; Whereas, when health literacy is measured, it has been shown that— (1) individuals with low health literacy scores had higher rates of diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure; (2) States with high health literacy have lower rates of diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure and have lower costs of prescription drugs purchased under the Medicare program under title XVIII of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq.) than States with low health literacy; and (3) there is a strong correlation between health literacy and healthcare costs, which are a serious challenge for individuals, families, and society as a whole; Whereas measuring health literacy is an objective process that produces results that can be scientifically obtained, measured, reported, assessed, improved, and rewarded; Whereas, while such measurement has already begun through data-driven means, such measurement has not been systematically used to assess individual health literacy and improve the health system throughout the United States; Whereas health literacy holds great promise to transform the health consciousness of people in the United States and around the world, and is essential for improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the healthcare system in preventing diseases and illness, improving wellness and longevity, improving patient care and outcomes, and reducing healthcare costs; Whereas health literacy empowers individuals to better engage in their health and with trained health professionals and caregivers because they are better educated about their bodies and how they work; Whereas people have the right to health information that helps them make informed decisions, and health education and services should be delivered in ways that are easy to understand and that improve health, longevity, and quality of life; Whereas knowledge of health and improvements in health literacy can encourage individuals to take action on their health that can improve their health status and lower their costs despite their health status