Are you Type 3?

Happy Veterans Day,

May this note find you in great health during the madness of the Medicare Annual Election Period. Book a time here if we still need to speak.

Despite all the noise out there distracting everybody, we have so many reasons to give thanks for all those who have served and continue to serve our great nation.

Nicholas on a jet.

Airman Nicholas doesn’t fly these bad boys. He works on the equipment that makes sure they are able to take off and land safely. He just returned from deployment in a hot spot back to his base in the UK.

He and his buddies were so excited to be photographed inside the aircraft they help keep in the skies. I sure hope you find a way to honor a Veteran in your life.

Lori the retired cross-country coach in Colorado.

This is my busiest time of the year, but no matter what, I force myself to get outside every single day to stay grounded. I met retired cross country coach Lori on the trails behind our house.

Such an impressive woman because she never stops. Lori said she doesn’t run as much as she used to and she gives herself permission to walk for parts of her run.

Adapt, modify, improvise, that’s one of the secrets to aging well.

Karl working with honey bees in his backyard.

One of the things I absolutely had to do between client calls was to prep the bee hives for winter: ten pounds of sugar, two cups of water, and a couple of pollen paddies for good measure. The hole on top allows air to circulate through the hive.

Karl being stung by bees in his backyard.

Of course, like an idiot, I didn’t quite get the neck of my suit completely zipped. This was going to be a fun video, instead I got a Darwin award running away and about 20 bee stings. Thank goodness I’m not allergic.

Phil in Ohio working on his bee hive with his grandson.

Wish I had the patience and the knowledge of client Phil in Ohio, teaching his grand varmint how to capture a swarm of bees.

Life’s great joy is interacting with the young’uns. Are you finding ways to connect with young people? That’s another secret to aging well.

Cute kid in Ohio after working with his grandfather's bees.

Of course the greatest reward of keeping bees, is honey. Congrats to Jo, Anju, Melissa, and Rosemary for correctly naming the movie and the characters our daughter and her friends dressed as for Halloween. Your honey is on the way!

One of Karl's clients receiving honey from Karl and Plato in Colorado.

We visited Sus this weekend in Fort Collins and also dropped off honey to a couple of clients. It’s always fun to see people face to face.

Another client of Karl's holding a jar of honey as Plato looks at the camera.

Honey is healthier than sugar, no doubt, but it also needs to be consumed in moderation. The topic of sugar got me reading up about diabetes.

What’s more, did you know that Alzheimer’s is sometimes referred to as Type 3 Diabetes?

Quantz in CO.

While Alzheimer’s may not involve elevated blood sugar levels like traditional diabetes, research has uncovered compelling links between insulin resistance and the development of Alzheimer’s.

This emerging concept suggests that the brain’s impaired ability to respond to insulin may contribute to the accumulation of toxic proteins and inflammation, ultimately leading to cognitive decline.

Becky and Joe each holding cold drinks on a beach in Mexico.

Understanding Alzheimer’s as Type 3 Diabetes highlights the importance of lifestyle choices and proactive measures to protect brain health.

  • Eat healthy foods.
  • Stay active.
  • Manage stress.
  • Get enough sleep.
  • Keep your mind busy.
  • Watch your weight.
  • Stay social.

These steps can help protect your brain from Alzheimer’s (Type 3 Diabetes).

Concert photo contest for The Big 65 clients and friends.
Of course, everything in moderation, right?

Colorado client of The Big 65 holding a jar of fresh honey from Karl Bruns-Kyler of The Big 65 Medicare Insurance Services.

Keep squeezing the juice out of life!

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.

Let us know what’s going on and please send pictures :).

 

Karl Bruns-Kyler
(877) 850-0211
Book a time on my calendar here

Happy with my Service? Click Here to Leave a Review.


As a novice to navigating the Medicare system, I cannot recommend the services of Karl enough. His knowledge has saved my wife and I a lot of money, both on the Medicare supplement insurance and the drug coverage. Costs you nothing to listen and has saved up thousands of dollars over time.
– Robert B

Happy with my Service?
Click Here to Leave a Review.


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
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Florida
Georgia
Idaho
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Louisiana
Maryland
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Virginia
Washington
Wisconsin

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.

The Big 65 Medicare insurance services red white and blue logo.

 

Are you really prepared for this?

May this Medicare blog post find you in great health with your Medicare Insurance working properly. Hey, are you really prepared for this?  Read on … 

Photo of The Big 65 family rafting in the Rockies.

No, the Bruns-Kylers were not auditioning for the new Star Trek TV show (clearly, I got the colors wrong ). Q and I took Santiago and Florence up into the Rockies to go rafting and hiking.

