Health Literacy and Medicaid

Explaining complex health care systems is one of the most difficult health literacy challenges. And helping people make decisions is another. HRA addressed both challenges in a project to help seniors and people with disabilities understand their Medi-Cal choices and make decisions about health plans. (Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program.)

With funding from the California Department of Health Care Services, HRA developed a user- friendly consumer guidebook based on extensive research with seniors and people with disabilities in English, Spanish, Chinese, and sign language. We tested and re-tested different versions with consumers and professionals to develop the content, designs and translations, and to ensure usability. For example, we tested and compared terms like "regular Medi-Cal" vs. "fee-for-service Medi-Cal" vs. "straight Medi-Cal." We developed and tested charts and other ways to clarify information.

Evaluation indicates that the guide helps beneficiaries understand their Medi-Cal choices and benefits, and feel confident about their ability to choose the right plan for themselves.

In 2008, the guide won the Institute for Healthcare Advancement's outstanding achievement award for a publication addressing health literacy barriers.