Only 12% of U.S. adults are proficient in health 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

Low health literacy costs the U.S. up to $238 billion each year.

From avoidable ER visits to missed diagnoses, the financial toll is staggering — and avoidable.

Source: Vernon et al., University of Connecticut Health Center. National Law Library of Medicine.

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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