Before you are allowed in the raft on the Roaring Forks River, you have to do emergency training, just in case something goes wrong.

Photo of Quantz of The Big 65 hiking in the Rockies of Colorado.

Emergency preparedness is essential when you’re hiking too: good boots, gear, a map, and plenty of water.

Oh, and don’t get too close if you run into a baby moose, right?

Photo of a baby moose in the Colorado Rockies.

But the same goes for life at home. We never know what’s going to happen! Look at all the crazy weather!

Beaver eating a fence in Colorado for The Big 65 Colorado.

Neighbors Nancy and Steve showed me this picture of a beaver who ate through one of the fences in our neighborhood this week. We live up on a hill, far from any streams and lakes… who would’ve ever expected this to happen?

This got us talking about emergencies and how unprepared we are for most emergencies.

Karl Bruns-Kyler showing beekeeping to young man in HIghlands Ranch, Colorado.

Now, it is nice to have a bit of honey in the backyard (showing the bees to the neighbor’s grandson) if I can’t get to the store.

Karl Bruns Kyler bee keeping in Colorado.

But if the power went out for a few days, or the infrastructure went down due to crazy weather, would you be ready?

Disaster Preparedness poster for Colorado.

Most of us don’t have a printed list of our family phone numbers, an extra week of medication, or a week’s worth of water in the garage, just in case.

Let me know how you are prepared, and if you’re not, consider visiting the ready.gov website to do little a planning.

Like the Scouts, be prepared!

Nick and Annie with grandson graduation Colorado.

Nick and Annie are missing the rain in Colorado, hanging with grandchildren back east, going to baseball games and graduations. Looks like they are having fun!

Barry sitting on his 2008 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Classic_Colorado.

Barry was off to bike night on his 2008 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Classic. He added a Harley front fender, headlight, and windshield and painted it to match. I know nothing about motorcycles, but I would say Barry is definitely styling.

Colorado mountain view with The Big 65

Plato was bummed that we didn’t take him to the mountains (sometimes we must remind him that he is actually a dog).

Sally and Plato in Colorado for The Big 65.

The neighbors came over and gave him plenty of love and I wouldn’t be surprised if Plato convinced Sally to give him a scone.

oe and Becky on the road again_The Big 65.

Joe and Becky are on the road again.

Joe and Becky exploring Europe.

They are currently exploring Turkey and Greece, safe travels!

That’s it for this week; keep squeezing the juice out of life.

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.

Let us know what’s going on and please send pictures :).

Karl Bruns-Kyler
(877) 850-0211
Book a time on my calendar here


As a novice to navigating the Medicare system, I cannot recommend the services of Karl enough. His knowledge has saved my wife and I a lot of money, both on the Medicare supplement insurance and the drug coverage. Costs you nothing to listen and has saved up thousands of dollars over time.
– Robert B

Happy with my Service? Click Here to Leave a Review.

Karl Bruns-Kyler is a Medicare insurance broker and independent Medicare agent licensed to help Medicare recipients in twenty-three states around the country, including:

Alabama
Arizona
Colorado
Florida
Georgia
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Louisiana
Maryland
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Virginia
Wisconsin

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all your options.

Karl Bruns-Kyler of The Big 65 Medicare Insurance Broker.

We got a scare on Thursday!

May this blog post find you in great health with your Medicare Insurance working properly.

This week, the universal truth came home to roost:

If you live long enough, you’re gonna get old, naturally…

Quantz at eye doctor with Karl Bruns-Kyler of The Big 65 Colorado.

We got a scare on Thursday!

Over breakfast, Quantz casually mentioned seeing floating objects in her eye and a shadow in her peripheral vision.

Since I actually love my wife, I immediately looked up the symptoms on WebMd and called our eye doctor who said, “get her into a specialist NOW!”

That got my attention.

Quantz eye test for The Big 65 Colorado.

Our ophthalmologist diagnosed the problem: vitreous detachment (thank goodness NOT retina detachment). Normally, this particular condition goes away on its own.

Talk about relief!

As the son of two hypochondriacs who enjoyed poor health for years, I’ve always tended to avoid doctor visits at all costs, and that’s not always a good thing.

If you experience sudden noticeable changes in your vision, see a doctor immediately. Here’s an article on when to see an eye doctor.

Quantz tending flowers for The Big 65 Colorado.

Had a fascinating conversation with Cathy in Ohio about Prolia, the bone density injection many clients take for Osteoporosis.

This is one of those excellent drugs that is expensive as sin so I get lots of calls about this topic. Cathy inspired me to get on the phone with Amgen to get clarity.

