The National Association of Insurance Commissioners is about to mount a fierce battle to defend the Medicare supplement insurance program against any efforts to cut coverage or revamp plan design.

A phone survey of more than 700 seniors found 65 percent of Medicare Part D enrollees aren't aware that Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) for Part D and Medicare Advantage benefits has been changed for 2012 plans.

In reaction to the U.S. Senate Committee on Finances tax reform hearing concerning retirement security, the American Benefits Council and the American Council of Life Insurers say employer-sponsored defined contribution and defined benefit retirement plans are essential elements to the U.S.s retirement system.