The MolinaCares Accord (“MolinaCares”), in collaboration with Molina Healthcare of Indiana (“Molina”), announced a $150,000 grant to Indy Reads to develop new curricula that help adult students better understand healthcare — from talking to doctors, to managing health conditions, to encouraging individuals to take an active role in improving their health.
People who understand their health information are more likely to follow their treatment plans and use preventive care. Nearly 56% of adults in Indiana are diagnosed with multiple chronic conditions, and one in six adults read at or below a fifth-grade level, emphasizing the need for educational programming. This new health literacy education program will help Hoosiers in these groups better navigate the health system.
"People with limited health literacy skills often struggle to understand medical instructions, insurance forms or how to advocate for their own care," said Ruba Marshood, chief executive officer of Indy Reads. "With Molina's support, we're building curricula alongside our students to ensure they can confidently understand their health, communicate with providers, and make informed decisions about their care so they can exercise agency regarding their wellness and that of their families."
The two curricula supported by Molina’s funding will cover such topics as navigation of the health system, preventative care, communication with healthcare providers, chronic disease basics, and mental health. The lessons will be piloted within an established Indy Reads classroom to inform future adaptations. The grant will also fund development of student materials and instructor lesson plans so teachers can effectively deliver the curricula.
"Navigating the healthcare system is complicated, and that complexity can be a real barrier for many people," said John Barth, plan president of Molina Healthcare of Indiana. "By working with Indy Reads to co-create these lessons, we will test what resonates in classrooms. We'll use that feedback to refine a program that empowers Hoosiers to access the care and resources they need.”
The program will be tested for effectiveness on both participant learning and its impact on how students navigate the healthcare system.
About The MolinaCares Accord
Established by Molina Healthcare, Inc., The MolinaCares Accord oversees a community investment platform created to improve the health and well-being of disadvantaged populations by funding meaningful, measurable and innovative programs and solutions that improve health, life and living in local communities. The MolinaCares Accord funds such measures through The Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) established in 2020 by Molina Healthcare, Inc.
About Molina Healthcare
Molina Healthcare, Inc., a Fortune 500 company, provides managed healthcare services under the Medicaid and Medicare programs, and through state insurance marketplaces. For more information about Molina Healthcare, please visit MolinaHealthcare.com.
About Indy Reads
Indy Reads builds literacy, English language, and job readiness skills to empower adults and their families to reach their full potential. The organization’s vision is 100% literacy for all. Indy Reads’ office, classroom, and community bookstore space hosts around 250 free community events each year engaging over 8,000 participants and serves as our center of operations for tuition-free literacy programs serving nearly 600 adult students across central Indiana. Current statistics show that 1 in 6 adults in Indiana read at or below a fifth-grade level, impacting their educational, civic, and workforce engagement. Indy Reads advances social equity through education, helping adult learners increase their English literacy proficiency, earn High School Equivalency (HSE) diplomas, support their children’s education, engage in the community, and build industry skills. Indy Reads is proudly the only organization in the region that serves adults of all literacy skill levels, including the most beginning-level. To learn more about Indy Reads visit indyreads.org.
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Media Contact: Ben Jackey, (502) 377-9484
