medicare insurance blog Archives

Check out this festival where fun meets wellness!

Hope you had a great Father’s Day and may this blog 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.

We had a delightful surprise Father’s Day visit from our daughter Sus, with pancakes and board games (she let me win once).

After that, she was back on the road home and life was back to normal (now cue the Jim Croce song, “And the cat’s in the cradle and the silver spoon 🎻💧…”)

My favorite Father’s Day was many years ago when the kids were still critter size and we climbed a volcano in Guatemala.

It felt like we were in a Lord of the Rings movie. It’s amazing how attentive your kids can be when threatened with being thrown into molten lava 😉, good times!

After Sus left, I went back to morning chores, and the usual quiet routines, building extra boxes for the bees.

You know the satisfaction that comes from building something yourself? This was way more fun than Medicare certifications for 2025 I’m working through when I’m not working with clients.

I’m not counting on any grapes because of the racoons, but I am cautiously optimistic we’ll have a good honey harvest this fall. I promise to share!

After lunch, Q made us attend a Scandinavian festival up in Golden, Colorado.

The event got me thinking about how much there is to gain from visiting summer festivals and doing something new near you (as long as you prepare for the heat).

It was a great fun sampling the food and watching the little people interact with the Vikings.

Check your newspaper and see what events are going on in your area, I double dare you. With a little luck, you’ll find yourself walking around, exploring different stalls, and participating in various activities. This can be a fun way to get some exercise without even realizing it.

Festivals are a feast for the senses. The sights, sounds, and smells can stimulate our brains and keep us mentally engaged. We loved watching these couples in traditional garb doing these amazing folk dances.

Whether it’s listening to live music, or trying out a new type of food, these experiences can help keep our minds sharp.

Festivals are also a great way to meet new people, bond with friends and family, and feel part of a community. Social connections can reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, which are endemic in our screen based society. Even more important, building and maintaining relationships can lead to a longer, healthier, and happier life.

And best of all, you might accidentally discover a brewery on the way and go in for a tour! Now that is a perfect Father’s Day😉, especially when your wife is the designated driver 🛞!

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

Refer a Friend: 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:

It’s time to connect😀

Hello and may this blog find you in great health with your Medicare insurance coverage working well this Memorial Day Weekend.

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

While my wife, Quantz, was visiting her dad in the low country of South Carolina, our daughter Susanna and I visited my brothers where I grew up in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.

When Robert, Haas, and I get together, one thing is certain, there will be chess.

Dad once claimed he’d played Bobby Fisher in New York in the late fifties.

True or not, Chess was our religion, and Bobby Fisher, our hero. We three boys watched on our black and white TV, cheering as Fisher defeated Spassky the Russian in twenty-one games to become world champion.

As many chess games as we could get in with Dad before Mom made us clear the pieces and set the dinner table. Dad, spotting us a glass of beer and his queen, placed two minutes on his chess clock and eight minutes on ours, decimating us with time to spare.

None of us brothers ever rose above amateur. Yet, we retain a love of the game, and through this old chess board and the pieces, a connection to our father’s love. The ghost of Rinehart remains in those pieces.

Never underestimate the mental and physical benefits of social connections between you, your family, and your community.

Maintaining strong social ties can significantly enhance mood, health, and quality of life. A study published in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior found that older adults who engage in regular social activities are less likely to experience depression.

Social interactions provide emotional support, which can help individuals manage stress and anxiety more effectively. After dinner, we did a stroll around the old city of Staunton. If you ever visit, check out the Shakespeare Theater and take a walk up onto the hill at Mary Baldwin College. You can also visit Woodrow Wilson’s birthplace.

Engaging with family and friends can also help keep the mind sharp. Research indicates that social interactions stimulate cognitive functions, potentially delaying the onset of dementia.

A study in the American Journal of Public Health documented seniors with strong social networks had a 70% reduced risk of cognitive decline compared to those who were less socially active.

Maintaining social connections often encourages more physical activity, whether it’s going for a walk with a friend or participating in group activities. The CDC notes that physical activity can help manage chronic conditions, improve balance and coordination, and enhance overall physical health.

Haas lives about twenty minutes south of Robert on his farm in Spottswood and he spends as much time outside hunting, fishing, and farming as he possibly can. Do me a favor and stay out of the trees and off of your own roof, please!

Being connected to family and friends provides a sense of belonging and purpose, which is crucial for a fulfilling life. This sense of community can lead to increased happiness and life satisfaction.

The Harvard Study of Adult Development has shown that close relationships, more than money or fame, are what keep people happy throughout their lives. I’m so glad Sus came along on this trip to reconnect with her aunts, uncles, and cousins. Don’t forget about loving on animals as well.

We took a quick trip down to Charlottesville with Aunt Cristi to see cousin Mia right after Mia finished her first semester as a graduate student studying physics at UVA. Both Sus and Mia got our dad’s red hair and his deep love of learning. I guess it skipped a generation.

There is also evidence to suggest that strong social ties can lead to a longer life. A meta-analysis published in PLoS Medicine found that individuals with strong social relationships had a 50% increased likelihood of survival compared to those with weaker social connections.

Quantz’s dad is proof of this. He still volunteers weekly at Brookgreen gardens, walks daily to check out the birds at Huntington State Park, and hangs out with his coffee klatch buddies causing plenty of general mayhem. He’s proof of aging well by staying connected and repeating my favorite adage, “getting old ain’t for sissies!”

Some of the different ways to stay connected include participating in local clubs, volunteering, or attending community events. Video calls, social media, and messaging apps can also be great tools when physical distance is an issue.

By embracing the power of social connections, you can enhance your well-being and make the most of every day. Keep reaching out, stay active in your community, and cherish the bonds that bring joy and health into your life.

Or you can keep it simple and do like Buddy does: fish, laugh with friends, and love on Puff, the noisiest, sweetest Javanese I have ever met.

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:

Are you running low on protein?

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

Are you having any issues with your coverage? If so, reach out to Gray or book a time on my calendar. We’re here to help so you can ignore the Medicare Telemarketers!

Yours truly is in Britain, visiting our Air Force son, and you are probably wondering where’s my wife, the mighty Q?

Quantz is still in South America, checking off countries on her bucket list. These pictures are from Iguazu, some of the largest waterfalls in the world.

When I was there in 1983, the catwalks you see below were completely washed away. Q’s pictures remind me how impressive the water is.

The Amazon is such a fascinating place, filled with animals like the coatimundi, racoon-like creatures that will eat almost anything.

Which brings us to the topic of today, protein.

A study in the Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging, indicates that older adults in the US aren’t getting enough protein.

Analyzing data from over 11,000 adults aged 51 and above, they found that nearly half of the older participants didn’t consume adequate protein regularly.

Not getting enough protein isn’t just about muscles; it could signal that someone’s diet and overall health might need a boost. As we get older, our muscles start to shrink, which can make us weaker and more prone to falling.

Individuals over 50 “whose protein intake was lower than the recommended level had a poorer diet overall, as well as ‘significantly more functional limitations.’ These people consumed fewer healthful foods such as greens and beans, dairy, seafood, and plant protein foods.”

”Despite the protein craze in America, the data shows there’s still a big gap in adults’ protein intake.”

Great sources of protein include rice, beans, lentils, soy, and quinoa, as well as eggs, dairy, or meat. This was Quantz’s dinner in La Paz, Bolivia, the highest capital in the world. She never figured out what the food on the left of the plate actually was.

So just to make sure I practiced what I preached, yours truly had a ribeye and “chips” in the Mildenhall Market. I feel stronger already.

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:

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

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:

Watch Out For Overbilling On Medical Claims

Happy November and may this find you in good health with your Medicare insurance working properly.

Did you survive the elections and all of the storms coming up from Florida?

Only about 4 weeks left until the Medicare Madness of Open Enrollment is over.

Hopefully you’re also ignoring the noise and the false promises your hear on TV and from the illegal call centers, but if you do have questions, feel free to book a time on my calendar.

Watch Out For Overbilling On Medical Claims

One of things I enjoy most about my work as a broker is catching up with clients all over the country, seeing how they are doing and making certain their coverage is working properly.

This week, I spoke with three different clients who had made a Medicare mistake that cost them money they shouldn’t have had to pay. Click on the picture so you don’t the same thing.

Watch Out For Overbilling On Medical Claims
I wrote about this problem earlier in the year, but it seems to be getting worse. Another studyu have to be on your toes.

One study claims that at least four out of five medical bills contain minor errors.

Another study says that 50% of all Medicare bills have errors.

Perhaps these numbers are inflated, but the reality is medical billing errors are common and you have to be on your guard.

If you have a Medicare Supplement, other than a small annual deductible, normally, you shouldn’t have any additional copays for the hospital or your doctor visits.

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, your copays are clearly spelled out in your summary of benefits.

So remember: if you receive a bill, don’t pay it until you’ve reviewed it with your insurer and confirm that it has been properly coded and submitted. Take your time and don’t fall victim to the medical industrial complex!

Well, I sure was happy to have Quantz home from her adventures in England visiting our son. Even though this is my busy season, we did find time to go out for lunch.

Of course after a week at home, she left me again… to visit her parents in South Carolina and to help them clean up after the hurricane.

To celebrate Veteran’s Day in advance, we bought our Air Force son (and a buddy) tickets to the Broncos football game at Wembley stadium in London

Judging by their smiles, these two soldiers had a great time (and the Broncos won)! Be sure to reach out to the military members of your family and in your community and thank them for their service. Nicholas is two years into his four year commitment, keep him and all our soldiers all in your prayers.

My little brother Haas sent me this picture of our older brother Robert as they enjoyed a glass of beer and bushel of crabs from the eastern shore of Maryland. Wish I’d been there to join them but I’m happy they spent time together.

Are you finding ways to spend time with your family? Life is short, live large while you can.

Clients David and Ramona sent this picture of their kitchen in Virginia, making pumpkin bread, pumpkin pie, and pumpkin soup. That, to me, is living large and living well! Empty nesters enjoying time together.

How do I live large? Well, before she left for South Carolina, Q took me to a museum and I expressed my creativity as an artist.

Don’t worry, I won’t be quitting my day job :), Medicare is what I do.

Please forward this newsletter to all your friends and family ! Remember, referrals are the lifeblood of my business. Thank you.

Have a great week, be safe, and call me if you need me.

Karl Bruns-Kyler
(877) 850-0211
Book a time on my calendar here

Karl Bruns-Kyler is a Medicare insurance broker and independent Medicare agent licensed to help Medicare recipients in twenty-two states around the country, including:

Alabama
Arizona
Colorado
Florida
Georgia
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Louisiana
Maryland
Missouri
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Virginia
Wisconsin

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all your options.