., where many residents face unique challenges accessing care, this complexity can become a serious barrier. Health literacy—the ability to obtain, process, and understand basic health information—is essential for making informed health decisions. For the nearly 70,000 residents we serve through Wellpoint DC’s Medicaid programs, building this skill can truly be life-changing.
Many patients who struggle with reading or understanding health information feel embarrassed to admit it. Fear of being judged can make them hesitant to ask questions—or even cause them to skip appointments altogether. When these challenges go unspoken, the risks are real: taking medication incorrectly, missing critical details about care, or even facing misdiagnosis.
In communities where families often face both economic and language barriers, health literacy serves as a bridge to better health outcomes. Residents who understand their health information are more likely to stay engaged in preventive care, including regular checkups, vaccinations, and healthy lifestyle choices. They can recognize warning signs of illness early, seek timely treatment, clearly explain symptoms, understand diagnoses, and actively participate in care decisions. This understanding also helps build trust and confidence in the healthcare system.
Poor health literacy also carries a significant financial impact, exceeding $100 billion annually. These costs are largely due to increased hospitalizations, unnecessary emergency visits, and medication errors. But beyond the numbers, it’s about real families in our neighborhoods who struggle to manage their health without the right support.
Practical Steps for Building Health Literacy
- Ask questions during medical visits. Write them down in advance, and don’t leave until you feel confident about the answers. This helps you fully understand your care plan.
- Use the “teach-back” method. Repeat instructions in your own words so both you and your provider are on the same page.
- Keep a personal health record. Track medications, allergies and health history to stay organized and informed.
- Prioritize preventive care. Schedule regular checkups, vaccinations, and screenings to catch health issues early.
- Know your family health history. Share patterns of illness with your provider to receive more personalized care.
Wellpoint DC is committed to connecting members to quality healthcare services that improve outcomes and help families stay healthy. Through partnerships like The DC Connected Care Network, which unites seven community health centers, we’re working to bring care closer to home, reduce unnecessary ER visits, lower hospital readmissions, and provide families with the ongoing support they need for lasting health improvements.
By working together to strengthen health literacy, we can help every resident take charge of their care and build a healthier D.C. community.
Adrian Jordan, a Washington, D.C. native, is CEO and President of Wellpoint DC, a managed care organization serving the District.
#HealthLiteracy, #PreventiveCare, #HealthcareAccess
