There’s a new sheriff in town!

May “The Big 65 Medicare insurance blog” find you in great health with your Medicare Insurance working properly.

First, we had heavy rains and then the smoke from the fires in Canada darkened the skies. Now, it’s beautiful again here in Colorado and we are excited for summer.

Karl Bruns-Kyler of The Big 65 holding Hoover bee hives in Colorado.

The Big65 bees are doing so well you won’t believe it. I actually had to add a super to the brood boxes to keep up with the honey production.

But don’t worry I’ll never quit my day job.

Getting out and spending time by the hives just makes me happy. Plus, Q loves being outside as well. We both wear sunscreen and here’s an article on which ones work best.

Q of The Big 65 mowing grass in Colorado.

Now that we’ve been home from traveling for a while, we sometimes catch Plato doomscrolling. It’s easy to get into the habit of spending too much time on our phones.

Q and Plato doomscrolling in Colorado.

According to this article, there are plenty of positive ways to use our phone purposely that bring joy:

• Calling family and friends
• Listening to music
• Taking photos
• Happiness apps
• Learning and games

These are just a few of the ways you can use your phone to improve the quality of your life. Recently, Quantz used her phone to apply for a new volunteer position.

Q holding sheriff uniform in Colorado for The Big 65 Colorado.

So now there is a new sheriff in town (not really). But starting next week, Q will be volunteering for the Sheriff’s department in the office, doing paperwork and making phone calls.

It’s always important to try new things. As always, I’m very proud of Q.

Simple Formula For Living The Big 65.

Of course, we know the things we should do to make life better, but I’m always grateful for reminders.

I love this picture of Luisa with her dad. Is there someone you need to love on before it’s too late?

Luisa with her dad admiring a lake for The Big 65.

It’s just too easy to get caught up in daily life and take things for granted.

Puebla Mexico mountain ash_The Big 65 Texas.

This picture was taken by Santiago, one of our former exchange students, last week in Puebla, Mexico. Much of the city is being covered by ash and his grandmother says she’s never seen it like this before.

Santi riding a bike in Colorado.

Santi is visiting us for couple of weeks and we’re sure glad to have him. He has one more marketing class to finish and then he graduates university.

Santi sitting on a pile of rocks in Colorado.

He is very ready to do be done with school, remember that feeling?Flo and her parents with The Big 65 Colorado.You already know what big believers we are in the importance of staying connected to family and friends. We had so much fun when Flo’s parents visited us from France. They just went home, and we miss them already.

Thanks to Billy for sharing this ad from back in the day. I used to work at Bonanza in high school, setting up potatoes, parsley, and fries for the grill master, a long time ago. Look at those prices!

Bonanza restaurant vintage ad for The Big 65.

Don’t you wish the no tipping policy was still in place?

Be sure to honor those who died in service to our great nation this Memorial Day Weekend and do 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.

This might save your bacon!

May this Medicare blog post find you in great health with your Medicare Insurance working properly.  This might save your bacon! Read on … 

Plato with purple pig on his head for The Big 65.

It’s been incredibly wet here in Colorado the last week, so Plato was enjoying the sun and playing with his newest toy. He loves a good squeaky toy!

See the sofa cushion behind him? It got soaked because a hailstorm put holes in one of the patio furniture covers – more than an inch of hail.

Snow in Colorado in May with The Big 65.

Of course, like an idiot, I put the huge, sopping cushion in the washer to try to run the spin cycle. Five minutes later, we heard this piercing alarm going off.

Quantz on the sofa in Colorado_The Big 65.

Thank goodness Q had put water sensors under the washer, the fridge, the dishwasher and the water heater that were connected to an app on her phone. Thanks to my better half, we were able turn off the washer before I destroyed the floor.

I bring this up because client Ed in North Carolina wasn’t so lucky. He and his wife bought a new washer from Lowe’s eight months ago. It was defective with a slow persistent leak that ruined their entire floor and has forced them out of the house, into a hotel for the last 30 days.

Here’s a link to an article about inexpensive water sensors that sure saved our bacon.

They are easy to install, and some companies will give you a discount on your homeowners insurance just for putting them in.

