Medicare Insurance Broker Archives

Plato has a bone to pick with you!

With Spring just round the corner, we hope this finds you in good health with your Medicare Insurance working properly. Plato has a bone to pick with you!

Of course Plato doesn’t have a bone to pick with you, but today I want to re-emphasize the importance of hyper vigilance to protect your identity and your money from scammers.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, imposter scams netted over 2.6 BILLION in 2022 (and that’s just what was reported!)

We all like to think we’ll act rationally and sniff out an imposter in the classic “family emergency scheme,” but the scams are getting better and better, and some of the new AI technology can imitate family voices (see link).

One of the most common features of aging is that we become more trusting as we age and though imposter scams occurred more often to people under thirty, people over 60 were scammed out of much larger sums of money ☹!

So, remember to be careful and deliberate before responding!

Yesterday would have been my best friend’s dad’s 90th birthday.

You can tell from the picture that Luke Senior was quite a character, a dentist and a barn painter, and overall troublemaker, still climbing ladders well into his eighties. He sure is missed by everyone who loved him.

Meanwhile in Arizona, close friend Tina celebrated her mother Marie’s 90th birthday with her daughter Mandy. You just can’t take moments like these for granted. When was the last time you reached out to a family member?

Here in Colorado, we enjoyed our first meal together as a family in over two years.

Yours truly rustled up crepes and bacon as the Bruns Kyler family took great pleasure in the simple ritual of a breakfast around the kitchen table, the most sacred place in our home. Who knows when that will happen again?

Of course our Air Force son’s leave had to come to an end… I drove him to the airport last night so he could go back overseas. Sunglasses hid the sadness, we’re sure gonna miss this goofball!

Please keep him and ALL our soldiers in your prayers!

That’s it for this week. Keep squeezing the juice out of life.

And, if you are having Medicare questions or problems, email Gray, Gray@thebig65.com, or just book a time on my calendar.

We are here if you need us.

Let me know what’s going on your life, please send pictures for the newsletter, and remember…

Referrals are the lifeblood of my business!

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

As a novice to navigating the Medicare system, I cannot recommend the services of Karl enough. His knowledge has saved my wife and I a lot of money, both on the Medicare supplement insurance and the drug coverage. Costs you nothing to listen and has saved up thousands of dollars over time.
– Robert B

Happy with my Service? Click Here to Leave a Review.

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

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

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

Are your doctors really taking care of you?

Are your doctors really taking care of you? Is your Medicare insurance working properly?

I wish the above cartoon was a one-off joke that we could all laugh at and ignore, but that just isn’t the case. Getting lost in the medical labyrinth is much more common than we would like to believe.

Today, I want to share a tip on how to get in to see medical providers faster when they can’t see you in a timely manner.

I spoke with a client in Michigan this week who was under a double whammy: a power outage because of the snow and a specialist who couldn’t seem him for three months.

While I couldn’t do anything about the outage, this is the solution that did help him get in quicker:

James started calling the receptionist EVERY DAY the moment they opened and right after lunch to KEEP asking about cancellations. The polite/squeaky wheel often gets the oil!

Karl Bruns-Kyler of The Big 65 sees monks walking.

We spoke on Monday and by Thursday, James had gotten on his Urologist’s calendar. This will not always work, but it often does.

Of course, you could consider finding a different physician, but most of don’t like to switch doctors. There is normally great value in long term continuity.

However, if you are consistently underwhelmed by the response you receive from your provider, you may want to look up their ratings on third party websites like Heathgrades.com, Vitals or some of the others listed in this link.

Shoplifters will be prostituted sign in a store.

If you discover that a provider is consistently receiving negative reviews, you may want to look for a new provider.

Please know the lion’s share of medical providers are doing their best to provide great care, but like everything else in life, the eighty-twenty rule applies.

Photo of Quantz and Nicholas reunited with The Big 65 and Karl Bruns-Kyler.

Well, I am pleased to report that the Bruns-Kyler family has reunited in Kuala Lumpur. Quantz returned from travels in Burma and…

Nicholas holding chopsticks with Karl Bruns-Kyler.

Our Air Force son, Nicholas, after three cancelled vacations because of the Ukraine situation, was finally able to meet up with us for some for very well-deserved leave.

Time with grown up children is a blessing, isn’t it?

Malaysia is a multiculture country of Malays, Indians, and Chinese.

Malaysia is a very modern country with a very old world feel, a very multicultural country of Malays, Indians and Chinese.

That means the food is incredibly diverse and delicious. Though we didn’t try everything.

One of the things we did finally try is durian, have you heard of it?

This fruit is banned in Singapore because of its smell, but it has a fanatical following, nonetheless.

Of course, following my axiom of trying new things, we had to give it a try.

I’ve gotta tell you, I am NOT a fan. It has a taste of rotten onions and the texture of meat.

