Karl Bruns-Kyler Archives

Here’s How to Maximize Your Medicare💪🩺!

Greetings and may this note find you in amazing health 💪 with your Medicare insurance coverage 🏥 working properly.

We’re now into the Annual Election Period and it’s sticky business🍯, yes-siree!

I sure hope you’re ignoring the telemarketers📞⚠️☠️ and the misleading Facebook/TV ads that promise free money. I talked with two clients who were totally lead astray.

Just like marriage, and honey production🍯🐻, Medicare is a team effort.

If you want us to give your plan the once over BEFORE setting an appointment, shoot us an email and I’ll let you know if you actually need to book a time. We’re working through a bunch of those and we will get them ALL answered.

If you have a pressing issue that needs immediate attention, please use this email link and Gray will make sure we get it done.

If your drugs, doctors, or your plan have changed significantly, book a time on my calendar here 🗓️. No need to fill out a new drug list.

Thanks to Q, lots of honey went out this week. If you’d like some, feel free to leave us a review on Google or Facebook.

Our daughter Sus came down last weekend to celebrate my birthday and it sure was fun to carve pumpkins, reminisce, and spend time together. Remember when your varmints were small?

Life’s great joys come from spending time with the ones you love, so it’s important to do everything we can to stay healthy…for their sake! Nobody wants to be a burden.

Unfortunately, our healthcare system often focuses on treating the symptoms… after the problem, instead of before.

The good news is Medicare (both Medicare Supplements and Medicare Advantage Plans) covers a wide range of preventive services to help us remain healthy. Many of these services come at no additional cost to you, so why not take advantage of them?

Each year, you’re entitled to a wellness visit where you can discuss your health and set up a personalized prevention plan. This is a great time to talk with your doctor about any screenings or vaccines you might need.

Speaking of need, one thing I don’t need is rock climbing😨! But you can see (up high) that Sus is a fan!

Consider Flu shots as we head into the colder months. Medicare covers these shots along with others like the pneumonia and hepatitis B vaccines.

Surprisingly, flu vaccinations were associated with a significantly lower risk of dementia. Staying vaccinated also helps prevent serious illnesses that could lead to hospital visits.

Sus surprised us with tickets to see the musical “Hamilton.” It was incredible and none of us got the flu🙂🤞.

Medicare offers several free cancer screenings, including mammograms, pap smears, and colonoscopies. Early detection can make all the difference when it comes to treatment, so be sure to schedule your screenings.

Don’t these two look like they’re ready for a Hollywood screening!

Keeping track of your cholesterol and blood pressure is key to heart health. Medicare covers cardiovascular screenings that can detect conditions early before they become serious problems.

Plato and I may need a statin after Q prepared this lemon pound cake for the Big 64! It was delicious.

Learn more about Plan G coverage. Learn more about Medicare Advantage vs Medigap. Learn more about potential drawbacks of Medicare Advantage.

If you’re at risk for Type 2 diabetes, Medicare covers a diabetes prevention program, which includes lifestyle changes to help prevent the onset of diabetes.

If you test your blood sugar at home, the company Advanced Diabetes Supplies (ADS) will set up for home delivery of your diabetic supplies, at NO ADDITIONAL cost! Here is a link to their website.

My little brother Haas and I compete to stay healthy. I’m convinced part of the reason he does so well is because he catches, hunts, and grows most of the things he eats.

If you’ve been thinking about quitting smoking, Medicare covers counseling sessions to help you kick the habit for good. This benefit is available whether or not you’ve shown signs of tobacco-related disease.

By taking advantage of these free services, you can catch health problems early, stay on top of chronic conditions, and prevent future issues. These preventive services are part of Medicare’s commitment to helping you live a healthier, fuller life. Remember, it’s never too late to prioritize your health!

And do remember to keep moving just like my buddies Jason and Cary. We do power yoga at 5:30 AM during the week in room that’s over 100 degrees. That’s gotta be good for something, right?

Keep squeezing the juice out of life and look for ways to help others!

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

If you know someone who might like to receive The Big 65 newsletter, forward this link.

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
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
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Florida
Georgia
Idaho
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
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.

Here’s the Hidden Hospice Help Medicare Offers!

Greetings and may this blog find you in amazing health 💪 with your Medicare insurance coverage 🏥 working properly.

The Annual Election Period began Tuesday, October 15th 😱! It’s been fun catching up with so many of you all over the place.

If you’re happy with your coverage, you may not have to do anything, most plans will roll over automatically. We have till December 7th and there are plenty of slots in November.

If you want us to give your plan the once over BEFORE setting an appointment, shoot us an email and I’ll let you know if you actually need to book a time.

