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 had a health scare!

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.

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.

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 newsletter 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.

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 smiling at Plato.

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 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

Do we have you in the right coverage?

May this blog post/newsletter find you in good health with your Medicare Insurance working properly.  Today’s question: “Do we have you in the right coverage?

Karl Bruns-Kyler helping Medicare clients for The Big 65.

In working with clients all over the country this week, it’s been a great opportunity to sharpen the saw and drill into the differences between plan types: Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement.

Man in tall grass as seen by Karl Bruns-Kyler of The Big 65 Medicare Insurance Agency.

From a distance, it’s not always easy to understand the differences between the two types of plans and I often get the question: which type of plan is better?

The simple answer is… it truly depends on how each consumer uses healthcare.

Q and N exploring bamboo as seen by Karl Bruns-Kyler of The Big 65.

Medicare Supplements charge a monthly premium and allow consumers to go to any doctor who takes Medicare (and is willing to see them) and folks don’t have to deal with prior authorization for Medicare approved services. They also don’t receive extra benefits and the premiums typically go up every year.

Adorable critter holding on to a branch.

Medicare Advantage Plans typically have no premiums, offer additional bells and whistles but require you to jump through additional hoops for certain services.

Photo of an orangutan eating an apple as viewed by The Big 65.

As your independent Medicare Insurance Broker, I try to spend most of my time understanding your healthcare preferences and how you prefer to receive healthcare services.

After that, it’s all about education and understanding the pros and the cons of each type of plan and letting YOU make your own choice.

Kids playing in the water and smiling at The Big 65.

That’s the reason for this newsletter, so that we can stay connected to make sure your coverage is working the way it should.

Musician playing a harp for The Big 65.

Of course, nothing works perfectly. Sometimes there are billing errors, other times it’s hard to reach customer service. Life is imperfect at best, but the important thing is you have an additional resource: The Big 65!

Nicholas with a big smile from The Big 65 Medicare insurance agency.

If you are having issues, always call the carrier first.

However, if you speak with the carrier and you are stilling having problems, please reach out to us by email or just book a time on my calendar.

That why I’m here. Medicare call centers (and all those enticing commercials you see on TV) only want you to switch plans. If it’s necessary, we can do that, but usually there’s an easier fix.

Nicholas double-fisted with two drinks.

It sure has been fun to finally have an extended vacation with our Air Force son Nicholas.

Karl Bruns-Kyler and Nicholas working on bucket list together.

We worked on his bucket list one night and I didn’t even try to keep up with him. I guess we were all young once, right?

South Carolina springtime scene_The Big 65 South Carolina

I keep hearing from clients like Claire in South Carolina that spring is on the way so don’t give up hope!

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

Are your doctors really taking care of you?

Are your doctors really taking care of you?  Is your Medicare insurance working properly?

Cartoon of two women discussing medical and technology challenges in a cemetary.

I wish the above cartoon was a one-off joke that we could all laugh at and ignore, but that just isn’t the case. Getting lost in the medical labyrinth is much more common than we would like to believe.

Today, I want to share a tip on how to get in to see medical providers faster when they can’t see you in a timely manner.  

Karl Bruns-Kyler of The Big 65 and his wife Quantz holding a live serpent

I spoke with a client in Michigan this week who was under a double whammy: a power outage because of the snow and a specialist who couldn’t seem him for three months.

Photograph of a monkey sitting on a gold crown.

While I couldn’t do anything about the outage, this is the solution that did help him get in quicker:

James started calling the receptionist EVERY DAY the moment they opened and right after lunch to KEEP asking about cancellations. The polite/squeaky wheel often gets the oil!

Karl Bruns-Kyler of The Big 65 sees monks walking.

We spoke on Monday and by Thursday, James had gotten on his Urologist’s calendar. This will not always work, but it often does.

Of course, you could consider finding a different physician, but most of don’t like to switch doctors. There is normally great value in long term continuity.

However, if you are consistently underwhelmed by the response you receive from your provider, you may want to look up their ratings on third party websites like Heathgrades.com, Vitals or some of the others listed in this link.

Shoplifters will be prostituted sign in a store.

If you discover that a provider is consistently receiving negative reviews, you may want to look for a new provider.

Please know the lion’s share of medical providers are doing their best to provide great care, but like everything else in life, the eighty-twenty rule applies.

Photo of Quantz and Nicholas reunited with The Big 65 and Karl Bruns-Kyler.

Well, I am pleased to report that the Bruns-Kyler family has reunited in Kuala Lumpur. Quantz returned from travels in Burma and…

Nicholas holding chopsticks with Karl Bruns-Kyler.

Our Air Force son, Nicholas, after three cancelled vacations because of the Ukraine situation, was finally able to meet up with us for some for very well-deserved leave.

Time with grown up children is a blessing, isn’t it?

Malaysia is a multiculture country of Malays, Indians, and Chinese.

Malaysia is a very modern country with a very old world feel, a very multicultural country of Malays, Indians and Chinese.

Malaysia in a beautiful country with great food, Karl Bruns-Kyler.

That means the food is incredibly diverse and delicious. Though we didn’t try everything.

Photo of Drunken Duck Tongue on a menu.

One of the things we did finally try is durian, have you heard of it?

Durian is a fruit banned in Singapore because of the smell.

This fruit is banned in Singapore because of its smell, but it has a fanatical following, nonetheless.

Photo of Karl Bruns-Kyler and his son Nicholas.

Of course, following my axiom of trying new things, we had to give it a try.

Karl Bruns-Kyler is a Medicare insurance broker with The Big 65 Colorado.

I’ve gotta tell you, I am NOT a fan. It has a taste of rotten onions and the texture of meat.

As you can imagine, Q was not a fan. But hey, it’s off our bucket list. You win some, you lose some, right?

Quantz points to "No Durian" sign on store window.

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