It’s always funny seeing photos from friends who live in a totally different climate. You might be scraping ice off your car while they’re relaxing on a beach. My friend Karl posts these contrasts all the time. The now-famous Kyler snow pictures he shares are a perfect example of this. They show him in a Colorado blizzard while his brother is fishing in the sun. This stark difference is more than just a funny picture; it’s a powerful reminder that where you live matters—especially when it comes to your Medicare coverage.
Are you having any issues? If so, reach out and book a time on my calendar. Anyone on an Advantage plan has till the end of March to make a change if they are unhappy!
Here in Colorado, we are beholding the Ides of March with 30 plus inches and it’s still coming down ❄️. Client Becky around the corner said we came home too early…
Plato didn’t seem to mind, not one bit. He thinks we timed it just right 🐶.
It was raining ☔ in England most of the time I was visiting our Air Force son. You know your boy is in the right place when he takes you to the Duxford Air Museum when he isn’t working on the base. It was a pleasure to spend time with him and to learn about his adventures. The young’uns sure grow up fast 😲.
So now that Quantz and I are home and together again, there’s plenty to catch up on, inside and outside the house. She does the mail, the bills, and the inside stuff.
My job is outside the house – gutters, yard, and snow removal.
Now, shoveling snow is great cardio, but beware! According to The American Journal of Emergency Medicine, over 11,500 people were treated each year in Emergency Rooms over a 16 year period for snow shoveling related incidents 😱.
According to another article, “your level of risk largely depends on your fitness level and whether you have cardiovascular risk factors, such as a history of cardiac or vascular disease, obesity, smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or another chronic condition.”
If you do choose to take on a physically taxing chore, beware. Snow shoveling “drives up a person’s heart rate and blood pressure. In addition, since the chore requires engaging seldom-used arm muscles while the legs are mostly still, blood tends to pool in the lower extremities. At the same time, cold temperatures constrict the arteries, decreasing the amount of blood and oxygen reaching the heart ❤️🏥.”
Google “Area Agency on Aging” to find local resources. Many cities have a website like ours to help seniors with snow shoveling.
Of course you could always ask the neighbor kids if they want to earn a couple of bucks.
Make sure whatever chore you tackle won’t cause you to end up in the emergency room. Remember last week’s newsletter on messed up medical billing?
As our daughter Sus said many years ago, when I hurt my back overdoing it in a yoga class “don’t be a hero daddy.”
When I told my little brother Haas in Virginia about the snow, he couldn’t help but immediately send a pic and rub it in. It’s always good to laugh at yourself, right?
Largemouth brother catching a largemouth bass 😂🐟. I sure am grateful to have him in my life.
So that’s it for this week. As they say in the musical Annie, “the sun’ll come out tomorrow,” especially if my wife Q is around (and she even helped me shovel), I’m a lucky man. Even money says all the snow’ll be gone by next weekend. What say you?
Keep squeezing the juice out of life and look for ways to help others!
Medicare questions or problems?
Book a time on my calendar or email Gray, Gray@theBig65.com.
If family or friends need help… referrals are the lifeblood of my business.
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Let us know what’s going on and please send pictures :).
Karl Bruns-Kyler
(877) 850-0211
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Karl Bruns-Kyler is a Medicare insurance broker and independent Medicare agent licensed to help Medicare recipients in thirty states around the country, including:
Alabama
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Florida
Georgia
Idaho
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Louisiana
Maryland
Michigan
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Nevada
New Hampshire
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North Carolina
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The Big 65 Medicare Insurance Services does not offer every plan available in your area. Currently, we represent 10 organizations that offer 50 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a story about shoveling snow have to do with my Medicare plan? It’s a great question. An unexpected injury from a common chore like shoveling can quickly turn into an emergency room visit. Understanding how your specific Medicare plan covers emergencies, from deductibles to hospital networks, before something happens is key. This story is a friendly reminder to be prepared and to know the details of your health coverage.
I’m in good shape for my age. Do I really need to worry about chores like this? It’s wonderful that you feel healthy and active. The main concern isn’t about general fitness, but about how sudden, strenuous activities can affect the body, especially when combined with factors like cold weather. These tasks can put a unique strain on your heart and muscles. It’s always wise to know your limits and listen to your body, no matter how fit you are.
You mentioned finding local help for seniors. How do I find these resources? A great place to start is by searching online for your local “Area Agency on Aging.” These agencies are fantastic hubs of information and can often connect you with trusted local programs that help seniors with tasks like snow removal, yard work, and other home maintenance.
How does an emergency room visit get covered by Medicare? Coverage for an ER visit really depends on the type of Medicare plan you have. If you have Original Medicare, you’ll typically pay a copayment for the visit and a percentage of the cost for doctor services. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, your costs will be different, based on the plan’s specific copayments and deductibles. Reviewing your plan’s documents is the best way to know your exact costs.
Why does it matter where I live when it comes to Medicare? Your location is one of the biggest factors in your Medicare choices. Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plan options, costs, and provider networks are all based on your state and county. A plan that works perfectly for a friend in another state might not even be available to you. This is why getting guidance based on your specific address is so important.
Key Takeaways
- Assess the risk before you start: Physically demanding jobs like shoveling snow can put a dangerous strain on your heart. It’s important to consider your current fitness level and any health conditions before taking on a strenuous task.
- Know when to stop and avoid being a hero: Pushing your body past its limits can lead to serious injuries, unexpected emergency room visits, and the headache of dealing with complicated medical bills.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help: You don’t have to handle demanding chores by yourself. Your local Area Agency on Aging is an excellent resource for finding community support for tasks like snow removal.