medicare advantage Archives

Don’t ever pay…immediately ⚠️!

Hello and may this blog find you in amazing health with your Medicare insurance coverage 🏥 working well.

For Medicare questions or concerns, book a time on my calendar or email Gray, Gray@TheBig65.com if you need us.

If you were driving the backroads of Mexico and you came across a cowboy 🤠 leading his cattle🐄 across the road, you’d slow down, right?

Consider using the same strategy when it comes to paying Medicare medical bills—proceed with caution⚠️.

One Medicare client received a shocking $50,000 hospital bill😱, but after a few calls, it was corrected to less than $1,000. What a difference😌!

To avoid overpaying, separate the forest from the trees.

Here’s what to do:

Review Your Bill Carefully:

Never pay the bill immediately.
Request an itemized statement from your healthcare provider.
Look for duplicate charges, services you didn’t receive, or any unfamiliar billing codes, called CPT codes.

Compare with Your Insurance Coverage:

Cross-check the charges against your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) or Explanation of Benefits (EOB).
Verify that the services are covered and that the charges align with your plan’s benefits.

Contact Your Healthcare Provider’s Billing Department:

If something doesn’t look right, call the billing department to discuss the charges.
Request a review and ask them to resubmit the claim to Medicare or to your insurance plan if there are errors.

Remember, slowing down to verify your medical bills can save you thousands of dollars. Here’s an article from Medicare. This problem occurs with Medicare Supplements, Medicare Advantage Plans, and Part D Drug Plans. Beware!

If you have questions about Medicare or need assistance navigating your coverage, we are here if you need us.

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.

January sure is dry!

Happy New Year 🎉🥳🎆 …!

May this blog find you in amazing health with your Medicare insurance coverage 🏥 working well.

For Medicare questions or concerns, book a time on my calendar or email Gray, Gray@TheBig65.com if you need us.

I love this picture of Lauren celebrating New Year’s Eve as she has done for the past 30 years, working in Times Square. Well done!

This picture of my brother Haas and Nicole sums up how Q and I normally celebrate the New Year😂😴. We rarely stay up late🌙🦉 either.

This was my view on New Years Eve day, wrapping things up with clients for 2024. If it doesn’t look like Denver, you’re right!

Plato and Elwood we’re not happy we left town, but thanks to our amazing neighbor, these two boys are getting plenty of love till Sus and KC get home.

The two brothers in the picture below were our exchange students in the US when our daughter Sus was in high school.

Santi and Memo drove two hours to Mexico City to have dinner with us and it sure was delightful to see them again.

That beer you see in front of me was the last one I had before “Dry January” began. I miss it already😢🍺.

Dry January, a month-long break from alcohol, is an opportunity to reset and focus on wellness. Whether you’re cutting back or going completely dry, the benefits are impressive. It’s also a great way to show solidarity with anyone you love who struggles with alcohol.

Here’s why taking a break from booze could make January your best month yet.

Physical Benefits:

Improved Sleep: Alcohol disrupts REM sleep, and skipping it helps you wake up more refreshed.
Boosted Energy Levels: Experience higher energy as your body recovers from the effects of alcohol.
Weight Loss: Cutting out empty calories from alcohol can help you shed pounds.

Mental Health Benefits:

Better Mood: Without alcohol’s depressive effects, many people report feeling more positive and emotionally stable.
Improved Focus: Gain mental clarity as your brain operates without the influence of alcohol.
Stress Reduction: Discover healthier ways to cope with stress, like exercise or mindfulness.

Social Benefits:

Stronger Connections: Focus on meaningful interactions without alcohol as a social crutch.
Explore New Activities: Try sober-friendly events, fitness classes, or coffee dates.
Be a Role Model: Inspire others to explore healthier habits by leading the way.

Long-Term Health Benefits:

Liver Recovery: Give your liver a break and reduce the risk of liver disease.
Lower Blood Pressure: Alcohol can raise blood pressure, so abstaining may improve heart health.
Reduced Cancer Risk: Alcohol is linked to certain cancers, and reducing consumption can lower your risk.

Tips for Success:

Set Clear Goals: Decide if you’re going completely dry or just cutting back.
Find Alternatives: Stock up on tasty non-alcoholic drinks or mocktails.
Seek Support: Join a Dry January challenge or share your goals with friends.
Track Your Progress: Use a journal or app to celebrate milestones.