If you have a pressing issue that needs immediate attention, please use this email link and Gray will make sure we get it done.

If your drugs, doctors, or your plan have changed significantly, book a time on my calendar here 🗓️. No need to fill out a new drug list.

Just remember to IGNORE the telemarketers📞⚠️☠️ and the misleading TV ads. Plato says Halloween is scary enough, don’t let the bad guys get you!

I’m happy to report that Q made it home safely on Monday after adding 9 countries to her total of 82! Plato couldn’t contain himself (and yes I gave him a bath before she arrived).

Once she gets settled, we will be sending out the honey🍯🐻 to everyone who was kind enough to give us a review on Google or Facebook. We still have plenty so feel free to click the links if you’ve been pleased with our service.

This week I received helpful advice from several amazing clients in hospice. You might think hospice care is only for the final days of life, but for Medicare recipients diagnosed with Dementia, Alzheimer’s, or Parkinson’s, qualifying for hospice earlier could improve quality of life significantly and reduce some costs.

Here’s a simplified guide on why you should consider hospice sooner—and when it might be too early.

Hospice isn’t just for cancer patients—it also supports those with advanced Dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s, providing care when symptoms become severe, quality of life declines, or when curative treatments are no longer effective.

Hospice care may be accessed by someone with Dementia, Alzheimer’s, or Parkinson’s when they show a major decline in their mental or physical abilities.

This could mean they struggle with basic tasks like eating, bathing, or moving around. Other signs include rapid weight loss, ongoing infections like pneumonia, difficulty recognizing family members, or frequent trips to the hospital. These changes can indicate it’s time to consider hospice support.

Here are some benefits people receive under hospice care:

Pain and symptom management
Medical care from doctors and nurses specialized in end-of-life care
Emotional and spiritual support for the patient and family
Medications
Medical equipment (e.g., hospital bed, wheelchair) and supplies (e.g., bandages)
Assistance with personal care, such as bathing and dressing
Respite care for family caregivers
Grief counseling and bereavement support for loved ones
24/7 access to care and support

Hospice care is not available for individuals with mild memory loss or occasional confusion.

If someone can still handle daily activities with minimal help and their condition is stable, managed by medication or therapy, hospice benefits wouldn’t be available.

The good news is that Plato still knows where he lives.

To start hospice care, talk to your primary doctor or specialist to see if it’s the right time. You can also contact a hospice provider directly—they’ll work with your doctor to assess eligibility and guide you through your Medicare benefits.

The bottom line, if you or someone you know is struggling with these issues, hospice may offer additional tools for the individual and the family. Share this if you think it will help.

Fortunately Annette and Mark’s Mastiff named Boris shows no sign of decline, even if he does believe he is the world’s largest Beanie Baby 😆!

And even though Annabelle and Daisy Mae may not the win the largest Beanie Baby award compared to Boris, I still think Frank and Brigitte own two of the cutest critters I’ve seen in a while.

Finally, here’s a big shout out to Wietze in Georgia. He’s in his fifth year of volunteering with the AARP Foundation Tax Aid Program. In this program, people can get their taxes done for free, yes FREE.

The primary clients are low income seniors but the only limitations are that the return cannot be too complicated. If you need help or would like to volunteer, check out the link. Thanks to Wietze for sharing!

Keep squeezing the juice out of life and look for ways to help others!

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

If you know someone who might like to receive The Big 65 newsletter, forward this link.

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
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:

Never go to the doctor alone👨‍⚕️⚠️😬!

Greetings and may this blog find you in amazing health 💪 with your Medicare insurance coverage 🏥 working properly.

Last week it was North Carolina🌧️, this week it’s Florida🌪️, what’s next🤪?

Oh yeah, the Annual Election Period starts Tuesday, October 15th 😱! I’ve already spoken with dozens of clients. Some will need to make changes, most won’t😌.

Just remember to IGNORE the telemarketers📞⚠️☠️ and the misleading TV ads. They’re like racoons, if you feed them, you’ll be sorry🦝!

Here’s the deal:

If your drugs 💊 and doctors👨‍⚕️ have changed significantly🔄…
If your plan is ending or the premiums have gone way up 💲…
If you’re unsure your coverage📄is still meeting your needs🤔…

Then please book a time on my calendar here 🗓️.

If you are an existing client, there’s no need to fill out a new drug list.

Gray will reach out and update your medications and doctors before we speak. If you can’t find a time that works, email Gray@thebig65.com and he will get you on my calendar 🗓️.

Plato says thank you SO MUCH❤️ to clients Jean, Cindy J, Claire, Maryellen, Annette, Karen, Wietze, Carol G, Bill J, Robyn, Lisa, Elizabeth, Robert, and Terrye for the 5 Star Google reviews that took us to over 300 reviews🎉!

