HJNO Jan/Feb 2026

HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF NEW ORLEANS  I  JAN / FEB 2026 47 Dana Lawson, DNP, MHA, MSN, APRN, CCM Senior Vice President of Population Health Clinical Operations and Health Equity Louisiana Healthcare Connections internet access (Fitzpatrick, 2023). Individ- uals may struggle to download apps, com- plete online forms, or understand remote monitoring instructions. Cognitive, Behavioral, and Emotional Factors Chronic stress, mental health condi- tions, and trauma exposure can impair concentration, memory, and confidence in interacting with the health system. Shame associated with reading challenges may further inhibit patients from asking clari- fying questions or admitting confusion (Yu et al., 2025). Strategies for Strengthening Health Literacy Given their central role in coordinating services, designing benefits, and commu- nicating with members, healthcare provid- ers, health plans, and community-based organizations are uniquely positioned to lead health literacy initiatives. The following strategies offer practical, evi- dence-based approaches. Implement Plain Language Across All Patient Touchpoints Health entities should adopt standard- ized plain language guidelines to ensure that written and verbal communication is clear, actionable, and culturally appropri- ate (Seidel et al., 2023). This includes: • Written materials at a sixth grade reading level or lower. • Short sentences with familiar words and visual aids. • Everyday language instead of techni- cal terminology (e.g., “heart doctor” instead of “cardiologist”). • Linguistically accurate and culturally sensitive translations. • Materials reviewed byMedicaidmem- bers to ensure comprehension. Clear communication reduces confu- sion, improves trust, and increases com- pliance with preventive screenings and chronic disease management. Expand Care Management Through Health Literacy–Informed Practices Care managers, community health workers, peer support workers, and social workers are essential in bridging gaps be- tween medical recommendations and an individual’s daily realities. Provider groups and health entities can enhance their im- pact through: • Training in teach-back methods to confirm understanding. • Motivational interviewing to build confidence and self-management skills. • Integrating SDOH assessments to identify literacy-related barriers such as food insecurity, low digital access, or medication costs. • Coordinating outreach for high-risk members to simplify care transitions and reinforce medication instruc- tions. Embedding community health workers within care teams has shown strong out- comes, particularly for individuals with chronic conditions or low English profi- ciency (Romanova et al., 2024). 2024). Limited understanding of medi- cal terminology or care instructions can result in incomplete treatment plans, mismanagement of chronic illness, and decreased adherence to recommended screenings. These complications not only worsen morbidity but also contribute to increased costs for the healthcare eco- system. Barriers to Health Literacy Structural and System-Level Barriers ManyMedicaidmembers navigate com- plex delivery systems involving multiple providers, care managers, and community resources. Fragmented communication, limited access to digital health tools, and unfamiliarity with complex administrative processes create substantial confusion (Yu et al., 2025). Letters and emails written at high reading levels further erode trust and comprehension. Cultural and Linguistic Barriers A growing proportion of Medicaid ben- eficiaries speak languages other than En- glish. Even when interpretation services are available, health messages may not reflect cultural norms, preferred learn- ing styles, or community-specific health beliefs (Yu et al., 2025). This mismatch re- duces the effectiveness of care plans and discourages active participation. Digital Literacy Gaps The expansion of telehealth and patient portals has improved access for many but, inadvertently, it has widened disparities for those without digital literacy or reliable