According to Gabby in the Amgen 360 Navigation Department, the makers of Prolia, here are some things to be aware of if your healthcare practitioner prescribes Prolia:

  • Find out if your MD does “Physician Purchases of Prolia through a buy in bill.” This means that instead of purchasing the Prolia through your prescription drug benefit, the MD’s practice buys Prolia in bulk and the cost of the Prolia falls under your Part B Medicare Benefits. This might save you money.
  • Ask the billing department to do a “Benefit Verification” to find out the exact cost before you do anything and have them confirm benefits with your insurer.
  • Check in with Amgen (the makers of Prolia) for advice, 888-427-7478.

The devil here is definitely in the details. Every situation is different, there is no universal solution.

Bee hive in Colorado for The Big 65.

This was a tough year for bees. Here in Colorado, professional bee keepers lost a high percentage of their hives to mites.

I thought my hive died because it was too cold, but when I did my spring inspection, there was plenty of uneaten honey. It turns out the mites overwhelmed the hive and that sure made me sad.

The good news is, I’m not giving up.

Today, I’ll be driving up to Windsor, Colorado to take another beekeeping class and to pick up two new queens and a two boxes of bees. Wish us luck.

Bear in Virginia for The Big 65 Colorado.

You can probably guess from this picture why my little brother, Haas, doesn’t keep bees on his farm in Virginia… too many of these around.

Turns out he left a bag of trash in the covered bed of his truck and this fella made a heck of a mess. Apparently bears love Gatorade and Red Bull. Remember that!

Bobcat in Florida for The Big 65 Medicare insurance broker.

Jon & Charlotte in Florida took this bobcat picture with the front door camera.

Good thing it wasn’t …. wait, is that Mittens?

Dave with his dog for The Big 65 Colorado.

Last week, I wrote about Dave the dog trainer and his work with service animals for the police.

Apparently, he takes his work home with him. Is this your definition of a lapdog? This looks like true love to me.

Sus and boyfriend in Northern Colorado for The Big 65.

Last weekend we took Flo, our French cousin, to a music festival in northern Colorado. We got to see our daughter, Sus, and her boyfriend. Good times!

Flo and tie die fun in Colorado.

You’ll be happy to know that I took a taste of my own medicine and tried something new with Flo and Sus.

Tie dye is not something I’ve ever tried before but it was fun, especially when surrounded by young uns having a great time.

Karl-Plato-Flo in Colorado for The Big 65.

Don’t worry, I won’t be joining the Grateful Dead.

But hey, now I have new shirt for yard work.

Keep squeezing the juice out of life.

Medicare questions or problems?

Book a time on my calendar or email Gray, Gray@theBig65.com.

If family or friends need… referrals are the lifeblood of my business.

Let us know what’s going on and please send pictures :).

 

Karl Bruns-Kyler
(877) 850-0211
Book a time on my calendar here


As a novice to navigating the Medicare system, I cannot recommend the services of Karl enough. His knowledge has saved my wife and I a lot of money, both on the Medicare supplement insurance and the drug coverage. Costs you nothing to listen and has saved up thousands of dollars over time.
– Robert B

Happy with my Service?  Click Here to Leave a Review.

Karl Bruns-Kyler is a Medicare insurance broker and independent Medicare agent licensed to help Medicare recipients in twenty-three states around the country, including:

Alabama
Arizona
Colorado
Florida
Georgia
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Louisiana
Maryland
Minnesota
Missouri
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Virginia
Wisconsin

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all your options.

Minnesota Medicare insurance agent Karl Bruns-Kyler of The Big 65 Minnesota.

 

This could make your day better!

May this blog post find you in great health with your Medicare Insurance working properly. This could make your day better!

Plato and The Big 65 Medicare insurance broker in Highlands Ranch Colorado.

Some of us are tired of the snow, but Plato doesn’t mind.

Sue in Cloud Forests of Costa Rica and a friend of The Big 65.

Bob and Sue found a way to beat the cold in the Cloud Forests of Costa Rica.

Quantz and Plato in Highlands Ranch Medicare insurance

Back home, Q says she’s not going out till it’s warm.

Guess who’s walking Plato?

Karl Bruns-Kyler The Big 65 and Plato in the snow in Highlands Ranch discuss something that might make your day better.

One of the benefits of walking is connections… neighbors, friends, strangers.

According to yet another article:

“Such seemingly trivial interactions have been shown to boost people’s positive moods and reduce their odds of depressed moods. Weak ties matter, not just for our moods but our health.”

Brenda and her granddaughter_The Big 65 friends.

Most of my work is over the phone, but this week I had the privilege of several face to face meetings. It did my heart good.