Ready to Take the Challenge? Whether you’re in it for the health, the savings, or the mental clarity, Dry January offers something for everyone. Here’s to a healthier, happier start to the year! Anyone who tries will get honey (when we get home).

We saw this sculpture and quote while walking in Condesa and it says everything:

“If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal, not to a person or an object.”
—Albert Einstein

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, the end is coming!

Hello and may this note find you in amazing health with your Medicare insurance coverage 🏥 not driving you crazy😵‍💫.

No, the Bruns-Kylers are not in Australia, but client Ken is doing a walkabout in the land down under and we couldn’t resist posting his picture of the most relaxed animal on the planet. May this little rascal be your role model for the end of 2024.

Back here in Colorado, we will be working on the 31st. Book a time on my calendar or email Gray, Gray@theBig65.com if you still have questions.

I’m grateful to our daughter Sus for shaming me into buying a good, sturdy ladder. It’s way less expensive than the ER deductible🚑😂⚠️, right?

Now we’re wrapping up the holidays and getting organized for 2025.

This was a very relaxing Xmas. We celebrated early with the kids and spent a lot of time with friends and animals (including Elwood, our daughter’s foster dog). Plato was happy to have a pal!

The start of a new year is a great opportunity to enhance your life in every dimension. Here are simple ways to make 2025 amazing mentally, physically, and spiritually.

Follow Henri’s example and you’re going to have an amazing year.

Practice gratitude daily: Write down three things you’re grateful for each morning.
Learn something new: Engage in a new hobby, language, or skill.
Embrace mindfulness: Spend 10 minutes a day meditating or practicing deep breathing.

Rich’s dog Kali is committed to meditating with his chew toy every day!

Commit to regular exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of activity weekly.
Eat whole, nutrient-dense foods: Focus on a balanced diet.
Prioritize sleep: Maintain a consistent schedule and aim for 7-8 hours of rest.

Rocket is committed to good sleeping and Marcel tells me she adds zest to their lives❤️, and walks!

Reflect on your values: Align your actions with what truly matters to you.
Engage in daily reflection: Spend a few moments journaling or in quiet contemplation.
Practice acts of kindness: Help others through volunteer work or small gestures.

Bob says Hobbes can be a true pain in the #!?*@ and he is a very good boy.

Life is unpredictable, but maintaining a flexible mindset and focusing on what you can control will help you navigate challenges with grace.

Here’s to a thriving 2025! Let’s make it a year filled with growth, connection, and joy.

Wishing you a wonderful start to the new year, and safe travels to Ken in Australia!

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 Secret to Happy Holidays!

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

Even though the Annual Election Period ended on the 7th, we’re still busy talking with clients all over. Book a time on my calendar or email Gray, Gray@theBig65.com. If you still have questions, I’ll be working till the 31st🎉.

Plato has been busy too… hounding neighbors like Vickie for treats😂 when we go walking.

We ran into John and Debbie on the trails and it was fun catching up.

Mookie always barks like a maniac when you walk by his yard. But if you stop and say hello, he is the sweetest dog on the planet.

Socializing, even casually, can boost serotonin, the “feel-good” chemical, and oxytocin, the “bonding hormone.” These chemicals help reduce stress and promote feelings of happiness and trust.

I make it a point to always say “hello” to strangers and it makes me feel like I’m walking tall😊.

Engaging in friendly chats can decrease cortisol, the stress hormone. Less stress means a healthier heart, better sleep, and a stronger immune system.

Quantz has joined a flower arranging class and I know she looks forward to it.

Being part of a community—even in a small way—helps combat loneliness. This sense of connection is vital for mental and emotional well-being, especially as we age.

Casual conversations stimulate your brain, keeping you mentally sharp and engaged. When Quantz couldn’t go to her flower class this week, since it was paid for, I went in her place and actually had fun trying something new.

Here are the simple steps to building low stakes friendships:

Be Open to Conversations: Make eye contact, smile, and engage in small talk during daily activities.
Frequent the Same Places: Visit the same coffee shop, park, or community center to create familiarity.
Practice Kindness: Compliments or simple acts of kindness can start a connection.
Join Local Activities: Consider joining clubs, walking groups, or community events to meet new people.

These brief, positive interactions don’t just benefit you; they brighten the day of the other person as well. A kind word or shared laugh can ripple outward, creating a chain of good feelings in your community.

