New health literacy report to promote clear health communication from Cigna Foundation

CIGNA Foundation forum on Health Literacy held last fall and outlined in CIGNA Foundation’s new health literacy report.

CIGNA Foundation forum on Health Literacy held last fall and outlined in CIGNA Foundation’s new health literacy report. “Drug list” instead of “formulary.” “Person” instead of “member.” “Pay” instead of “adjudicate. “Drug list” instead of “formulary.” “Person” instead of “member.” “Pay” instead of “adjudicate. These are just a few examples of the words that CIGNA is beginning to use as part of its commitment to clear health communication

The report is available now, Improving Health Begins with Understanding, features recommendations on how health professionals can better communicate with everyone, including older adults and people for whom English is a second language to help people better understand and use the information that is vital to their health, well-being and security.

Gianna Jackson, executive director of the CIGNA Foundation said, Health care can be complicated and frustrating. Ninety million people in the United States struggle to understand health information. It’s our responsibility to speak plainly, to stop using jargon and to simplify the language of health care. Helping people through the words we use with customers and throughout communities is one way we can make the pathway to good health less complicated and more personal.

CIGNA Foundation Forum on Health Literacy was the first in a series of annual community events on major health topics.