DMAS forum urges plain-language communications to improve access for Medicaid enrollees and people with disabilities

The Department of Medical Assistance Services hosted a virtual Language and Disability Access Forum to discuss plain-language standards and practices for public communications and materials used by Medicaid and disability service programs.

The forum’s organizers and panelists said plain language improves access to benefits and services for people with disabilities, people with limited English proficiency and others who may need simple, direct information to complete forms or understand rights. "Plain language means communicating in a way that people can understand the first time they read or hear it," said Barbara Kingsley, chair of the Center for Plain Language and president of Kingsley Claimen Group.

Why it matters: Forum presenters and attendees described how dense legal or technical text can act as a barrier to enrollment, benefit continuity and self-advocacy. Moncera Serra, civil rights coordinator at DMAS, said the agency holds the forums twice yearly to share guidance and gather feedback from stakeholders so programs can make documents and processes easier to use. "We thought it would be helpful for our programs to meet on a regular…