Financial planners should work Medicare into their year-end planning

Retirement programs private and public are being hustled to achieve better results, both for bottom lines and for retirees.

Boston-based Fidelity Investments secured its status as the leader in the defined contribution market with $17 billion in assets under administration in the first half of 2011, the financial service firm announced Wednesday.

The National Tax Sheltered Accounts Association (NTSAA) and the American Society of Pension Professionals & Actuaries (ASPPA) want to make it easier for 403(b) participants to compare retirement plan options.

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.

On top of awarding more money to improve health insurance rate reviews, the Department of Health and Human Services is making its case that increased scrutiny on rate hikes helps consumers and makes the marketplace more transparent.

President Obama's deficit reduction package unveiled Monday would fix a health reform defect that could cost taxpayers $14.6 billion.

More than a third (35 percent) of all retirees receive income from an annuity, according to new analysis from LIMRA. Most who draw income from an annuity are older retirees, those above the age of 75.