As you can imagine, Q was not a fan. But hey, it’s off our bucket list. You win some, you lose some, right?

That’s it for this week. Keep squeezing the juice out of life.

And, if you are having Medicare questions or problems, email Gray, Gray@thebig65.com, or just book a time on my calendar.

We are here if you need us.

Let me know what’s going on your life, please send pictures for the newsletter, and remember…

Referrals are the lifeblood of my business!

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

Happy with my Service? Click Here to Leave a Review.

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

“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.”

Here’s a Little Food For Thought

May this blog post find you in good health with your Medicare Insurance working properly.

Remember to reach out if you are having issues with your coverage. That’s why I’m here and also the purpose of this newsletter: to keep us connected.

Here’s a Little Food For Thought …

Meanwhile, my wife Quantz is still in Burma exploring the cultural sites while I work from Thailand where the internet makes it much easier to run daily appointments and to help clients with their Medicare issues.

Q tells me she is one of the first (and perhaps the only) American tourist in Burma since the coup.

I didn’t want Q to go on this part of the trip, but there is no stopping her when her mind is made up.

Now that Burma is open to tourism again, the regime is trying hard to keep visitors safe (while they oppress their own people).

Apparently the police call her daily to make certain she is ok and are doing everything they can to make sure my crazy wife Q doesn’t cause an international incident.

Q is having an amazing adventure in Burma and I have zero regrets about staying in and working from Thailand.

My meaning and purpose come from being a good husband, a good provider, and always being available to clients no matter where we are in the world, even if Q and I need to be apart from time to time.

Q was told the Karen people wear these neck rings either to: protect them from tigers, make them look less attractive (making the women less likely to be kidnapped) or as a symbol of beauty. There are many theories.

In life (and in marriage) perspective is everything.

As we age, maintaining mental flexibility and constantly challenging our assumptions and beliefs is essential to long term happiness and proper cognitive function.

When I encounter new situations or someone with different beliefs, I often find myself defaulting to a negative mindset, assuming the worst about a person or a situation.

There are so many Russians on vacation in Thailand, and to most of us Westerners, they appear cold, insensitive, and very different.

They seem so pushy that it’s often hard to avoid a negative response.

I’m guessing some people in the world think the same about us. Nevertheless, we know the majority of Americans, regardless of beliefs, are incredibly generous and kind.

After realising how negative I was becoming, I finally pushed myself to challenge this assumption.

Using google translate, I introduced myself to two young Russians and ended up spending an hour in a fascinating conversation that gave much more empathy for the Russian people who have lived under horrible despots since time out of mind.

It doesn’t mean that I like the way they live, it means I have a better understanding of why they are this way.

Challenging default assumptions brings perspective. As we age, maintaining a flexible mind will certainly make life more pleasant for each of us and can improve the quality of our daily encounters.

Here’s an article you may find of interest, some of the keys to aging well. Check it out because you are probably doing many of these things already.

One of the things Q sees in Burma is that the Thanaka tree is pulverized and used as a cosmetic by men and women to protect the skin and to look beautiful.

I’ll never wear it, but I’m glad I understand why they do it.

That’s what travel does, it opens us up to new perspectives. Never stop being curious!

Back in my favorite country, Claire in South Carolina assures me Spring is on the way. Aren’t these tulip magnolias beautiful?

This week, I received a ton of emails asking about our dog Plato back in Colorado.

Don’t worry! Plato, our mighty Bernedoodle, is living the life of Riley with our daughter Sus (and all of her animals.)

Sus had Plato groomed and he sends his regards to everyone!

That’s it for this week. Keep squeezing the juice out of life.

And, if you are having Medicare questions or problems, email Gray, Gray@thebig65.com, or just book a time on my calendar.

We are here if you need us.

Let me know what’s going on your life, please send pictures for the newsletter, and remember…

Referrals are the lifeblood of my business!

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

Happy with my Service? Click Here to Leave a Review.

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

Quantz left me again!

May this blog post from The Big 65 find you in good health with your Medicare Insurance working properly.

Quantz left me again!

Don’t worry, though Quantz did leave me, it isn’t permanent.

She took off for Myanmar to see the temples, one of her lifelong dreams.

We’ve been married for 34 years and it’s always good to have a few days apart so that we continue to appreciate each other. Though I do miss her already.

Quantz is all about seeing new things and constantly learning.

Me? If the Wi-Fi is good and the food is inexpensive, I’m a happy camper.

What I love about being a Medicare Insurance Broker is the daily contact I have with clients.

It keeps me connected and gives me a sense of purpose.

More importantly, I learn things from you all every day that make life better.

Thanks to Judith in Virginia, for sharing this fantastic book, From Strength to Strength, by Arthur C. Brooks.

Fluid intelligence is how we build our lives and careers when we are young.

