Why Health Literacy Matters — And What’s At Stake

Health literacy affects how well people can understand and act on medical information. Nearly 9 in 10 U.S. adults struggle with health literacy, meaning they’re more likely to misinterpret medical instructions, skip preventive care, or delay seeking help altogether. (CDC)

According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, only 12% of U.S. adults are proficient in health literacy. Among older adults, that number drops to just 3%. (National Assessment of Adult Literacy)

Most Americans struggle to understand the very information that guides their care. That means nearly 9 out of 10 adultsare at risk of misinterpreting medical instructions, reports, or test results.

Source: U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (health.gov/health-literacy)Press Release 06:25 CDC Understanding your health literacy. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services – Health Literacy Fact Sheet

The Real-World Impact

Patients with low health literacy are:

• 31% more likely to be hospitalized

• 40% less likely to seek preventive care

• More likely to skip follow-up or misunderstand medication instructions
  (AHRQ)

Low health literacy costs the U.S. healthcare system up to $238 billion annually due to avoidable ER visits, missed diagnoses, and poor outcomes.
(Vernon et al., University of Connecticut)

Patients with low health literacy are:

• 31% more likely to be hospitalized

• 40% less likely to seek preventive care

• More likely to skip follow-up or misunderstand medication instructions

Source: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)

Among adults 65 and older, only 3% are proficient in health literacy.

This leaves many older Americans confused and vulnerable during critical moments of care.

Source: National Assessment of Adult Literacy (NAAL)

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