Small honey bears from our hive🍯will go out next week when my wife Q gets home from her adventures in Belgium. Yes indeed, Quantz may actually be coming home🤞.

If you’d like a small honey bear🍯🐻(smaller than neighbor Ed’s) from my bees, please post a Google Review with this link IF you’ve been happy with our service.

If you don’t have a Gmail account, you can leave a review on Facebook. That’ll be good for a honey🍯🐻as well. If you already posted a review on the Facebook Big 65 page, please reply to this email and you’ll get your honey, honey😂🤣!

Now the important message: Why you should never go to to the doctor👨‍⚕️alone!

(or take an ice bath❄️🛁 at 43 degrees without your Doodle nearby!)

It’s always better to have someone with you at the doctor’s office.

A spouse or a friend can help you remember things and provide support.

Be sure to get the doctor to look you in the eye👁️ and always ask the question:

“Doc, what would YOU do in this situation? If I was your Mom/Dad what would you recommend?”

Doctor visits can be overwhelming. A friend or family member can:

Take Notes: They can jot down what’s important so you don’t have to worry about missing anything.
Ask Questions: Sometimes they’ll think of things you didn’t.
Offer Support: If you’re feeling nervous or unsure, having someone there can help.

If someone goes with you, when you get home you can reprocess the information and reduce the chances of making a mistake. Don’t be like this prairie dog and stick your head in the ground. It’s a good thing to ask for help!

Here are some apps on your phone you might consider downloading and using:

Otter.ai: Records and transcribes your appointment so you can listen back later.
MyChart: Lets you access your medical records and test results anytime.
Google Keep: A simple way to take notes and track questions.
CareClinic: Helps you keep track of meds, symptoms, and appointments.

If you have to go alone (or even if someone comes with you), let technology be your friend!

Never underestimate the value of support during a medical appointment. A second set of ears or a bit of technology will increase your chances of making good decisions.

Support includes face timing with the people you love, like little Greta, the daughter of one of our exchange students from Germany. Grand varmints, life’s great joy ❤️!

Speaking of good decisions, I think my brother Robert made a great one… spending time with his granddaughter Nel in New York City. Enjoy the Big Apple brother (and please send me a bagel)🥯.

Keep squeezing the juice out of life and look for ways to help others!

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

If you know someone who might like to receive The Big 65 newsletter, forward this link.

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
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:

The AEP Countdown: 5 Steps to Prepare Now

Greetings and may this blog find you in amazing health 💪 with your Medicare insurance coverage 🏥 working properly. Big prayers 🙏 to everyone in North Carolina experiencing the floods.

Remember, the Annual Election Period doesn’t begin until October 15th. Please don’t book a time BEFORE October 15th. Otherwise, Quantz and her friends in Ethiopia will be very put out.

You should have received our letter and the QR code on a jar opener like this to book a time for after October 15th. Here’s the link just in case.

If you’d like a small jar of honey🍯(smaller than Emerson’s cause he gets our mail), anyone with a Gmail address who writes a Google review with this link will get a jar. We have 297 and we’re trying to break 300 reviews!

If you don’t have a Gmail account, please leave a review on Facebook. That’ll be good for a jar of honey🍯 as well.

If you’ve already booked a time, Gray, Gray@TheBig65.com, or I will be calling to update your drugs and perhaps reschedule for later in October.

Don’t worry, we won’t give you any lip if you booked early😂.

From October 15th till December 7th, my mission is to get you out of any tight spots if:

Your plan was dropped😱.
Your drugs changed 💊.
Plan premiums went up 💵.
You’ve added or changed doctors👩‍⚕️.
You would like to make sure everything is ok 😬.

Here is my motto for the Annual Election Period:

I suspect Art and Esther’s new 5 month old Red Labrador Ruby will be well taken care of, too. Hopefully their Boxer Stella is on board with the project.

For those of you who are curious, Q did make it successfully out of Africa.

She had the trip of a lifetime, seeing extraordinary religious festivals like Meskel, commemorating the discovery of the Cross by Empress Helena (Constantine’s mother) in the 4th century. Ethiopia is a very religious country.

Q visited many different tribes and saw coming of age rituals (like this boy becoming a man jumping over the six white bulls).

I was tempted to join her in Madagascar and Ethiopia but even though Gray is available…

As your broker, I will only visit countries with excellent internet 💻📱so that you can always get a hold of me if you need me.

But after seven weeks apart, I couldn’t take it any more so…

I surprised her for a few days in this European capital famous for Mermaids…

Viking ships…

And excellent internet (which I used into the wee hours every night I was here). By the time you read this…I’ll already be back in Denver, ready for the busy season.

