Horizon Health Literacy Program

Functionally illiterate adults are likely to have low health literacy skills and are often unable to read and understand even simple health-related information, such as direc­tions on a medicine bottle or information about how to manage a chronic condition like diabetes. A study by the National Academy on an Aging Society estimated that about $73 billion in healthcare expenditures are a result of low illiteracy rates.  Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey (Horizon-BCBSNJ) recognized the health and economic implications that accompany limited literacy skills and launched a program to help prepare tomorrow's health consumers today.

Program Elements

• Horizon-BCBSNJ responded to these startling statistics with a program to improve the reading comprehension skills of children.
  
  
• Targeting children with a Health Literacy Program may be more appropriate because children are more impressionable by their environment; they are also in a better position to affect change in the household and subsequently in the community.
  
  
• Horizon-BCBSNJ partnered with Boys & Girls Clubs of Newark and Atlantic City to establish mentoring programs to help children improve their reading skills while incorporating health-related material into the program.

Program Results

• The Horizon Health Literacy Program has helped more than 1,000 children, under the guidance of 65 teen mentors; improve their reading abilities and health awareness, so they can take a more active role in their own health.
  
  
• Reading skill improvement averaged two grade levels after only 15 sessions.
  
  
• Children enrolled in the program are gaining self-esteem and health awareness as they work with the mentor and improve their reading skills.
  
  
• Children are learning that lifestyle choices – from diet to exercise to preventive care – can lead to a longer, healthier life.

Contact

Brian S. Jacobson, Project Manager, Health Policy, 973-466-8123, brian_jacobson@horizonblue.com