Plain-language rules for Medicaid and benefits notices
Medicaid rules require notices and enrollee materials to be easy to understand, in plain language. They set no reading grade. This page shows what each rule says, with links.
General information, not legal advice. Laws change and differ by place. Check the official source linked in each row and ask your own lawyer or compliance team. Sources last checked November 10, 2026.
What the rules say
Medicaid rules require notices and enrollee materials to be easy to understand and in plain language. The managed care rule also sets a 12-point minimum font and requires taglines in other common languages. Neither rule names a reading grade or a formula.
State Medicaid agencies and health plans often set their own grade targets in contracts or style guides. Check your own contract for the number that applies to you.
The rules also mention accessibility. That is a separate standard from readability: it covers things like screen readers and alt text.
Requirements and sources
| Requirement | Formula or metric | Threshold | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medicaid managed care enrollee information | None named: “easily understood language and format” | No grade set; 12-point minimum font | 42 CFR 438.10 |
| Medicaid program information for applicants and beneficiaries | None named: “plain language”, accessible and timely | No grade set | 42 CFR 435.905 |
| Federal agency public documents | None named: “clear, concise, well-organized” | No grade set | Plain Writing Act of 2010 |
Check your document
Open the free checker with the General public (grade 7 to 9) target already set. Scores are estimates: the laws below may set their own counting rules, so the calculator is a first check, not the official score.
Check a document (General public (grade 7 to 9))
How to make an evidence sheet for this document
- Open the calculator with the right target. Use the button above. It opens the free checker with the target reader set for this kind of document.
- Add your document. Paste the text, or open a Word, PDF or text file. Everything is scored in your browser and nothing is uploaded.
- Fix the hardest sentences. Sentences are marked easy, borderline or hard. Rewrite the hard ones, then check the scores again.
- Print the evidence sheet. Choose Evidence sheet, add the document name, and print or save it as a PDF. It records the date, the six scores, the target and a SHA-256 fingerprint of the text.
- File it with your records. Keep the sheet with the document version you scored. If the text changes, the fingerprint will not match, so score the new version too.
The sheet records a measurement on the date shown; it does not certify compliance with any law, regulation or standard.
Frequently asked questions
Do Medicaid rules set a reading grade?
No. The federal rules we checked ask for easily understood language and plain language, but name no grade or formula.
Where do Medicaid grade targets come from?
Often from state agencies or health plan contracts. Check your contract or state guidance for the number that applies to you.
What else does the managed care rule require?
Among other things, a font no smaller than 12 point and taglines in the most common other languages in the state, plus accessible formats.
Is accessibility the same as readability?
No. Accessibility covers whether people using screen readers and other tools can use the material. Readability is about how hard the words and sentences are.
Does this tool check accessibility?
No. It scores reading difficulty only. Use an accessibility checker for things like contrast, headings and alt text.