A pattern of long-term erosion in employer-sponsored retiree medical continues, according to a Towers Perrin update on retiree medical benefits.

A recent survey from Watson Wyatt finds the number of employers planning to offer annuities in their 401(k) plans is expected to grow as companies look for ways to provide workers with a steady distribution of benefits during retirement.

The 2010 annual enrollment period for individuals with Medicare plans ends Dec. 31. Specialists at Health Plan One, an online insurance brokerage and Medicare information portal, explain the top three most discussed topics among seniors:

The unemployment rate for workers 55 and older is 7.1 percent.