Feel the love between Brenda and her granddaughter?

Carol in the lobby_The Big 65.

I met Carol in the lobby of the repair shop by happenstance. She’s a retired physical therapist and a skier who always carries treats.

Carol’s life is filled with service as she volunteers for ARCH, an adaptive recreational program for kids here in Colorado.

Nothing replaces human connection; we are wired to connect so please…

Greet your barista, be extra kind to the cashier, nod to someone you don’t know.

Good for them, good for you!

Here’s a surprise: online advertisers prey on consumer weakness.

Online advertisers prey on consumer weakness.

When an ad shows up in your data stream with an “AMAZING DEAL…”

Due your diligence. Shop around before clicking.

Bella with Jackson the Fox Terrier_The Big 65 friends.

Who’s gonna take of your pets if you die?

This is Jackson, an ancient Fox Terrier, deaf and almost blind whose owner recently died.

Thank goodness the family made provisions for Jackson to be with Bella, a happy ending, indeed.

Don’t leave too many big surprises, do your planning.

Human Bait Needed crazy advertisement.

Anybody need a part time job ?

Thanks to Jonathan for sharing.

Keep squeezing the juice out of life.

Medicare questions or problems?

Book a time on my calendar or email Gray, Gray@theBig65.com.

If family or friends need… referrals are the lifeblood of my business.

Let us know what’s going on and please send pictures :).

Karl Bruns-Kyler
(877) 850-0211
Book a time on my calendar here


As a novice to navigating the Medicare system, I cannot recommend the services of Karl enough. His knowledge has saved my wife and I a lot of money, both on the Medicare supplement insurance and the drug coverage. Costs you nothing to listen and has saved up thousands of dollars over time.
– Robert B

Happy with my Service?  Click Here to Leave a Review.


Karl Bruns-Kyler is a Medicare insurance broker and independent Medicare agent licensed to help Medicare recipients in twenty-three states around the country, including:

Alabama
Arizona
Colorado
Florida
Georgia
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Louisiana
Maryland
Minnesota
Missouri
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Virginia
Wisconsin

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all your options.

Minnesota Medicare insurance agent Karl Bruns-Kyler of The Big 65 Minnesota.

We saw the Easter Bunny!

May this blog post find you well, with your Medicare Insurance working properly.

We saw the Easter Bunny!

Cute kid with bunny hat for The Big 65.

Did you see any Easter Bunnies last weekend? We did!

That’s the problem with grandkids and great nephews…

They steal your heart, don’t they?

Little Freda with grandmother in Germany for The Big 65 Medicare insurance broker.

Little Frida, with her grandmother in Germany, belongs to Alex, one of the many exchange students we’ve hosted over the years.

We can’t wait to meet little Frida and pinch those cheeks this summer.

Nice lady in pink with cute boy at playground for The Big 65.

People glow around their progeny.

According to many articles, staying connected to grandchildren makes us healthier.

Of course, it depends on the grandparent. My mom loved spending time with our children.

My dad? Well, he was a classic curmudgeon and, as WC Fields used to say, he “liked children… when properly cooked !”

WC Fields holding a kid for The Big 65.

Every person and every household is different, but I’d like to think our heart health and general well-being will improve with meaningful connections.

Florence with her boyfriend in Colorado for The Big 65.

This year, we’ve had the pleasure of hosting my wife Quantz’s second cousin’s daughter, Florence, from France (seen here with her boyfriend) while she volunteers at an inner-city music school.

Having a young ‘un about keeps you on your toes, and that’s great for cranky old dudes like me.

May I continue to learn to be flexible and not sweat the small stuff, right?

Elder Care Attorney Kate Silburn for The Big 65

I went to a fantastic workshop this week on wills, medical directives, and trusts led by Elder Care Attorney Kate Silburn.

Kate has a Masters of Divinity from Harvard (volunteering as a hospice chaplain) AND also a Law Degree from Columbia (one of my Alma Maters). Kate is compassionate and crazy smart.

The workshop confirmed the importance of getting your paperwork in order, before it’s too late.

Kate graciously offered to help any of my clients (that means YOU) complete a Medical Power of Attorney form, for NO COST, seriously!

If you don’t have a Medical POA, send Kate an email, Kate@rockymtnelderlaw.com, and mention TheBig65.

Check out her website.

When kid is emotionally overwhelmed_The Big 65

Though this quote came from an NYT article about helping children cope with stressful situations, the question could be helpful in many conversations.

The next time you engage with a friend or a family member in a tough spot, consider asking:

Do you want to be helped, heard, or hugged?

Many times, our auto-response is to try to fix everything.