And though I’m back home, ready to catch up with everyone who needs me, Q is still exploring. She’s the one who inspired the motto at the end of every newsletter. That’s why I love her❤️.

Keep squeezing the juice out of life and look for ways to help others!

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

If you know someone who might like to receive The Big 65 newsletter, forward this link.

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
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:

An apple a day ain’t a bad idea

Greetings and may this blog find you in amazing health 💪 with your Medicare insurance coverage 🏥 working properly.

The Annual Election Period is under three weeks away. Part D drugs are going to be a pain in the… see Q’s friend below.

Fancy/schmancy drugs are going to require your attention👁️!

Have you received the Annual Notice of Changes by email or mail? Please take a moment to review it.

Some Medicare Advantage Plans and Part D Plans will have changes to premiums and drug tiers, while others will stay the same or be discontinued.

For some, no action is needed, others may need to make changes. Hopefully, we won’t need a priest!

October 14th till December 7th, that’s when we can understand and change coverage.

Please book a time on my calendar if you need me.

If we have your drug list, don’t fill out a new one, please email Gray@TheBig65.com an updated list.

You should receive a jar opener and a letter next week.

ANYONE calling without your permission is an illegal telemarketer🚫🤥📱. Watch out for Medicare scammers like these baboons. Took us all week to get Bob’s scammer’s mistakes resolved.

Yeah, it’s true, Medicare and Elections are a pain in the … but, let’s not forget all we have to be thankful for.

Props to Bill in Durango for guessing my wife Q’s current country, Ethiopia.

Last week, rebels captured the UNESCO castles near Gondar and Q was forced to return to Addis Ababa.

Good news, the rebels retreated, the army regained control, and Q was able to make new friends and see the castles.

See all the other tourists? That’s because there aren’t any. Q was the only non soldier at her hotel.

Imagine if you were living in a civil war?

America is imperfect at best and it is still the most amazing country. As an old classmate’s Lebanese grandfather said, “the US is the land of milk and honey.”

Our home is the land of one gallon of milk and one hundred sixty four pounds of honey🍯from our two hives🐝. Last year, we harvested sixty eight. Plato was proud.

Neighbor Jeff’s been out of our honey for a while. He likes to put it in his oatmeal in the winter.

According to our bees, it’s gonna be a hard winter in Colorado.

Of course we can’t live on honey alone. Fortunately, there are other superfoods in the kitchen🍎.

Here are highlights of a recent article on apples and Plato hopes you wait for it.

Good for Your Gut: Apples are full of fiber, feeding healthy bacteria, the microbiome. These bacteria can improve your health, lowering cancer risk and boosting mood.

Coffee is packed with antioxidants and can boost heart health, improve mood, and even lower the risk of certain diseases. Why not coffee and apples?

Heart Helpers: Apples have a fiber called pectin that can lower cholesterol. One study showed eating apples every day dropped bad LDL cholesterol! Apples also have polyphenols that help lower blood pressure.

Fight Inflammation: Apples reduce inflammation, lowering the risk of diseases like COPD. Even eating half an apple a day can make a difference!

I’m guessing the original stone masons suffered from a lot of inflammation. This is Lalibela, home to the largest monolithic church in the world, a series of five interconnected churches carved from solid rock in the twelfth and thirteenth century.

Don’t Skip the Skin: The apple’s skin has most of the fiber and health-boosting polyphenols. Darker apples usually have more, but try different varieties for the best benefits!

And do try to buy your produce at a local farmer’s market.

Regardless of where you buy, wash all fruits and vegetables with baking soda.

So despite all the noise here and abroad, remember…

We do live in the land of milk and honey…and apples. Give thanks, help others.

There is no “them” there is only us.

And Happy Anniversary 🎉❤️🥂 to Becky and Joe, 36 and counting…well done!

Keep squeezing the juice out of life and look for ways to help others!

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

If you know someone who might like to receive The Big 65 newsletter, forward this link.

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
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:

The Big 65: The Health Screening You Can’t Forget

Greetings and may this blog find you in amazing health 💪 with your Medicare insurance coverage 🏥 working properly.

For Medicare questions, quotes, or quandaries, email Gray@TheBig65.com or book a time on my calendar and we’ll get it sorted.

We’re just weeks away from the Annual Election Period. Keep an eye on your mailbox for a letter from me at the end of the month.

ANYONE calling without your permission is an illegal telemarketer 🚫🤥📱. Watch out for Medicare scammers.

This week I spoke with a guy in Michigan. An agent LIED to him and now he’s in a tight spot 😱😡. I’m hoping we can fix his situation, but DON’T let this happen to you, OK?