As we navigate the holiday season, low-stakes friendships remind us that a connection doesn’t always have to be deep to be meaningful. I challenge you to reach out and make a connection with someone new this week. Report your connection and we’ll send you honey🐝. Q is still filling 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:

Never go to the Emergency Room alone😱!

Hello and may this note find you in amazing health with your Medicare insurance coverage working well.

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

The official start of summer is just a week away and we’re doing our best to get out and enjoy the local sights before the hottest weather begins. Do you have a botanical nearby? My wife Q loves flowers!

Everyone knows that getting outside is good for the body and the soul, but what happens if something goes wrong and you need to visit the Emergency Room?

Client Pam, a professional caregiver for seniors in South Carolina, reminded me of the cardinal rule everyone of us should follow and be prepared for: Never go to the Emergency Room Alone!

Emergencies are stressful enough without facing them alone. Here’s why you should always have someone with you in the ER and how to ensure you have support when you need it most.

Pitfalls of Going to the ER Alone

1. When you’re in pain or distress, making important decisions can be hard. A trusted person can help you make the right choices.

2. It can be tough to describe symptoms and understand medical terms. A companion can help you communicate better with doctors.

3. Handling paperwork and getting home can be overwhelming. A friend or family member can assist with these tasks.

4. The ER can be scary. Having someone with you provides comfort and reduces stress.

Strategies to Ensure You’re Never Alone

1. Build a Support Network: Make a list of friends, family, and neighbors who can help in an emergency.

2. Emergency Contacts: Always carry a list of emergency contacts with you.

3. Use Technology: Use apps and devices that alert loved ones if you have an emergency.

4. Plan Ahead: Share your medical preferences and needs with your support network. Here’s a link to a past blog with tools and docs.

5. Regular Check-Ins: Have daily check-ins with someone to ensure your well-being.

6. Medical Information: Carry a card with your health info, conditions, medications, and emergency contacts.

By planning ahead and creating a robust support network, you can ensure that you always have someone by your side in times of need. Thank goodness my big brother Dr. Rob was prepared for a surprise he didn’t expect. Now he’s back home and back at work treating patients. Keep going brother!

I also love this pic of Gina with four generations of her family: her mom, her daughter, and her granddaughter. Life is beautiful!

Too many people are counting on you, too, so have a plan and be ready!

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:

Ready to Take the Pressure Off Your Heart❤️?

Hello and may may this blog find you in great health 💪 with your Medicare insurance coverage 🏥 working well. Are you getting through the summer heat?

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

It was over 90 degrees this week so Quantz decided we needed to visit the mountains to try to climb Mount Bierstadt, one of the many fourteen footers (mountains over 14,000 feet) here in Colorado. Now that is what we call “Rocky Mountain High!”

Fortunately, we are still in good health, but it is important to remember: visiting high altitudes can be dangerous for people with high blood pressure, especially those with severe heart conditions. So today, let’s talk about high blood pressure and how to manage this condition.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a condition that affects about half of adults in the United States. It’s known as the “silent killer” because it often doesn’t show symptoms until it has caused significant damage to the heart.

A normal blood pressure reading is less than 120/80 mm Hg. While medications can help, there are also various lifestyle changes you can make to reduce high blood pressure.

Start an Exercise Routine

• Staying active is key!
• Exercise helps lower blood pressure, boosts mood, strength, and balance.
• Reduces the risk of diabetes and heart disease.
• Start slow if you’ve been inactive and gradually increase activity.
• Not a gym fan? Walk, jog, swim, or try YouTube exercise routines. Chair and low-impact exercises are great too.
• Include muscle-strengthening activities at least twice a week.

Follow the DASH Diet

• The DASH diet can lower systolic blood pressure by up to 11 mm Hg.
• Focus on:
o Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
o Low-fat dairy, lean meats, fish, and nuts.
o Limit high-fat foods, processed items, and sweetened beverages.
• Small tweaks to your diet can make a big difference.

Even though it is June, there was still a bunch of snow on the mountain. Unfortunately, we didn’t bring crampons to make it up the final section. So we only made it up to 13,500 feet. My type A wife was a little disappointed, but that was plenty high enough for me. It’s all about the journey, right?

Limit Salt

• Reducing sodium is vital for lowering blood pressure.
• Limit sodium intake to 1,500-2,300 mg per day (about 1 teaspoon of salt).
• Use herbs and spices instead of salt.
• Check food labels and choose low-sodium alternatives.