Sometimes the best thing we can do for those we love is to just to listen instead of offering unsolicited advice.

I’m going to keep working on this skill.

I told my little brother Haas he should ask this fish those same questions.

Haas catches another monster in Virginia for The Big 65.

His response? Do you wanna be steamed, fried, or grilled …?

Turns out he returned this trout to the pond! Well done brother!

That’s it for this week. Keep squeezing the juice out of life.

If your family or friends have questions, referrals are the lifeblood of my business.

Medicare questions or problems? Book a time on my calendar or email Gray, Gray@theBig65.com.

Let us know what’s going on and please send pictures :).

 

Karl Bruns-Kyler
(877) 850-0211
Book a time on my calendar here


As a novice to navigating the Medicare system, I cannot recommend the services of Karl enough. His knowledge has saved my wife and I a lot of money, both on the Medicare supplement insurance and the drug coverage. Costs you nothing to listen and has saved up thousands of dollars over time.
Robert B

Happy with my Service? Click Here to Leave a Review.


Karl Bruns-Kyler is a Medicare insurance broker and independent Medicare agent licensed to help Medicare recipients in twenty-three states around the country, including:

Alabama
Arizona
Colorado
Florida
Georgia
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Louisiana
Maryland
Minnesota
Missouri
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Virginia
Wisconsin

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all your options.

Minnesota Medicare insurance agent Karl Bruns-Kyler of The Big 65 Minnesota.

A couple of ideas that could make the weekend better!

May this blog post find you in good health enjoying a joyful Easter, Passover or just a beautiful spring weekend …  

And, of course, with your Medicare Insurance working properly.  Here are a couple of ideas that could make the weekend better …

Quantz Bruns-Kyler painting for The Big 65 Medicare insurance broker in Colorado.

Well, we thought we would be home for a while in Colorado, but while Quantz was painting window trim on Wednesday, she got a call from her dad asking if she’d head east and help him take care of her mom. Q left the next morning for South Carolina.

That’s the thing about health, it can change in a heartbeat, so it’s always important to be prepared with your paperwork: living wills, medical power of attorney, wills, and having financial paperwork in good order.

Is yours up to date? Ping me if you need a link to any of these forms and don’t wait for an emergency!

Karl Bruns-Kyler Colorado Medicare insurance broker discussing ideas that could make the weekend better.

Plato was thrilled I didn’t have to leave him again. He likes being with our daughter Sus and her animals when we are out of town, but I know he is happiest at home (maybe I’m just projecting).

Moderate drinking has no health benefits for The Big 65.

Did you see this news story? How disappointing to learn a glass of wine a day may not keep the doctor away.

I was talking with our neighbor Sally about this article.

Sally Wurr is an author and international speaker based in Colorado.

Sally is an author as well as a group employer health insurance broker.

Her perspective? Like almost everything in life, the secret is moderation.

It’s always good to be reminded of that.

Thank goodness for perspective. So, I won’t be giving up wine completely. Besides, as my wife says, what’s the point of living forever if you don’t have any fun, right ?

Fermented foods are healthy for The Big 65 Colorado Medicare insurance broker.

This article on gut health reaffirmed the importance of adding fermented foods regularly to your diet.

It’s the small actions we take over a long period of time that can have positive (or negative effects on our health).

Fortunately, I love kimchi and sauerkraut, but yogurt is also a healthy alternative.

Nicholas visiting WW II fighter planes_The Big 65.

Our Air Force son seems to be settling back into his routine overseas.

While on his huge base in England, he came across a hanger which still houses some US WW II fighter planes with victories of over the Nazis, he thought it was pretty cool!

Karl Bruns-Kyler with Suz and KC at Bug Trivia Night in Colorado.

Since my wife Q is out of town, our daughter Sus and her boyfriend KC invited me to bug trivia night at the Museum of Natural History.

Free drinks (told you I wasn’t giving them up), a great bug exhibit, and we came in third.

My only contribution to the score was the German word for beetle, kafer, thank goodness I had a German dad.

David and family celebrating Passover - friends of The Big 65.

Thanks to my buddy David for sending these pictures celebrating Passover with family and friends.

Two beautiful children_friends of The Big 65.

Is there any greater joy than the smile of a child?

That’s it for this week. Keep squeezing the juice out of life.

Remember, referrals are the lifeblood of my business!

If you are having Medicare questions or problems, email Gray, Gray@thebig65.com, or just book a time on my calendar.

We are here if you need us.

Let me know what’s going on your life, please send pictures :).

