Personal health literacy describes “ability to find, understand, and use information and services to inform health-related decisions and actions for themselves and others” (CDC, 2024). Health literacy significantly affects healthcare decision-making for people by enabling them to access, understand, and use health information effectively. Health literacy is important for support in making informed health decisions.  According to the CDC and the National Assessment of Adult Literacy (NAAL), adults over the age of 60 have difficulty using print materials, forms, or charts, and interpreting numbers or completing calculations. As a result of limited health literacy, health outcomes for older adults involve increased health disparities, cost of care, poor health, use of health care services, and errors in medical and medication management (CDC, 2024; NAAL, 2003). The complexities of health information and health systems can be overwhelming, not just for older adults but also for their support systems. This can bring health inequities and challenges in understanding, making health-related decisions, and collaboration with their care teams.  Medication instructions can be complex. Some medications must be taken on an empty stomach,
at specific times, or in combination with other treatments. The language used to explain these
instructions can also be confusing. Limited health literacy can make medication management
difficult for older adults. Some may take medications incorrectly, while others may feel
overwhelmed and stop taking them altogether. These mistakes can lead to complications that
require additional doctor or emergency room visits. Preventable complications such as these place financial strain on both the individual and the
healthcare system. Additional doctor visits, urgent care appointments, and emergency room visits
increase healthcare costs for patients and taxpayers alike. Many of these complications could be
prevented through better communication that comes from a better understanding of health
information. Health literacy programs are, therefore, not only an investment in individual
well-being but also a cost-saving public health strategy. Older adults with limited health literacy often face major barriers when trying to
understand healthcare information. Medical communication frequently includes complex
terminology that can be difficult for patients without a medical background to interpret.
Additionally, older adults must also navigate complex healthcare systems. Choosing between
Medicare plans, understanding insurance coverage limits, and managing multiple prescriptions
from different healthcare providers can be overwhelming. These challenges highlight the need
for improved health literacy support and clearer healthcare communication for older adults. Community-based health literacy programs provide essential resources, teaching seniors to read
and follow medication instructions and to navigate complex insurance systems such as Medicare
and Medicaid. These programs also foster clearer communication between patients and
providers, empowering older adults to ask questions and make informed healthcare decisions.
Improved health literacy reduces medication errors and unnecessary hospital visits.
We urge the New York State Legislature to increase funding through the New York State
Department of Health to support community-based health literacy programs for older adults.
This crucial investment will allow communities to expand educational programs that help seniors
understand medication instructions, navigate insurance systems, and follow medical guidance.
Increased funding will enable more older adults to stay healthy, avoid preventable medical
mistakes, and maintain their independence. 
Join us in advocating for health literacy education so that New York can protect its aging
population, empower seniors to control their health, and build a healthier future for everyone.