The last thing you want is to have your feet swept out from underneath you and no recourse.

These are my legs during an exercise class at Red Rocks Amphitheater last Saturday. My wife Q signed me up for the cardio class and I almost coughed up a lung (thanks honey❤️).

As your Medicare insurance broker, you’ve inspired me to stay in peak health. Really truly, I work out daily, eat well, stay connected to family, practice gratitude, and do my best to learn something new every day.

This week I learned something from my amazing brother, Dr. Robert Kyler (seen here with his daughter Jordan). He’s a Radiation Oncologist in Virginia and he asked me to share this with all my Medicare insurance clients.

Getting regular lung cancer screenings for those at risk can make all the difference in the world.

Did you know that lung cancer is often diagnosed too late? According to the American Lung Association, only about 26% of lung cancers are found in the early stages. According to Robert, that’s when treatment is most effective.

For high-risk groups—like long-term smokers between 50 and 80—regular lung cancer screening can make all the difference.

Fortunately, my little brother Haas is addicted to trout fishing🐟, not tobacco🚬😂🚭.

Low-dose CT scans (LDCT) are key, reducing lung cancer deaths by up to 20%. The best part? Many of you may qualify for free annual screenings through your Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage plan.

If you or someone you know has a history of smoking, or being around second hand smoke, it’s worth chatting with your doctor about getting screened. It’s painless, takes only a few minutes, and could catch something before it becomes serious.

Remember, Medicare often covers these screenings, so there’s no reason to delay! Early detection is vital, and it could save your life. Like Adrienne, there may be people and doodles, like Winston, counting on you.

For those of you who are curious, my wife Quantz left Madagascar and is now exploring her 81st country. She had to force this street vendor to smile. She was the only tourist.

Why was she the ONLY tourist? That’s because Q arrived in the capital city of this civil war torn country despite my protests. She is a very independent woman.

The people in this country are very religious and they have 180 mandatory fasting days for lay people, and up to 252 days of fasting for the clergy and the particularly observant. Fasting may keep you healthy but it doesn’t sound like fun!

This country has one lake that is a source of the Nile. While travelling to visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site castle, she and her guide were stopped by government soldiers and told to return to the capital immediately. Apparently the area she was planning to visit had been taken over by a rebel army.

Me, I would’ve turned tail and like this monkey – split! Q just pivoted and went to another part of the country that is, hopefully, a little more stable.

Can you guess where she is? The first three correct answers will get a Starbucks card, (new winners only, please).

Meanwhile, Plato and I are back home, working with clients and hanging out at the Bark Park. We ran into an old friend, Phyllis. I admire Phyllis so much because she personifies my favorite saying: gettin’ old ain’t for sissies.

Despite challenges, Phyllis keeps going and still visits the dog park, long after her favorite pet has passed. Plato is always glad to see her. Never stop, never give up, always keep going!

Keep squeezing the juice out of life and look for ways to help others!

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

If you know someone who might like to receive The Big 65 newsletter, forward this link.

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
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:

It’s time to sharpen that saw

Greetings and may this blog find you in amazing health 💪 with your Medicare insurance coverage 🏥 working properly.

We’re four weeks away from the Annual Election Period. If you want to know how to get ready, check out this link. Just remember to avoid all the illegal telemarketers.

For regular Medicare questions, quotes, or quandaries, email Gray@TheBig65.com or book a time on my calendar and we’ll get it sorted.

In the meantime, Plato is loving the autumn weather here in Colorado: sunny, cool and delightful. He never met a patch of grass that he didn’t love.

My wife Q is still in Madagascar, making as many new friends as possible and seeing as much she can.

She’s the most adventurous person I know and that’s what I love about her. Travel is a great way to keep your mind sharp.

Seeing new things, getting out of your comfort zone, and experiencing different cultures are great ways to grow new synapses.

As we age, it becomes increasingly important to maintain our physical and our mental well-being. Of course you can travel and play with spiders if you want.

Fortunately, there are lots of small, daily habits we can do at home that will make a big difference in how well your brain functions.

Here are some easy ways to keep our minds active and healthy. And don’t worry, they don’t include public speaking to 150 retirees like I did this week in Highlands Ranch!

Exercise Your Brain with Puzzles

Puzzles are a fantastic way to engage the mind. Whether it’s a crossword, Sudoku, a jigsaw puzzle, or Wordle, these activities challenge your brain by stretching your memory and problem-solving skills.

Of course you can do puzzles on your phone, but don’t discount the neuro-cognitive value of doing puzzles with pen and paper.

Here’s a puzzle for you: why did I spend $20 on fox urine to try to protect my 5 peaches from the local racoons? Of course the racoons ate four of them. That makes this a $20 dollar peach😳!

