What aspect of health access does 'health literacy' specifically refer to?

Health literacy specifically refers to the ability to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make informed health decisions. This includes understanding medical instructions, health information about diseases and treatments, and being able to communicate effectively with healthcare professionals. A person with high health literacy can navigate the healthcare system more effectively, equating to better health outcomes because they can make well-informed choices about their care.

While other options relate to important aspects of health access, they do not capture the essence of health literacy. For example, the ability to pay for healthcare services focuses on financial access, navigation of healthcare technology pertains to the digital aspect of healthcare, and accessing health insurance relates to coverage rather than understanding health information itself. Thus, the concept of health literacy is crucial for empowering individuals in managing their health effectively.