Last time we climbed this peak was in July a few years back. A month makes a huge difference in the amount of wildflowers you see, but we did see some wildlife on this hike.

Maintain a Moderate Weight

• Losing just 10 pounds can help lower blood pressure.
• Keep an eye on waist measurements: less than 40 inches for males, 35 inches for females.
• Talk to a healthcare professional about safe weight loss methods.

We saw marmots, ptarmigans, and quite a few ravens.

• Quit Smoking
o Smoking raises blood pressure and increases heart disease risk.
o Quitting improves overall health and lowers blood pressure.

• Limit Alcohol
o Men: up to 2 drinks/day. Women: up to 1 drink/day.
o 1 drink = 12 oz beer, 4 oz wine, or 1.5 oz liquor.
o Excessive drinking can worsen blood pressure and medication effectiveness.

You don’t actually have to climb a mountain to the see the mountain goats. Just ask the locals in Georgetown and they’ll tell you where you can see them.

Practice Relaxation
• Stress raises blood pressure.
• Try deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.
• Find and address stress triggers to manage pressure.

Definitely, DO NOT do ice bathing if you have blood pressure issues. Boy was that water cold!

Why It Matters

Untreated high blood pressure can lead to serious issues like stroke, heart attack, and kidney damage. Regular check-ups and monitoring at home can help manage it. Consult your doctor for a tailored treatment plan.

Stay active, eat well, and take care of your heart! We got in over 25,000 steps and now it’s back to the normal stuff, painting the boxes for our bee hives. Plato was glad we made it back safely.

I keep hearing good things from clients about drug savings. Before filling an expensive refill, reach out to Cori at the Canadian Med Store in Florida (yes, in Florida). No guarantees, but it’s always worth a second look to shop your drug costs.

It was a great adventure, but it’s always great to be home. This weekend, we will be taking it easy… or at least until Q tells me what we’re doing next! Stay curious!

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:

Change is coming

Buona giornata and may this blog find you in great health 💪 with your Medicare insurance coverage 🏥 working properly.

Remember, if you have a Medicare question, email Gray@TheBig65.com. If there’s a big problem with your coverage or you want to shop your premiums, please book a time on my calendar and we’ll do our best to get it sorted, promise 😊☎️.

Well, Q took this picture while I was working and even though this looks like Venice, we are far from Italy.

We’re not in France either. We drove about 900 miles to attend a conference, guess where?

That’s right, viva Las Vegas! This was our first visit in almost 30 years. Don’t worry, I didn’t spend a single dollar gambling. As soon as the conference ended, we got the heck out of Vegas!

Most importantly, I learned a ton about upcoming changes in Medicare and some great ways to save money on medications.

Finding affordable prescription drugs is one of the most challenging issues Medicare consumers face.

Whether you are in a Stand Alone Part D drug plan or a Medicare Advantage Plan with drug coverage, here are some steps you need to take to make sure you aren’t being over-prescribed and over-charged so you don’t fall off a cliff in Utah:

• Every time you go to your doctor, grab a ziplock bag with EVERY ONE of your medications.

• In your appointment, pull out all of your medications in front of the doctor.

• One by one, have your doctor confirm that you still need to be taking them all.

• According to a recent article, many Americans are taking more than five prescription drugs and this can lead to complications.

If you are prescribed a new medication or need to refill an existing one, take the following steps:

• Make sure you visit a preferred network pharmacy.

• Ask your pharmacist if there is a generic alternative.

• Compare the cash price (what the pharmacy would charge w/o insurance) versus how much you would pay if you used your insurance.

• Check the cost of the medication using GoodRx, Amazon, and Cost Plus Drugs.

You have to be a savvy shopper or you will get lost in the wilderness.

Now it’s possible you’ll do everything right and your drugs will still be obscenely priced. While at the conference, I learned about a company that might be able to help us reduce the cost for some medications.

Meet Cori Allen, Regional Manager for the Canadian Medstore… based in Temple Terrace, Florida. This is an American Company that helps consumers legally source prescriptions domestically and internationally.

This will NOT replace your prescription drug coverage and you need to do your own due diligence, but it may be a helpful tool to reduce the cost of some of your prescriptions drugs (Sally, this means you).

So, if you are in a tight spot with your medications and you’ve tried everything else…

You can click on this link to send an email to Cori. Add your prescription name, dosage, and how many you take daily and they may be able to help.