Stick to a Consistent Sleep Schedule

Good sleep is essential for a healthy mind and one of the greatest ways to protect our brains. Maintaining a consistent sleep routine allows your brain to rest and rejuvenate. Everyone’s sleep needs vary, but if you often feel tired or sluggish, it may be a sign that you need to improve your sleep habits.

I’m a big believer in the coffee nap: if you’re feeling tired in the early afternoon, down a cup of joe, set timer for 20 minutes, cover your eyes and snooze. The alarm will ring just as the caffeine is kicking in.

Studies have shown that regular short naps can reduce the risk of cardiovascular events.

Plato thinks paddleboarding reduces the risk of having to walk too much😉. After feeding him on the paddleboard all last week, I’m happy to report he jumped right on!

I fell in twice, he never left the board. Turns out you can teach old dogs new tricks.

Stay Social and Connect with Others

You know I’m a broken record but human connection is vital for brain health.

Regular social interactions can help prevent cognitive decline. Simple activities like a quick phone call, video chat, or an in-person meet-up can boost your mental well-being.

Plato and I got a surprise visit from our daughter Sus and it sure brightened up a quiet weekend. If nobody’s visiting you, go say hello to a neighbor. You’ll be glad you did. Sus is testing out The Big 65 jar openers you’ll be receiving at the end of this month.

Of course it’s challenging to get out, especially for those with mobility issues, but technology makes it easier than ever to stay connected. Set aside time to catch up with family or friends a few times a week—these conversations not only brighten your day but also stimulate your brain.

I try to get on facetime with my brothers at least once a week. My brother Rabbit sometimes gripes that l call too much. Hey, that’s just the way I roll. What can I say. I love my brothers and I will never take them for granted. Who do you need to call?

Explore New Experiences for Sensory Stimulation

Engaging all your senses is another way to keep your mind sharp. This could be something as simple as trying a new recipe, attending a local event, or taking up a new hobby like painting or gardening. By exposing yourself to new sights, sounds, and experiences, you’re stimulating different parts of your brain.

This week, my friend Shava helped me harvest the beehives under our grape vines. The Japanese beetles and the raccoons harvested most of the grapes🦝😡!

Shava is a professional beekeeper and she was pretty excited about the flavor of our honey. It’s getting bottled and now we’re getting the bees ready for winter.

Maintaining a sharp mind as you age doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming. By incorporating simple habits—puzzles, good sleep, socializing, and new experiences—you can keep your brain engaged and functioning well for years to come.

Plato said he would like to have a new sensory experience with honeycombs, but he knows better, right Plato? If Plato doesn’t eat all the honey, I promise to share a few bottles.

Keep squeezing the juice out of life and look for ways to help others!

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

If you know someone who might like to receive The Big 65 newsletter, forward this link.

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
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:

Get ready for the (Medicare) Fall

Greetings and may this blog find you in amazing health 💪 with your Medicare insurance coverage 🏥 working properly.

Q sends her greetings from Madagascar where she’s still exploring and making up for thirty plus years of working way too hard. Me? I am happily back home getting ready for the busy season, yikes!

We’re five weeks away from the Annual Election Period and I’m starting to feel a little bit like how this chameleon looks.

Changes are definitely coming. Even this lemur is curious.

If you have a Medicare Supplement (plan G, plan N, etc.), the changes will not be significant. If you’ve been in your plan for more than two years, and you are in decent health, it’s probably a good idea for us to shop the rates.

Medigap/Medicare Supplemental plans can be shopped any month of the year, so feel free to book a time in September if you like.

If you have a Part D drug plan or a Medicare Advantage Plan, here’s what to do to prevent sticker shock in January.

When “the Annual Notice of Changes” arrives, please open it and look at the costs, the benefits, and your drugs.

Reading through the changes will take less time than it took me to refinish these barrels (Plato refused to help).

Some Part D drug plans and some specific Medicare Advantage plans may be going away entirely😱 .

Some plans may have significant price increases 😡.

Some drugs may no longer be covered 😨.

Some drugs may be less expensive😊.

Some people won’t need to make any changes at all.

Please don’t stick out your tongue and forget about it.

If we’ve been working together, then I have a copy of your medications and your doctors.

You’ll get a letter from me at the end of the month telling you it’s time for us to chat, including this fancy schmancy jar opener/mouse pad.

After you book an appointment, please email Gray, Gray@TheBig65.com, and tell him you would like to update your medications before we speak.

Gray will send you a link with your current medications. You can update them yourself or chat with him on the phone and he will help you. October 15th till December 7th is when we can make changes.

Jeanne and Vincent should be back from their adventures in Scotland by then and I’ll have plenty of slots open if we need to speak.

