Social Security and Medicare have been huge issues during the presidential campaign, but the importance of these essential retirement programs are rarely discussed when the candidates target young adults, probably sensing this demographic would tune them out.

But they’re wrong. ALL Americans, no matter their age, should know that the future of these programs are at stake. I got my first “real” job at 17 and ever since then I have been giving a cut of my check to the government for Social Security. Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan want to privatize Social Security and turn Medicare into a voucher system. Making these changes would mean future generations would face skyrocketing health care costs and reduced Social Security benefits.

The fight to protect Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid isn’t just a fight for today, it is a fight for tomorrow. The fight has to happen on a state and national level. Change Nation works with many organizations like Social Security Works, to fullfill our goal to protect retiremenet benefits for this generation and the next.

Follow @SSWorks for more information