Be sure to deal directly with Cori and please let me know if you have any success.

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
Louisiana
Maryland
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Virginia
Washington
Wisconsin

Do you really need to take a statin?

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

Remember, if there’s a big problem with your coverage, please book a time on my calendar. If it’s a quick question, email Gray@TheBig65.com and we’ll do our best to get it sorted, promise ☎️.

Well, it’s a wet, windy day here in Colorado. Plato was in desperate need of a grooming session. Q said he was bringing in too much debris every time he went outside so off to the groomer he went.

I prefer him with long hair, but life’s all about compromises, right?

I’m not a big fan of going to the doctor (or the groomer), but I am a total believer in preventive medicine, stopping small problems from becoming big ones. Clip the hair before it becomes knotted, visit your primary before uncontrolled cholesterol sends you to the Emergency Room.

Today, let’s dig in on cholesterol and statins.

According to this article, roughly one in four Americans over the age of 40 are prescribed a statin to reduce cardiovascular disease.

Many patients hesitate to take statins due to potential side effects like muscle pain or diabetes risk, leading them to seek over-the-counter supplements like plant stanols/sterols, red yeast rice, niacin, fiber, and fish oils containing omega-3 fatty acids (see Jason’s freshly caught fish above).

Now you can live a healthy life, like my little brother Haas, and go out into the Shenandoah Valley and hunt your own Morel mushroom (just remember the leading cause of death to mushroom hunters is poisonous mushrooms). Morel mushrooms do have compounds that may reduce the oxidation of cholesterol. Sadly, mushrooms alone may not be enough.

Research indicates that while some supplements may slightly reduce cholesterol, they’re not as effective as statins and lack evidence in reducing the risk of heart attack or stroke.

A study in The Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that statins reduce LDL cholesterol by 38% on average, whereas the most effective supplement, red yeast rice, only reduced LDL by about 7%.

Of course, I still have a cognitive bias about raw honey. Some studies say it may slightly improve blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Regardless, be sure to have a heart to heart with your Primary Care provider.

You may remember that last week we split the hives and sent the Queens north to start new hives (this is done so that the existing hive doesn’t grow too big and swarm to a new location.) Once the Queen is removed, the hive gets busy creating Queen cells to produce a new Queen

I’m happy to report the hives are looking good and we should have new Queens shortly, We hope to have even more honey to share with clients this September, keep your fingers crossed! No prescription required.

I had to laugh at this picture of our Air Force son Nicholas from years gone by when he was still a twerpasaur. We’d been on a road trip somewhere in the Midwest when he picked up this moustache at some novelty store. He thought it was the coolest thing.

Fast forward eighteen years and Nicholas texts us this picture of himself working on the flightline at 3:00 AM on a US base in Britain, with the same dang moustache. No matter what you do, the young uns grow up and do what they gotta do.

Remember all of our soldiers in your prayers. They are working hard to protect our freedom.

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:

By all means, don’t do this!

Greetings and may this blog post find you in great health with your Medicare coverage working properly.

Connie in Ohio reminded me she’s still being bombarded by illegal Medicare calls.

If someone calls, ask for their insurance license number and watch them disappear!

Remember, it’s against the law for anyone to call about Medicare coverage without permission!

Call centers want to switch you, but they won’t be there to help when things go south. Good luck with that overseas call center trying to fix your problem!

It’s no surprise that Medicare is a pain in the…

So, if you’re having problems, or you want to review your coverage, or check options, reach out to Gray or book a time on my calendar. We’ll get it fixed, that’s a promise!

Last week, we talked about keys to longevity, things you can do to be healthier.

And even though Quantz calls me a “nudge,” this week, let’s focus on things to avoid!

Don’t isolate: Lack of social interaction can lead to feelings of loneliness and depression. Stay connected with friends, family, and the community, or look what happens! If you isolate, you become roadkill!

Don’t engage in unhealthy habits: Excessive drinking, smoking, or a sedentary lifestyle can negatively impact physical and mental health. Prioritizing healthy behaviors is crucial for maintaining well-being. Moderation is the key, right Q!

Don’t stick to rigid routines: While routines can be comforting, avoid becoming too rigid in your schedules. Flexibility and spontaneity can add excitement and variety to life. Just ask Plato!

Don’t dwell on the past: Avoid dwelling on past regrets or missed opportunities. Give thanks for what is going well, the people in your life, and look forward to the future.