Q tells me she should be home by then… assuming she learns how to cook onions, cassava, and salt.

Congrats Jim in Illinois, Betsy in Denver, Louie in Pennsylvania for guessing the mountains in this picture. The answer is Maroon Bells.

Thanks again to client Mike in Atlanta for the painting. He is getting a Starbucks card as well!

This week’s “don’t be a hero” award goes to neighbor John. John is one of the amazing guys who never stops hustling. Though retired, he still teaches part time, travels, has a yard way nicer than mine, and he loves to play pickleball.

That’s what got him in trouble…trying a little too hard to make the point… and then continuing to play after he was injured. The good news, he is definitely on the mend.

Everyone, repeat after John, “don’t be a hero ‍⚕️😊🎾👨‍⚕️!”

We got great news from our Air Force son in Britain. Knock on wood, come December, he’ll be deployed in Italy. We’re very proud of this young rascal and we can’t wait to visit. You know we love to travel.

In the meantime, Plato and I have decided to learn a new hobby, paddleboarding. Don’t worry, we’ll do our best not to be heroes.

Plato is a rule follower and he was exhausted after sanding the barrels.

Keep squeezing the juice out of life and look for ways to help others!

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

If you know someone who might like to receive The Big 65 newsletter, forward this link.

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
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:

Wanna reduce your risk of dementia?

Greetings and may this blog find you in amazing health 💪 with your Medicare insurance coverage 🏥 working properly this Labor Day Weekend. I sure hope you get outside and enjoy the last days of summer with family and friends.

For Medicare questions, quotes, or quandaries, email Gray@TheBig65.com or book a time on my calendar and we’ll get it sorted.

Well, yours truly is happy as a clam to be home again and working from my office. Special thanks to client Mike for painting this portrait of Plato and me and the beautiful mountains of Colorado.

Starbucks cards for the first three people to name the mountains in the picture.

Of course my wife Q isn’t back home yet. She’s still exploring the wilds of Madagascar and having the adventure of her life. I’m fairly certain she’ll be coming home… eventually, right Quantz 🙏❤️?

She’s still making up for thirty plus years at a desk and she’s earned every moment of this journey. As Wayne Dyer used to say, “don’t die with the music inside.”

For each of us, living an authentic life has a different definition. For Plato, it’s chasing the squirrels and the racoons (and hopefully protecting the five remaining peaches) and snuggling as much as possible.

For me, it’s all about staying connected to family, friends, and clients. It’s also about spending time outside, drinking coffee in the back yard, and preparing to harvest the honey and the grapes.

Whatever a meaningful life means to you, I haven’t spoken with anyone yet who wants dementia to be part of the equation. We can’t control all of the risk factors leading to dementia, but…

Current research shows that there are several effective strategies to reduce the risks of cognitive decline. That means we have some control over the speed of decline and the quality of our lives.

Here’s a breakdown of the key findings and actionable steps we can take to maintain cognitive health.

Physical Activity: Regular exercise is one of the most effective ways to prevent cognitive decline. It improves blood flow to the brain, reduces the risk of cardiovascular issues, and helps maintain overall brain health.

You don’t have to climb a mountain to see the sunset, but a walk around the block is easy and you never know who you’ll meet on the way.

Mental Stimulation: Keeping your brain active through learning, puzzles, reading, or engaging in new hobbies can help build cognitive reserve, which protects against dementia.

Q told me the animal below is called a fossa. It’s only found in Madagascar, a cross between a mongoose and a cat and it hunts lemurs. Do you think it’d keep the squirrels out of my backyard?

Social Interaction: Staying socially engaged helps reduce stress, fosters mental health, and keeps your brain active.

The more time we are isolated from others, the more brittle we become. Connecting with others through church, volunteering, family time, or travel rewires the brain and creates new neural pathways. Remarkably neuroplasticity can continue as we age if we find opportunities to stay connected.

Healthy Diet: A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats (like the Mediterranean diet) supports brain health.

I’m fairly certain my little brother Haas released this fish back to the river, but he eats a super healthy diet based on the food he catches and the plants he grows on his farm.

Here’s my favorite breakfast: black coffee, a slice of Dave’s bread with avocado, and a few pecans and avocados. You’re gonna laugh at this, but I chose to give up honey (for a while) because my triglycerides shot up this year.

Oh well, we’ll see if a few months of a sugar free diet changes the numbers, keep your fingers crossed. I guess that means I’ll have more honey for you guys!

Sleep: Quality sleep is crucial for brain health. It allows the brain to clear out toxins that accumulate during the day.

Are you doing everything you can to get a good night’s sleep? Here’s an article on cognitive shuffling, a technique that has proven very effective in helping people sleep.

