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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.

Learning Together

Health knowledge, shared side by side

We bring plain-language health and benefits education into the community — in workshops, at kitchen tables, and online — so every Texas family can make confident decisions about their care.

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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