As annual benefit registration approaches, it’s time to check your health literacy.
Health literacy refers to the ability to receive, understand, and communicate basic health information and services. These are all important factors in finding appropriate medical services, interacting with your primary care provider, and following recommended treatments.
People with low levels of health literacy are less likely to receive preventive care and more likely to end up in the emergency room or hospital. Our personal health literacy may vary depending on our age, education, cultural background, and overall communication skills.
Benefits of improving health literacy include improved ability to estimate health insurance premiums, better understanding of health measures, and increased ability to manage one’s own health.
Read this flyer from UMR to learn more about health literacy and how to improve it. You can also find definitions for medical terms and learn more about how insurance cost sharing works on pages 33 and 34 of the 2025 Annual Benefits Enrollment Guide.