 

Karl Bruns-Kyler
(877) 850-0211
Book a time on my calendar here


As a novice to navigating the Medicare system, I cannot recommend the services of Karl enough. His knowledge has saved my wife and I a lot of money, both on the Medicare supplement insurance and the drug coverage. Costs you nothing to listen and has saved up thousands of dollars over time.
-Robert B

Happy with my Service? Click Here to Leave a Review.

Karl Bruns-Kyler is a Medicare insurance broker and independent Medicare agent licensed to help Medicare recipients in twenty-three states around the country, including:

Alabama
Arizona
Colorado
Florida
Georgia
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Louisiana
Maryland
Minnesota
Missouri
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Virginia
Wisconsin

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all your options.

Minnesota Medicare insurance agent Karl Bruns-Kyler of The Big 65 Minnesota.

 

Can you balance on one leg for 10 seconds?

May this blog post find you in good health with your Medicare Insurance working properly.

Question:  Can you balance on one leg for 10 seconds …?  Read on …

We keep hearing rumors about Spring, but it’s still cold and windy in Colorado when we go for walks!

Plato of The Big 65 Medicare Insurance in Colorado

While out with Plato in the backyard yesterday, I happened to have a pizza crust in my hand (of course I was eating pizza ) and decided to test his balance.

Even though he is eight years old he is incredibly agile. 

Karl Bruns-Kyler of The Big 65 balancing on one leg in Colorado.

If you’ve been reading this newsletter for a while, you know I’m a health nut (my wife Q says I’m just a nut).

Regardless, I am obsessed with staying healthy because I have so many healthy clients who inspire me to be active and to follow their examples.

Nice lady balancing on one leg - The Big 65 Colorado.

According to a recent news article, twenty percent of older Americans are unable to balance on one leg for 10 seconds and “that inability to balance was associated with a twofold risk in death in the next ten years.”

Karen petting her dog_The Big 65 Colorado.

Brisk walking, house cleaning, yoga … there are lots of ways to build balance. The bottom line – DON’T STOP MOVING – add a little movement to your everyday routines…  Just promise you won’t get on the roof to clean the gutters !!!

Karen who is a new client of The Big 65 Colorado.

New client Karen stays healthy walking her dog but she also has an electric scooter (see the helmets?). She enjoys riding alongside her grandson when he’s on his electric motorcycle.

Remember, there are many ways to improve your balance, see the article.

Northern Lights as seen from North Dakota_The Big 65.

I’ve seen stories that the Northern lights were visible in North Dakota and even in North Carolina last week, did any of you all see them? Please send pictures if you did.

Haas holding fish for The Big 65 Virginia.

Even though it’s cold here, my little brother Haas keeps sending fishing pictures from the Shenandoah Valley where we grew up. Haas loves to be outside!
Father of Mike at Hiroshima_The Big 65 Colorado.Thanks to client Mike for sending this amazing picture of his father standing in Hiroshima. Mike’s father felt the call to serve our nation. He fought in the Philippines and inspired Mike and his older brother to serve, one in Korea, one in Vietnam. Nobody likes war but we are so grateful for their service.

That’s it for this week. Keep squeezing the juice out of life.

Remember, referrals are the lifeblood of my business!

If you are having Medicare questions or problems, email Gray,  Gray@thebig65.com, or just book a time on my calendar.

We are here if you need us.

Let me know what’s going on your life, please send pictures for the newsletter :).

Karl Bruns-Kyler
(877) 850-0211
Book a time on my calendar here


As a novice to navigating the Medicare system, I cannot recommend the services of Karl enough. His knowledge has saved my wife and I a lot of money, both on the Medicare supplement insurance and the drug coverage. Costs you nothing to listen and has saved up thousands of dollars over time.
-Robert B

Happy with my Service? Click Here to Leave a Review.

Karl Bruns-Kyler is a Medicare insurance broker and independent Medicare agent licensed to help Medicare recipients in twenty-three states around the country, including:

Alabama
Arizona
Colorado
Florida
Georgia
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Louisiana
Maryland
Minnesota
Missouri
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Virginia
Wisconsin

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all your options.

Minnesota Medicare insurance agent Karl Bruns-Kyler of The Big 65 Minnesota.

 

Plato has a bone to pick with you!

With Spring just round the corner, we hope this finds you in good health with your Medicare Insurance working properly.  Plato has a bone to pick with you!

Plato chews on a bone with Karl Bruns-Kyler of The Big 65.

Of course Plato doesn’t have a bone to pick with you, but today I want to re-emphasize the importance of hyper vigilance to protect your identity and your money from scammers.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, imposter scams netted over 2.6 BILLION in 2022 (and that’s just what was reported!)

Examples of family emergency scam_from The Big 65.

