(Warwick, R.I.)–Congressman Jim Langevin and former Congresswoman Barbara Kennelly (D-CT), President and CEO of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, will host a forum entitled ‘The Future of Medicare’ this Monday, September 20, at the Beechwood House Senior Center, 10 Beach Street in North Kingstown, at 10:00 a.m.  There will be a question and answer period following remarks by the hosts.

“As our nation continues to fall further into debt, I am concerned that funding for critical programs like Medicare and Social Security will fail to meet the demands of the aging Baby Boom population,” said Congressman Langevin.  “It is important that older Rhode Islanders know how policy decisions in Washington are impacting entitlement programs that provide a critical safety net for our seniors.  This forum will explain recent changes made to Medicare and foster a discussion about what can be done to strengthen this important entitlement.”

According to the Committee, their mission is to protect, preserve, promote, and ensure the financial security, health, and well-being of current and future generations of maturing Americans.  The National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare acts in the best interests of its members through advocacy, education, services, grassroots efforts, and the leadership of the Board of Directors and professional staff whose efforts are directed toward developing better-informed citizens and voters.

Barbara B. Kennelly spent 23 years in elected public office at local, state and federal levels, including 17 years as a member of the U.S. Congress. A former ranking member of the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Social Security, Mrs. Kennelly was the first woman to serve both as Chief Majority Whip and on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. She was also Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus. Throughout her career, Mrs. Kennelly has advocated for Social Security, Medicare and other health and retirement issues. After leaving Congress, she served as Associate Commissioner of the Social Security Administration.

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