Enhancing Health Literacy through Advocacy
The Challenge
The organization realized that many of their employees did not understand basic insurance terms like deductibles or coinsurance, leading to poor healthcare decisions and unexpected bills. This lack of literacy was especially prevalent among their entry-level staff.
The IMPACT
The confusion was leading to a lack of participation in the plan and a reliance on high-cost emergency care. Leadership felt that their current communication strategy was too technical and was failing to reach the employees who needed it most.
The Strategy
JA redesigned the education materials using plain language and visual aids, and we provided a dedicated member advocate to answer questions in real-time. We focused on ‘just-in-time’ education that provided employees with the information they needed exactly when they were making a care decision.
THE OUtcome
The literacy initiative led to higher plan participation and a more confident workforce. By prioritizing clear communication and personalized support, the company created a more equitable and effective benefits environment for every employee.
Things Employers Should Consider
Healthcare is complex, but your communication doesn’t have to be. Improving health literacy is a critical step in ensuring that your benefits plan is actually used for the benefit of your employees. Employers should focus on grounded, accessible education that empowers their workforce to make informed healthcare choices.