Of course you could do what Brian and Denise do: they take sleep lessons from Miles. Now that’s a cute dog!

Stress Management: Chronic stress can damage the brain. Techniques like mindfulness, meditation, and yoga can help reduce stress.

Another great way to reduce stress is to be like Mark and go fishing with your buddies. These fellas hit their limit of Redfish in Matagorda Bay. Looks like good times to me.

Avoiding Tobacco and Excessive Alcohol: Smoking and heavy drinking are linked to a higher risk of dementia. The saddest news is that even one drink a day causes brain atrophy 😔🍷. Just remember my father’s favorite saying: everything in moderation, even moderation.

Regular Health Check-ups: Managing conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol can reduce dementia risk. Leverage the benefits in your Medicare Supplement plans and in your Medicare Advantage plans. That’s why we have them.

We don’t have to be perfect, we just have to try to do our best.

Take it from our son, Airman Nicholas: small improvements over a long period of a time will make a huge difference.

Keep squeezing the juice out of life and look for ways to help others!

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

If you know someone who might like to receive The Big 65 newsletter, forward this link.

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
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:

Does Medicare Cover Travel?

Greetings and may this note find you in amazing health 💪 with your Medicare insurance coverage 🏥 working properly.

For Medicare questions, quotes, or quandaries, email Gray@TheBig65.com or book a time on my calendar and we’ll get it sorted.

Here are the responses to the contest: Where in the world is Quantz?

Jeanne posted Iceland. Joel posited Africa and South America. Susan wondered about Tibet, Greenland, or Norway. Peg & Will suggested Germany or Poland. Jan pictured Mongolia, Venezuela, or Sudan. Sharon guessed China.

I’m happily home in Colorado with Sus and Plato, Q went to…

Madagascar (an island as large as France). This country has been on her bucket list for as long as we’ve been married (and that, my friend, is a long, long time.)

Congratulations to each of you who guessed, you’ll be receiving a Starbucks card this afternoon!

Which brings us to today’s topic, Medicare and travel. What coverage do you need when traveling in the US and Overseas?

Whether you have a Medicare Supplement or a Medicare Advantage plan, emergency medical services are covered anywhere inside the United States. If you think you are experiencing a life threatening emergency, you know what to dial. You will be covered.

What happens if you find yourself in Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park in the middle of nowhere Madagascar and the lemurs haven’t completed med school?

Original Medicare coverage outside of the US is limited (see this chart).

Let’s break down how Medicare Supplement Coverage (Med Supp Plans) and Medicare Advantage Plans, (MAPD Plans) cover emergencies overseas.

First of all, there are no emergency evacuation services covered.

According to the 2024 Choosing a Medigap Policy published by CMS: “Some Medigap policies cover services that Original Medicare doesn’t cover, like emergency medical care when you travel outside the U.S. (foreign travel emergency care).”

As seen in the chart above and below, many Medicare Supplement plans will pay “80% to a lifetime maximum of $50,000 (less a deductible of $250.)” This is only for emergency care, not preventive care.

Consumers will then pay “20% until the lifetime maximum and then all costs.” This does not include evacuation services, this is emergency medical care only.

According to Medical News Today, “Medicare Advantage plans do not usually cover medical treatment needed when traveling internationally. However, plans may include coverage for emergency care.”

The most typical coverage I see in MAPD plans is something along the lines of an emergency allowance ranging from $150,000-$250,000, depending on the plan. Every plan is different.

If you want to know the exact amount of your MAPD plan’s international emergency benefit, call member services on the back of your card or shoot an email to Gray, Gray@TheBig65.com, and he’ll look it up for you.

Also keep in mind, if you’re outside of the US for more than 60 days consecutively, the insurance company may say that you are living abroad, not traveling, and benefits may not apply.

So what does that mean about your next trip abroad? Do you need to get extra coverage?

Every situation is different. Keep in mind that in most countries, the cost of emergency medical care is significantly less expensive than in the US.

Recent clients travelled to Mexico with some serious health problems.

Though their existing coverage probably would have covered the costs of an emergency, it gave them peace of mind to set up a Geo Blue International Plan that covered:

Pre-existing conditions
Accidents
Medical evacuation
Dental Care Required Due to an injury

If you’re traveling overseas, here are the details of that plan. I’m happy to review your situation if you’re thinking of travelling.

If you just want trip cancellation insurance, check out Squaremouth Travel Insurance, they do a great job of brokering all the options. I’m really hoping that Quantz never needs either, but, you never know!

Keep squeezing the juice out of life and look for ways to help others!

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

If you know someone who might like to receive The Big 65 newsletter, forward this link.

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
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: