medicare advantage Archives

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:

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.

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:

Your health may depend on this choice!

May this note find you in great health with your Medicare coverage working properly.

Remember, if you’re having problems with your coverage, reach out to Gray or book a time on my calendar if it’s complicated. We’ll get it fixed, I promise.

Word on the street is Punxsutawney Phil did NOT see his shadow this week so keep your fingers crossed for an early spring.

When Quantz and I visited Pucon, Chile this week, each of us had a different take on the experience.

I’m normally accused of being the optimist, but I can tell you that I was a lot more focused on the 800 pound gorilla behind the lake, that little plume of smoke that never stopped (and making sure we had a full tank of gas just in case she blew!)

Naturally Q wasn’t worried in the least. Her focus is always the same: see as much as we can before it’s too late. That’s why I love her, even though she keeps cracking the whip! It’s all about balance, right?

Since most of my time is spent helping clients navigate Medicare choices and avoiding irreversible mistakes, today, let’s review:

Emergency Room versus Urgent Care versus Primary Care, which one should I use?

Let’s keep this simple, if the turkey vultures are circling, head straight to the Emergency room for any of the following:

• Cardiac discomfort or chest tightness
• Complex fracture (bone break with visible exposure)
• Trauma to the head region
• Lung inflammation or severe respiratory infection
• Epileptic episodes or convulsions

ER visits should also be considered for:

• Signs of a stroke, numbness, weakness, or slurred speech.
• Suspected poisoning or exposure to dangerous chemicals.
• Severe headaches, especially if accompanied by confusion or neurological symptoms.
• Persistent high fever in adults.
• Severe allergic reactions with difficulty breathing or swelling.
• Severe mental health crisis, thoughts of self-harm, or harming others.

Remember, this list is NOT all inclusive. If it’s life threatening go to the Emergency Room.

Consider Urgent Care for:

• Minor injuries like sprains, strains, or minor fractures.
• Non-life-threatening cuts that may require stitches
• Minor burns or rashes.
• Common illnesses like colds, flu, ear infections, and sore throats.
• Mild to moderate asthma or allergy symptoms.
• Mild allergic reactions, such as hives.
• Fevers without severe symptoms or underlying health conditions.
• Minor urinary tract infections.
• Minor eye injuries or infections.
• Minor dental issues, such as a chipped tooth or toothache.
• Prescription refills or non-urgent medication issues.
• Routine vaccinations and physicals.

And Primary Care? Well, you probably know the answer to this one, routine visits, vaccinations, important care but not urgent care or emergency care, right?

As common sense as this sounds, taking a few minutes to review could save you time, trouble and 💵!

But the most important reason? Over utilization of Emergency Rooms reduces their efficiency, reduces the quality of care, and takes resources away from all of us when really need to be treated.

It’s up to each of us to do what we can to make things better.

The word from our daughter Sus is that Plato is doing just fine. We are very fortunate that Sus keeps an eye on him when we are out of town. I guess we must have done something right.

We met an amazing American this week, Ed Ritter from Pennsylvania.

Ed and his wife retired a few years ago and now they travel quite a bit.

What was so amazing about Ed? He’s a vanishing American species:

A political centrist. When Ed returns home, he plans to run for the State House of Representatives as an alternative to the extremists on all sides of the aisles.

Ed will attempt to find a middle ground. Remember, when neither side is completely happy, that’s probably a good thing. It was so refreshing to talk with someone who isn’t just going to talk, he’s going to try!

And he’s from our tribe, a retiree getting ready to make a difference! Remember this movie? Go get ’em Ed!

Meanwhile, Quantz keeps me moving. I hope you are moving too! Never stop, connect with your friends, learn something new.

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:

Screen Time and the Pursuit of Happiness

Greetings from Valparaiso.

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

Well, the Bruns-Kylers are continuing their adventure in South America. You know I encourage each of you to seek out your own adventures, whether at home or abroad, so I’m doing my best to live by these words.

But don’t worry, I work from wherever we are exploring.

Remember, if you’re having problems with your coverage, reach out to Gray or book a time on my calendar if it’s complicated. We’ll get it fixed, I promise.

Before leaving Bogota, we had the pleasure of reconnecting with Flo, the daughter of Quantz’s French cousin who lived with us in Denver last year. She is studying Spanish and volunteering before starting grad school next year. What a surprise to see her in Colombia.

Sadly, we finally had to say “Adios” to our Air Force son, Nicholas. He returned to his base in Britain last Friday and we already miss him. I hope you’re keeping all our soldiers in your prayers, it’s a crazy world out there!

But kids grow up and we have to move on. We have to keep asking, what’s the next big thing?

Each of us will have a different answer so I’m no help here, but…

I can tell you the next small thing to avoid, and that is too much screen time ‍📱😵‍💻.

In the United States, we average about 7 hours daily staring at screens 😱!

Of course this number is increasing every year and we don’t even notice. We are like frogs in a pot of water slowly getting warmer 🐸🍲🔥. One day it will boil.

Let’s not negate the many positives of screens: we can stay connected to others, it’s easy to share pictures of the ones we love, and some apps can absolutely save us time and money. I love face timing with family and friends.

But on average, we spend 44% of our time awake staring at screens and that may not be making us healthier or happier.

Some of the physical risks of using a phone too much include cyber sickness, text claw, eye strain, and fatigue.

Excessive screen time can increase the risk of depression. Limiting time engaged in social media to 30 minutes daily may improve well-being.

The great news is small changes can reduce your screen time and increase your well-being.

Put your phone away during meals and keep it out of the bedroom. If you’re on your phone, set a timer and take a break every 30 minutes, rest your eyes, move around, and stretch.

I just learned about this really cool technology… books. Most of the US has amazing libraries and if you haven’t visited one recently, I promise you’ll be amazed.

Remember, we can’t be perfect. I am as guilty as everyone of overusing my screens 😇😈, but with a little attention, we can improve our lives and our health. As James Clear says, 1% every day. Keep going 🌟😊👍!

And 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:

Changes to your Medicare Prescription Drug Plans for 2024

Greetings and may this note find you in great health with your Medicare coverage working properly. Today, I want to discuss changes to your Medicare Prescription Drug Plans for 2024. But first …

If you’re having problems, reach out to Gray or book a time on my calendar if it’s complicated.

Don’t you love the smile on this guy’s face? He’s enjoying the day tooling around the old town sharing his city with travelers in this classic car.

That’s the way I’d like to feel every day.

My reality is a little closer to this old tortoise who sleeps behind the planters in this old hotel.

Every morning, getting up and out is a little harder. I’m a little achier and often a little grumpier, but, a good cup of coffee makes all the difference in the world.

Once we get up and out, there are adventures waiting, especially when Quantz twists my arm and gets me to do something I’d enjoy but wouldn’t do on my own.

If it weren’t for her, I’d work more and enjoy less. Traveling with Q pushes my comfort zone.

This is an old German freighter off the coast of Aruba. Instead of letting it fall into Allied hands in 1942, the captain chose to sink her himself by flooding the boiler room and causing the engine to explode. I’m glad I wasn’t on board.

Our daughter Sus had to return to her home in Colorado because she had a burst pipe. As you can tell, Plato was happy to see her but he’s still mad at us for leaving him at home with her boyfriend.

Now Quantz, our Air Force son Nicholas, and I have moved on to explore Colombia.

Thanks to Tim in Firestone, Colorado for sharing an interesting article from the Wall Street Journal about drug trends for Medicare. Here’s the gist:

In 2024, Medicare Part D plans will have a ceiling of $8,000 for how much they and consumers (combined) will pay out of pocket.

Changes brought about by the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act mean that people on Part D plans will pay no more than roughly $3,300 on drugs annually (subject to variation based on brand or generic medications).

In 2025, the cap will change to a flat $2,000.

The 5% coinsurance that patients had to pay after reaching the “catastrophic” spending threshold has been eliminated. This change is expected to offer significant savings to approximately 1.5 million people.

The cap on drug costs will force insurers and drugmakers to cover a larger part of the cost.

Potential downsides for Medicare patients include higher premiums and more complicated paperwork.

The changes represent a significant makeover to the Part D prescription-drug benefit.

Cancer drugs in pill form can be costly for people on Part D plans, and these changes are expected to provide substantial savings for patients with expensive medications.

Despite all the good news, drug costs seems to be one of the biggest frustrations everyone has.

Remember the following strategies when filling a prescription:

Often, physicians will prescribe a brand name medication without taking into consideration a client’s financial situation. Check with the doctor’s office to see if they can provide you with a sample before you shell out your own money.

If you are a prescribed a brand name drug, check with your pharmacist and find out if there is a generic alternative.

A single medication is always easier but sometimes, a combination of drugs can be used successfully and perhaps keep down your costs. Every situation is different so do your homework.

Before filling the prescription through your drug plan, ask the pharmacist if they have a cash price that is lower than your copay.

If you get into the catastrophic phase every year (which means the total cost of your drugs {paid by you and the drug plan, $8,000 for 2024} then you may want to run all of your drugs through plan but…

If you barely reach the donut hole each year ($5,030 paid by you and the drug plan) or never reach the donut hole, paying the cash price or using a third party tool like GoodRx, Amazon, or Cost Plus Drugs might save you some serious coin.

Life continues to be filled with a million moving pieces but if you take thirty minutes and make a few calls and check a few websites, it might really save you some money.

Please know that even though we are traveling, I have slots open every week if you need me.

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:

Please don’t ever pay your bill immediately!

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

If you changed plans in the fall, you should have received your new ID cards by now.

If you haven’t, or if you’re having a carrier issue (and you’ve already spoken to the carrier), reach out to Gray and he’ll get you squared away.

In talking with clients this week, I’m hearing a lot about issues with billing.

According to this article, up to 80% of all medical bills have at least one error.

Client Stan tells me he’s pulled out most of his hair trying to get a shingles vaccine bill properly coded and submitted. He received incorrect information from the doctor and from Medicare ☹. Stan is a retired engineer so if someone as logical as he is can’t get the right answer, it sure is frustrating.

I wish I could tell you there was a single step you could take to avoid billing issues, but complicated problems are never solved that easily.

However, if you have a Medicare Supplement, Plan G, your only out-of-pocket for Medicare approved services (excluding drugs, dental, and vision) is $240.

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, the summary of benefits should you provide you with exact costs for deductibles, copays and the maximum out of pocket each year.

Nevertheless, here are some suggestions to help you avoid over paying:

Check Your Information:

Billing errors can happen due to small mistakes on your insurance claim form.
Even a single missing digit in your insurance ID or a misspelled name can lead to denied claims and premature billing.
Verify that your insurance details on the bill are accurate and have been processed by your insurance company.

Compare to EOB:

After your health insurance processes claims, you’ll receive an Explanation of Benefits (EOB).
Compare your medical bill to the EOB to ensure the amount on the invoice matches what your insurance says you owe.

Beware of Aggressive Billing:

Some providers may send bills while your insurance is still processing your claim.
Don’t pay these bills without checking with your insurance company.
Look for phrases like “Due Now,” “Estimated Amount Due,” or “Amount You May Owe.”

Request an Itemized Statement:

Medical bills often lack a detailed breakdown of charges.
Ask for an itemized statement to ensure you’re only paying for services and items you received.

Check Billing Codes:

Each medical procedure has a billing code (HCPS/CPT), and there are diagnosis codes (ICD-10) for medical conditions.
Review these codes to ensure they’re correct.
Mistakes in codes can lead to claim denials or unjustified procedures.
Research codes independently and take action if there’s an issue.

Negotiate a Reduction:

If your bill is more than you can afford, negotiate with the provider.
Find resources online to determine fair service costs.
Make your financial constraints known and ask for a discount or a payment plan.
Paying a lump sum may increase your chances of getting a discount.
Ask for zero interest on a payment plan.

Act Quickly:

Address your medical bills promptly to avoid collection agency involvement.
Hospitals must wait six months before reporting to credit bureaus, but late reporting can affect your credit for years.
Taking quick action can prevent future financial issues like higher interest rates or difficulty securing loans.

The bottom line: be slow and extra careful BEFORE you remit any payment to healthcare providers and call the insurance company for help as well. This process will not eliminate the number of mistakes, but hopefully it will reduce them.

In case you couldn’t tell, the Bruns-Kyler family is celebrating their first vacation as a family together in almost three years. We finally got our Air Force son together with the rest of the family at the same time. We are giving thanks for warm weather and this time together in Aruba. Can you tell Q was happy to see our son?

Remember, life is short. Don’t take anything or anyone for granted!

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: