Health Literacy Center

Understand your health and your benefits

Plain-language guides to help you feel confident — whether you're seeing a doctor, applying for benefits, or just trying to figure out where to start.

How to prepare for a doctor visit

Walk in ready so nothing important gets missed.

Write down your symptoms and when they started
Bring a list of all medications you take
Note any allergies and past conditions
Bring your ID and insurance or benefit cards

Questions to ask your doctor

Good questions lead to better care.

What is my diagnosis, and what does it mean?
What are my treatment options?
Are there lower-cost medication choices?
When should I follow up or seek more help?

Understanding Medicaid

Free or low-cost health coverage for those who qualify.

Covers many low-income adults, children, and pregnant people
Income limits vary by household size and situation
You can apply year-round — there is no deadline
We can help you check if you may qualify

Understanding Medicare

Health coverage for people 65+ and some with disabilities.

Part A covers hospital care; Part B covers doctor visits
Part D helps cover prescription drugs
Enroll around your 65th birthday to avoid penalties
Extra help is available for limited-income households

Understanding WIC

Nutrition support for pregnant people, babies, and young children.

Provides healthy food, formula, and nutrition guidance
For pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding people
Covers infants and children up to age 5
Many working families qualify

Understanding SNAP

Monthly help to buy groceries for your family.

Benefits load onto a card you use at most stores
Amount depends on income and household size
Applying does not affect most immigration cases
We can guide you through the application

How to avoid health misinformation online

Know what to trust before you act on it.

Check the source — prefer clinics, .gov, and .org sites
Be cautious of cures that sound too good to be true
Look for recent dates and named experts
When in doubt, ask a real provider or call us

Safe ways to use AI for health questions

AI can help you learn — but use it wisely.

Use AI to understand terms and prepare questions
Never use AI in a medical emergency — call 911
Don't share full personal or financial details
Always confirm advice with a licensed professional

Still have questions?

Ask Jessica, our AI assistant, or connect with a real navigator — free of charge.

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