The man above was my second father, Luke Sr. He was climbing ladders, causing mischief, and moving forward to the very last minute. His spontaneity and zest for living continue to be my inspiration.

Don’t compare yourself to others: Comparing can lead to feelings of inadequacy or gloating (Remember what my brother Rob said last week?) Focus on your own journey, celebrate your accomplishments, count your blessings. It’s not what happens, it’s how you choose to respond. Robert is proof of that! Keep going, keep going, keep going!

Most important, keep squeezing the juice out of life and look for ways to help others!

Medicare questions or problems?

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

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

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:

Here’s an idea that may be helpful

May this note find you in good spirits with your Medicare coverage working properly this Super Bowl 🏈 Weekend.

I’m keeping my fingers crossed for some really good commercials 😂📺! Perhaps even a good game, you never know.

Hopefully your coverage is working well. Have you received all your cards?

If not, reach out to Gray or book a time on my calendar if it’s complicated. We’ll get it fixed.

When watching pro sports, I’m always amazed & inspired by the elite level of fitness these men and women achieve, but…

For most of us regular humans, it’s not realistic or particularly helpful to wish for the same abilities.

Instead, our health care practitioners point to the importance of simple tried and true methods for maintaining health and longevity. I’ll summarize this article and share their most important suggestions.

Keep Moving: Regular exercise, like walking, boosts heart health, muscle strength, and balance. Aim for at least 20 minutes a day.

One of the loveliest forms of exercise we saw in the squares of Buenos Aires was Tango, people breaking into dance as part of their community rituals.

Regrettably, Q and I have NO rhythm, but we sure enjoyed watching and walking the streets to explore and getting in our steps.

Build and cherish relationships: Spend time with friends and family to beat loneliness and boost your mood. Good connections not only keep you healthier but also make life happier as you grow older.

We connected with this young fellow next to us in the bar in the old neighborhood of San Telmo, Buenos Aires. He is a Brazilian student who first trained as a lawyer but is now in Medical School Argentina. It was so interesting to hear his story as we practiced our Spanish and he practiced his English.

Stay Positive: Cultivating optimism is linked to a lower risk of heart disease and longer life. Positive thinking fosters healthier habits and resilience.

How do we stay positive? That’s the real question. For each of us, it’s going to be different.

My big brother Rob has been in a wheelchair since 2018 and he helps me put life in perspective by sharing how he sees the world:

“The quadriplegic wishes he had the mobility of me, the paraplegic. I wish for the mobility of the guy with crutches. The guy with crutches wants to be like the guy who can walk. The guy who walks wants to be like the super athlete. On it goes. I choose to give thanks for what I still have, for what I am still capable of doing.” Amen brother Rob!

Manage Health Conditions: Follow medical advice to manage conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes. It helps prevent serious complications.

I had been moaning to Quantz about a sore hip for months but had done nothing. Q twisted my arm, in a loving way, so I set a telemedicine appointment with Dr. Bruno Spinassi, an orthopedic surgeon, here in Buenos Aires. Two medications and some physical therapy later, yours truly is a new man.

Don’t wait for something minor to turn into something major.

Here’s a great suggestion from Barb in Texas:

“Many cities have mobile urgent cares that come to your home and are covered by Medicare. We utilized one in December and it saved us hours in the ER, or going to the local Urgent Care, which isn’t always faster. They require a 4 hour arrival window and were here in 1 hour.”

Be certain to check with insurance provider before you engage this service.

This sculpture now needs serious care. Until January, it was the marvel of Buenos Aires, a metal flower that opened and closed during the day. High winds in January destroyed it.

Get Good Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours each night. Quality sleep is vital for overall health and lowers the risk of memory problems. Don’t sleep with your phone and put it away a few hours before you go to bed.

Adequate sleep not only enhances overall well-being but also reduces the risk of dementia and other cognitive impairments.

Eat Healthily: Embrace a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats like those found in the Mediterranean diet. This dietary approach lowers the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and dementia.

Everything in moderation, including gelato🍨.

Quit Smoking, Limit Drinking: Quitting smoking reduces the risk of deadly diseases. Limit alcohol to one drink daily for women, two for men, to avoid health problems.

Did I say moderation? I thought we ordered a small 🍺! By following these simple tips, you can boost your chances of living a longer, healthier life.

Most important, keep squeezing the juice out of life and look for ways to help others!

Medicare questions or problems?

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

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

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: