How to Improve Your Health Care Literacy | Virginia Employee Benefits Agents

Improving your health care literacy is one of the most empowering steps you can take toward better health. Health care literacy refers to your ability to understand, access, and use health information to make informed decisions about your care. From interpreting medical terms and navigating insurance plans to asking the right questions during appointments, strong health literacy skills can help you avoid confusion, reduce stress, and improve outcomes.

Consider the following tips to help you take charge of your health:

• Prepare before visiting a health care provider. List topics or concerns you would like to discuss and take notes during your appointment.
• Ask questions and clarify any unclear details. If something is unclear, don’t hesitate to ask for further explanation or request that your provider repeat it using simpler language.
• Request for health care materials. Your health care provider likely has plenty of instructional materials. Request visual aids, such as videos, diagrams or brochures, to help you better understand the information.
• Bring a friend or loved one to your appointment. Having someone join you during a visit to your health care provider can help with note-taking and asking questions you might miss.
• Attend health education events. Look for free educational activities such as lectures, webinars and health fairs. These events often feature interactive learning and advice from health care experts.
• Be a discerning media consumer. Be cautious about information from TV, social media or the internet, as it may be incomplete or inaccurate. Always verify what you learn with a health care professional to avoid harming yourself and others.
• Use technology to manage your health. Many apps and websites offer easy-to-understand explanations and tools for managing health. Use these digital platforms to learn about symptoms, track medications or book health care appointments.
• Join community programs. Community health initiatives include workshops and culturally relevant materials for diverse groups. Participating in these programs can help you gain relatable information and expert insight.

Health care literacy isn’t about memorizing medical textbooks; it’s about gaining the confidence and skills to make informed decisions. By asking questions, using trusted resources and understanding your coverage, you’ll be better prepared to take charge of your health.

Copayments, or copays, are a common form of cost sharing included with many health care plans. Understanding how your copayment works can help you manage your finances, avoid unexpected payments and plan your budget effectively. This article provides an overview of copayments and how they work.

A copayment is a fixed amount of money that you may be required to pay when you receive certain covered health care services or purchase prescription medications. It is a cost-sharing arrangement between you and your insurer in which your insurer covers the remaining portion of your medical expenses in exchange for your copay.

The exact cost of your copayment will vary depending on the health care plan you choose. For example, your copay for an annual checkup with your primary care physician might be $20, $25 or $30. Health insurance plans with higher premiums typically have lower copayments, whereas plans with lower premiums usually have higher copayments. If you visit the doctor frequently, you may decide that a plan with a high premium and low copayment is best for you. On the other hand, if you don’t plan to visit the doctor regularly, a plan with a low premium and high copayments might better suit your needs.

With many health insurance plans, you’ll be financially responsible for 100% of medical costs out of pocket until you’ve met your deductible. After meeting your deductible, you will typically be required to pay copayments for medical services. Copayments are typically paid at the time of service or when a prescription is filled.

However, not all health care plans have copayments, so it’s important to carefully read the terms and conditions of your health insurance policy to understand how your plan works.

The specific amount you must pay may vary depending on the type of service or medication you receive, as well as the terms of your insurance plan. For instance, primary care visits, specialist consultations and emergency room visits may have different copayment amounts. Additionally, some plans cover preventive care, meaning you will not have a copay for these services.

Understanding how key insurance terms and concepts can help you find the right health care plan for your needs, potentially saving you thousands of dollars every year.

© 2026 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.