You know my focus is Medicare insurance, but I always try to help clients avoid unnecessary expenses!

Honeybees in Colorado for The Big 65 and Karl Bruns-Kyler.

Many of you know I’m raising bees again this year and the first hive inspection looked great. I didn’t see any mites yet. The bees are in full production, so I had to add another box to one of the two hives.

Keep your fingers crossed.

Hoover bee hive in Colorado and The Big 65.

I’ve received a ton of calls about dental plans. I’m in the process of adding some new plans so if you have questions on this topic, give me a shout.

Our French cousins in Colorado with The Big 65.

Our French cousins, Flo’s parents, are visiting us. We hadn’t seen them in thirty years, how crazy is that?

It’s been fun to have guests, we’re just sorry the weather has been so bad. As they say in France, c’est la vie!

French cousins visiting Colorado and The Big 65.

We attended a concert at the music school, El Sistema, where Flo volunteers, lot’s of squeaky violins and enthusiastic young inner city musicians.

We are very proud that Flo was successful in bringing in a $50,000 grant for the program. She is an impressive young woman.

Buckeye client Dave's project built with his own hands.

This may look like an ordinary shed but I’m here to tell you it is the work of a master craftsman.

Buckeye client Dave felled 17 pine trees, milled the wood with a buddy, and together they constructed this entire project themselves.

Buckeye client Dave at 77 in Ohio for The Big 65.

Not shabby for 77, eh? I think Dave’s a superhero!

Or as Christopher Robin said to Winnie the Pooh:

What Christopher Robin said to Winnie the Pooh:

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.

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

Sometimes surgery might not be the answer

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

Karl Bruns-Kyler working with bees in Colorado_The Big 65.

Spring has sprung and I spent Saturday out in Windsor, Colorado, getting an update on the do’s and don’ts of beekeeping.

It was so much fun to get hands-on experience, pulling frames, learning about the brood, plus all the stuff I’ll need to do to keep the two hives healthy and to hopefully get some honey in the fall.

If there’s extra, I promise to share.

Beekeeping in Colorado with The Big 65.

Trying to shoot a slow-motion video of the bees, I got a little too close and one of the bees stung me on the lip, making it look like a bad plastic surgery face lift.

Oh well, lesson learned: have a healthy respect for nature. Naturally, my wife Q thought it was pretty dang funny.

Sunset view in Highlands Ranch Colorado_The Big 65.

It’s finally warming up here and I hope you are getting outside as much as possible.

Whenever we walk our big fluffy dog Plato, he brings a smile to people’s faces, including Brenda who we often see in the park.

Brenda in Highlands Ranch Colorado_The Big 65.

As your Medicare Insurance broker, I hear stories every week about the good, the bad and the ugly of modern medicine.

Over the years, I’ve spoken with hundreds of clients about their prostate (all guys, naturally). Their experiences as patients have run the gamut from easy-peasy to being a true disruptor of the quality of their lives.

Cancer is scary word. Sometimes the fear of a condition can lead consumers to seek aggressive treatment prematurely.

Robert Kyler in Virginia - brother of Karl Bruns-Kyler_Big 65.

According to my older brother Robert (he is a Radiation Oncologist in Virginia), when patients are alerted to an elevated PSA score, many believe they must immediately be treated by surgery or radiation. In some situations, the treatment can be worse than the condition.

The protocol for treating prostate cancer has changed in the last ten years to “active surveillance,” not forgetting about the elevated PSA’s, but instead monitoring the situation and not rushing to treatment if it is not necessary.

DO NOT TAKE THIS BLOG AS MEDICAL ADVICE, be an informed consumer before selecting treatment. Every situation is different. Remember:

Just because a medical service is available, that doesn’t always make it appropriate for you. Here’s an article on this topic.

Flo the French cousin in Colorado_The Big 65.

My wife’s French cousin, Flo, has now rounded the eighth month of living with us and working as a volunteer for the music program El Sistema here in Denver. I’m amazed she hasn’t gotten tired of us, yet.

You know I’m an evangelist for opening your home to young people (and for your kids to have exchange students).