We all like to think we’ll act rationally and sniff out an imposter in the classic “family emergency scheme,” but the scams are getting better and better, and some of the new AI technology can imitate family voices (see link).

Nicholas and Plato together in Colorado.

One of the most common features of aging is that we become more trusting as we age and though imposter scams occurred more often to people under thirty, people over 60 were scammed out of much larger sums of money ☹!

So, remember to be careful and deliberate before responding!

Luke senior holding a cane.

Yesterday would have been my best friend’s dad’s 90th birthday.

You can tell from the picture that Luke Senior was quite a character, a dentist and a barn painter, and overall troublemaker, still climbing ladders well into his eighties. He sure is missed by everyone who loved him.

Tina celebrating her mother Marie's 90th birthday.

Meanwhile in Arizona, close friend Tina celebrated her mother Marie’s 90th birthday with her daughter Mandy. You just can’t take moments like these for granted. When was the last time you reached out to a family member?

Bruns-Kyler Family enjoying a meal together in Colorado.

Here in Colorado, we enjoyed our first meal together as a family in over two years.

Yours truly rustled up crepes and bacon as the Bruns Kyler family took great pleasure in the simple ritual of a breakfast around the kitchen table, the most sacred place in our home. Who knows when that will happen again?

Karl Bruns-Kyler and Nicholas at the airport_The Big 65.

Of course our Air Force son’s leave had to come to an end… I drove him to the airport last night so he could go back overseas. Sunglasses hid the sadness, we’re sure gonna miss this goofball!

Please keep him and ALL our soldiers in your prayers!

That’s it for this week. Keep squeezing the juice out of life.

And, if you are having Medicare questions or problems, email Gray, Gray@thebig65.com, or just book a time on my calendar.

We are here if you need us.

Let me know what’s going on your life, please send pictures for the newsletter, and remember…

Referrals are the lifeblood of my business!

Karl Bruns-Kyler
(877) 850-0211
Book a time on my calendar here


As a novice to navigating the Medicare system, I cannot recommend the services of Karl enough. His knowledge has saved my wife and I a lot of money, both on the Medicare supplement insurance and the drug coverage. Costs you nothing to listen and has saved up thousands of dollars over time.
– Robert B

Happy with my Service? Click Here to Leave a Review.

Karl Bruns-Kyler is a Medicare insurance broker and independent Medicare agent licensed to help Medicare recipients in twenty-two states around the country, including:

Alabama
Arizona
Colorado
Florida
Georgia
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Louisiana
Maryland
Missouri
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Virginia
Wisconsin

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all your options.

The Big 65 Medicare Insurance Broker logo

Watch out for aggressive medical care

Karl Bruns-Kyler of The Big 65 is a Medicare insurance broker.  In this week’s blog, Karl shares the following warning:  Watch out for aggressive medical care. 

But first, may this note find you and your family in good health with your Medicare Insurance working properly.

Plato sure is glad to have everyone home even though he got spoiled while we were away.

Karl Bruns-Kyler of The Big 65 is a Medicare insurance broker watches Plato and Nicholas in Colorado.

But that’s the whole point of pets, right?  To give and get as much love as possible.

Plato is happy we are home and shouting at the squirrels.

Plato shouting at squirrels in Colorado.

At an insurance workshop this week, a colleague brought this article to my attention, and it is definitely worth a read.

Karl Bruns-Kyler of The Big 65 at insurance conference in Colorado.

According to the article, with alarming frequency, many seniors are encouraged to accept “aggressive end of life care” which may not be appropriate and will often cause individuals to live out their final moments in hospitals away from their loved ones or with poor quality of life.

Sus and Plato relaxing in Colorado living room.

“Although studies repeatedly show that most patients want to die at home, 25 percent of the community dwellers and almost 40 percent of the nursing home residents died in hospitals.”

The choices are never easy when it comes to end of life healthcare decisions, but it is very important to weigh the pros and the cons of any invasive procedure or service and to really understand the risk/reward ratio before you agree to aggressive treatment if someone you love is nearing the end of life.

Friend of The Big 65 Jean in Georgia with beautiful spring flowers.

Speaking of super healthy clients, Jean in Georgia looks as happy as always and is enjoying the spring like weather. Jean was one of five winners who guessed where last week’s pictures were from.

Singapore flag.

Starbucks gift cards go out next week to the winners. Congratulations!

Here’s a big shout out to my brother Robert for learning something new. Despite the wheelchair, Robert spent time in an adaptive skiing program that he says was tons of fun.

Robert Kyler skiing_The Big 65 Medicare insurance broker.

Never stop learning, never stop trying new things.

