Washington, D.C. – The National Hispanic Council on Aging (NHCOA) will host another installment of its ongoing event series, the Legislative Breakfast. These Legislative Breakfasts, where community members, constituents, experts, and lawmakers gather, are integral to NHCOA’s work on Capitol Hill, facilitating discussion on critical matters within United States Policy.
On Wednesday, May 14th, 2025, experts from the field will open discussions around such pertinent topics as Changes to Social Security, Obesity, Mental Health, and misuse of the 340B Drug Pricing Program. The event will be held at the University Club in Washington D.C., from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm (EST). The event will begin with the introduction of Dr. Yanira Cruz, President & CEO of NHCOA, and fellow community figureheads, Amy Hinojosa, President & CEO of MANA, Ramsey Alwin, President & CEO of NCOA, and Karyne Jones, President & CEO of NCBA. Following opening remarks, a panel of relevant experts will make key presentations to educate attendees and contextualize the purpose of the day’s event.
Dr. Nancy Altman, President of Social Security Works, will provide an update on Social Security as it stands today, and how it has changed:
“Social Security is crucial to all Americans. It is particularly important for Hispanic Americans, who have longer than average life expectancies, since Social Security is, unlike savings, retirement income that you can’t outlive. Especially in these very chaotic times, people should be alert to any changes to our earned benefits and our ability to access them. I welcome the opportunity to address the NHCOA Legislative Breakfast about such a vital source of all of our economic security.” – Dr. Nancy Altman, President of Social Security Works
Thomas Johnson, Executive Director of ASAP 340B, will speak on the 340B Drug Pricing Program and how it’s being exploited within the United States healthcare system. On the same topic, the Senior Director of Advocacy and Strategic Alliances at PhRMA, Liz Mahar will provide additional valuable insights.
Dr. Ray Serrano, LULAC’s Director of Research and Policy, joins us to provide an update on obesity and legislative actions that will be key in addressing this chronic illness:
“Nearly half of Latino and Black adults—and one-third of their children—are living with obesity. And yet, on April 4, 2025, CMS made a decision that’s putting lives at risk: they refused to cover obesity management medications under Medicare and Medicaid. Now, states like Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Virginia—once promising leaders—are considering rolling back coverage. The result? People are turning to dangerous, fake drugs pouring in from overseas. Some are laced with formaldehyde. Some have led to hospitalizations—or worse. This isn’t just a health crisis. It’s a policy failure that’s hurting people.” – Dr. Ray Serrano, Director of Research and Policy with the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC).
This Legislative Breakfast’s final speaker will be Dr. Gerard Zitnik, a Senior Medical Science Liaison with Bristol Myers Squibb, who will speak on the subject matter of Mental Health.
Following presentations, there will be a Q&A session wherein attendees may bring forward questions on any of the topics discussed to this exceptional panel of experts. The event will be closed with remarks from NHCOA Board member and NANASP Executive Director, Robert Blancato.
“As a Board member of NHCOA I am honored to participate in the important discussions that will take place around key issues facing Latinos especially those who are older adults. At a time when we are pledging to Make America Healthy Again that must include attention to the issues being raised at this Legislative Breakfast including the prevention of the chronic diseases of obesity and malnutrition as well as improving mental health and healthcare access. We must achieve MAHA for all especially our older adults.” – Robert “Bob” Blancato, Executive Director of the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs.
About NHCOA: NHCOA is the leading national organization working to improve the lives of Hispanic older adults, their families, and their caregivers. Headquartered in Washington, DC, NHCOA has been a strong voice dedicated to promoting, educating, and advocating for research, policy, and practice in the areas of economic security, health, and housing for Hispanic older adults, families, and caregivers for the last 51 years.
For more information about NHCOA call 202-347-9733 or visit www.NHCOA.org.
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