The language that health plans and providers choose when communicating with and about individuals matters. Thoughtful language choices have the power to support meaningful partnerships with individuals and ultimately bolster their success in meeting health and wellness goals. By using words and terms that describe who a person is, person-centered language emphasizes that people are experts in their own lives, health, and needs.1 This tip sheet for plans and providers serving individuals dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid offers guidance and examples for using person-centered language and shares additional resources for enhancing person-centered practices.
Click Here to Access the Tip Sheet
We also offer a printable, one-page reference highlighting person-centered language at a glance to accompany the tip sheet.
Click Here to Access the One-Page Reference
References
1 ADA National Network. (2018). Guidelines for Writing About People with Disabilities. Retrieved from https://adata.org/factsheet/ADANN-writing.html