How can health literacy affect a member's healthcare decisions?

Low health literacy can significantly influence a member's healthcare decisions, leading to misunderstandings about their healthcare options and benefits. When individuals do not fully comprehend their health information, they may struggle to make informed choices regarding their treatment options, preventive care, and benefits available to them. This can result in a lack of adherence to medical advice, missed opportunities for preventive screenings, and inappropriate use of healthcare services.

Understanding benefits clearly is crucial for members to select the appropriate plans and services that meet their health needs. Misinterpretation due to low health literacy can create barriers to accessing necessary care, ultimately affecting health outcomes. Promoting health literacy among members supports better engagement and encourages proactive healthcare behaviors, leading to improved health management and decision-making.