Sharing your home just makes life better (plus it prevents me from running around in my boxers), and Quantz says that certainly makes the world a better place.

Joe and Becky and Les Misérables_The Big 65 clients.

Client’s Joe and Becky got out this week and saw “Les Misérables” and they said it was fantastic. My wife Q loves musicals. Me? Not so much. They kind of make me feel like a “Misérable.”

I always try to get our daughter Sus to take my place. Q thinks I will like “The Book of Mormon” musical, but I’m doing my best to dodge the bullet, besides, my beehives will definitely need me the weekend of that show, right?

Haas Kyler fishing in Virginia_The Big 65.

I chat with my brothers several times a week. Every time I catch my little brother Haas, he seems to be fishing in Virginia. For the heck of it, I used FaceTime to find out why he fishes so much… of course it’s beer. You see his buddy Mike in the background throwing one down?

As Haas always says, “life is good.” 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
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 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.

When dogs are on the lam – watch out for this scam!

Sure hope this note finds you in great health with promise of Spring putting a lift in your sails… and your Medicare Insurance working properly.

When dogs are on the lam – watch out for this scam!

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

Are animals near and dear to your heart?

Last week, my little brother’s dogs, Georgia and Piper, dug under his fence and went on the lam in Virginia. Boy was Haas worried!

Haas dog on porch who is a friend of The Big 65.

Haas put out “lost dog” signs all over the county. That same day, he got a text:

Text: Hey, you missing two dogs?

Haas: I sure am! Did you find them?

Text: Before I give you ANY details, I’m going to send you a text with a code. Send me the code and then we can talk!

WARNING, DANGER WILL ROBINSON, DANGER!

According to the Identity Theft Resource Center, this is a common scheme to trick consumers into giving out a Google verification code that’ll be used for illegal activities.

Be vigilant, watch out for phishing scams or anyone claiming to be a family member needing help. Always double check before you give out any personal information!

The good news, Haas recognized this as a scam and did not respond.

Dogs together for The Big 65 Medicare insurance broker.

Even better, Haas got a call from a neighbor farm and he was reunited with two very tired, dirty, hungry little rascals.

Think they were happy to be home?

Karl Bruns-Kyler of The Big 65.

Tax Day is behind us, Amen! Here’s a reminder:

If you own a business or a rental property, or, if your medical expenses exceed a certain percentage of your Adjusted Gross Income, you may be able to deduct those costs from your taxes.

This can also apply to Long Term Care Insurance Premiums.

Every situation is different, but this article is good place to start. Also ask your tax person.

Service dogs - friends of The Big 65.

Had a great chat with new client David in New York.

David’s lifelong passion has been training service dogs for different police forces around Buffalo. Recently, he was featured on TV for helping to train this Newfoundland (named Bello) to improve its obedience as an Autism anchor dog.

It’s an amazing story if you want to watch.

Service training dogs with people_The Big 65.

The good news is, thanks to Dave’s training skills, this families autistic son, who is +6 ft tall and well over 250 pounds, now has a loving companion that prevents him from bolting (which is his default behavior) and literally anchors him to the spot.

This means that the family can take their son out to McDonalds or to the park and Bello’s training and size prevent the young man from running. Bello has made everyone’s’ life better. Well done, Dave!

Healthy Foods For the Big 65.

No need for cholesterol medications, yet, but this chart shows some great foods I’ll be sure to increase eating to keep things on track.

Scott and Ruth_friends of The Big 65.

love this picture of client Scott and his wife Ruth. Scott retired from a successful career in the oil and gas industry and has re-invented himself as a Real Estate Agent.

Ruth is an author and continues to work helping companies create a culture that improves workplace stability (and financial wellness) for entry level workers.

Fun fact: Ruth and I went to the same Mennonite high school in the Shenandoah Valley. Years later, we just happened to find out we live less than two miles from each other. Small world, eh?

Client Claire and her Sheltie Fancy_The Big 65.

Sometimes a picture says everything. Client Claire and her Sheltie, Fancy, are a handsome duo, great smiles, great friends! I sure hope you have something to smile about this week!

Remember, keep squeezing the juice out of life.

Medicare questions or problems?

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

If your family or friends have questions, 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