That’s it for this week. Keep squeezing the juice out of life.

And, if you are having Medicare questions or problems, email Gray, Gray@thebig65.com, or just book a time on my calendar.

We are here if you need us.

Let me know what’s going on your life, please send pictures for the newsletter, and remember…

Referrals are the lifeblood of my business!

 

Karl Bruns-Kyler
(877) 850-0211
Book a time on my calendar here


As a novice to navigating the Medicare system, I cannot recommend the services of Karl enough. His knowledge has saved my wife and I a lot of money, both on the Medicare supplement insurance and the drug coverage. Costs you nothing to listen and has saved up thousands of dollars over time.
-Robert B

Happy with my Service? Click Here to Leave a Review.

Karl Bruns-Kyler is a Medicare insurance broker and independent Medicare agent licensed to help Medicare recipients in twenty-two states around the country, including:

Alabama
Arizona
Colorado
Florida
Georgia
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Louisiana
Maryland
Missouri
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Virginia
Wisconsin

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all your options.

The Big 65 Medicare Insurance Broker logo

What’s the best drink for your health?

May this find you in good health with your Medicare Insurance working properly.

Today, I pose the question:  “What’s the best drink for your health?” 

But first …  the Bruns-Kyler family has returned to the States and boy are we glad to be home.  
The Big 65 Medicare insurance broker watches Quantz entering a car.
We chose to return home early because some family members are having health issues and Q wanted to be with them. That’s why I love her.

Can you tell where this week’s pictures were taken? As you read, pay attention!

I’ll be sending out Starbucks gift cards to the first five folks who email back the correct answer!

It’s great to be in my office again, plus, it’s time to get the yard ready for Spring.

Karl Bruns-Kyler having tea with friends.

For whatever reason, we’ve been seeing numerous Medicare billing issues so I have been drinking a lot of tea AND coffee to stay focused.

Be cautious before paying a Medicare related bill, mistakes are common!

Nice lady pouring tea by The Big 65.

This week, one client’s pharmacy claimed they didn’t have drug coverage.

That is the type of concern that wakes me up. It took a number of calls to get everything straightened out. Thank goodness the pharmacy was wrong!

I used to worry that coffee and tea could have negative effects on my health, but as long as they are used in moderation, and your doctor approves, both beverages seem to have positive health benefits.

Karl, Quantz, and Nicholas on a boat for The Big 65.

Caffeine can boost mood and improve performance, plus both drinks are rich in antioxidants.

Nice lady eating a meal with a bird on her shoulder.

Some studies link caffeine to weight loss and both drinks may provide anti-cancer benefits.

Beautiful plants indoors_photo by The Big 65 medicare insurance broker- agent.

One client in Texas shared how he takes a “Coffee Nap” in the afternoon.

Interesting plants in the sky.

When Michael is tired and has things to do, he’ll down a coffee, set an alarm for thirty minutes and take a quick siesta.

Quantz and Nicholas enjoying a meal together.

The caffeine will usually kick in just as the alarm goes off and then he is able to be quite productive.

Nice man playing an instrument for The Big 65 Medicare broker.

If you have insomnia or caffeine sensitivity, this may not be a good idea, always talk with your doctor.

The bottom line, it’s healthy to review your liquid consumption patterns and see if you can make small tweaks to optimize productivity, sleep, and overall health.

Nicholas embracing Plato for The Big 65.

Our Air Force son, Nicholas, is sure enjoying his first extended vacation in two years. Plato was so excited to see him when he got to our house.

We’re just happy to have our son home.

You know how quickly they grow up so don’t take anything for granted.

That’s it for this week. Keep squeezing the juice out of life.

And, if you are having Medicare questions or problems, email Gray, Gray@thebig65.com, or just book a time on my calendar.

We are here if you need us.

Let me know what’s going on your life, please send pictures for the newsletter, and remember…

Referrals are the lifeblood of my business!


Karl Bruns-Kyler

(877) 850-0211
Book a time on my calendar here


As a novice to navigating the Medicare system, I cannot recommend the services of Karl enough. His knowledge has saved my wife and I a lot of money, both on the Medicare supplement insurance and the drug coverage. Costs you nothing to listen and has saved up thousands of dollars over time.
-Robert B

Happy with my Service? Click Here to Leave a Review.


Karl Bruns-Kyler is a Medicare insurance broker and independent Medicare agent licensed to help Medicare recipients in twenty-two states around the country, including:

Alabama
Arizona
Colorado
Florida
Georgia
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Louisiana
Maryland
Missouri
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Virginia
Wisconsin

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all your options.

The Big 65 Medicare Insurance Broker logo