Crystalline intelligence is the wisdom we have accumulated over our lifetime and if we can learn to leverage it, the second half of life can be incredibly meaningful and fulfilling.

Wayne in Colorado, to me, personifies moving from Strength to Strength.

After a highly successful career in the Air Force, Wayne shifted his attention to becoming an award-winning nature photographer (click on the picture above to see more of his work).

David in Ohio continues to run a web design business, (he runs my website, theBig65 ), but he puts much of his energy into service work, like Oceanites.org, a non-profit trying to monitor Antarctica.

Even more importantly, David stays connected to family and lifelong friends, seen here with his elementary school buddies.

Dave and Warren definitely are moving from Strength to Strength!

Think about ways you can use the wisdom you have accumulated over your lifetime to find meaning and to help others and to squeeze the juice out of life.

If you are having problems or just have questions, email Gray, Gray@thebig65.com, or just book a time on my calendar.

I’m always available if you need me.

Let me know what’s going on your life and remember, referrals are the lifeblood of my business!

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 twenty-two states around the country, including:

What is The Big 65? Your Medicare Guide

May this blog post find you in good health with your Medicare Coverage working properly.

After visiting the largest Buddha in Bangkok, Q and I couldn’t resist walking past the monk and receiving good wishes.

We’ve been sending this newsletter for five years now, pretty much every Saturday.

Whether at home or working from the road, I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to help clients from all over the States make sure their Medicare coverage is working properly.

We had a long trip to visit the bridge over the river Kwai (remember that movie?) and to learn about all of the Allied POW’s who died building the Thai Burma railway during the Japanese occupation.

My great uncle was a Dutch POW and he was forced to help build the railroad.

My takeaway from his horrific experience (he wrote the history for the family) is that he survived because he banded together and worked with other POWs to survive and to help each other.

In our world today, I think we survive and thrive by staying connected to others. At least that’s what many clients tell me on a regular basis when we catch up on calls.

Click on the picture below to learn one activity that seems to make life better.

Volunteering has many benefits that go both ways, for the volunteer and the recipient.

Engagement, a sense of purpose, connection and perhaps better health could be a few of the benefits of doing something new and developing new relationships.

Here is a link to the benefits, and also a link to the organisation where we dropped in to teach English for a morning.

Volunteering seems to be one of the secret sauces that brings joy to life.

For years my mother volunteered by driving community members to doctor appointments and also working in an animal shelter.

While in Laos, we connected with my cousin Arjan and his family, including my Aunt Nureen. Do you think she enjoyed the time with her grandchildren?

They were volunteering at Big Brother Maus, a drop in English Class center that also publishes books and improves local schools. It was a really nice way to connect and do something small that may help others.

I only see Arjan every 5-10 years so when we do see each other, it is meaningful to catch up.

We thought this was a pretty cool way for the Lao people to take something painful and turn it around, turning bomb metal into souvenirs for the night market.

Our daughter Sus tells us it’s super cold back home in Colorado, so we are appreciating the warmth here.

While returning from a visit to the bridge over the river Kwai, we stopped at a roadside gas stop and sampled these delicious sticky rice treats, filled with banana, sweet potato and other surprises. Ten Thai Baht each, 31 cents, so they were fun and inexpensive to sample.

Please remember the reason for this newsletter is to make sure your Medicare coverage is working the way you expected it to be working.

So if you’re having issues, reach out to Gray, my right hand man, Gray@thebig65.com, and we’ll make sure things get taken care of.

And if you or someone you know has any questions about Medicare insurance, visit theBig65.com. There are plenty of slots on my calendar.

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 twenty-two states around the country, including:

Annual Election Period Ends Soon

Plato is channeling how yours truly feels during the Annual Election Period which ends soon.

If you’ve already updated your Medicare coverage (or you are happy) you don’t need to do anything, but…

If you are a procrastinator, the end is near for making changes so book a time on my calendar.

It’s been a delight catching up with so many of you and updating hundreds of plans. Most people don’t change, but some do.

I’ve added extra hours so I’ll do my best to squeeze everyone in! You can see my motto below.

This week, I read a fascinating article on Alzheimer’s. Many people believe if you are diagnosed, there’s nothing you can do, but this isn’t true! Studies have shown that identical twins with the same Alzheimer’s diagnosis had vastly different outcomes if they were proactive in their approach. Puzzles, diet, exercise and engagement with others make a huge difference.

It is amazing that Alzheimer’s can be slowed down and the same is true of Parkinson’s. It’s amazing how much we can affect our own lives and the lives of others with small actions.

We celebrated Q’s birthday yesterday. I am the luckiest guy on the planet, even after 34 years, I give thanks for this amazing woman. We’ll celebrate after the busy season ends on Wednesday.

And I’m going to feel like this!

I’ll be super happy when I’ve taken care of every one of you!

In the meantime, feel free to forward this blog post/newsletter to friends and family with Medicare questions! Referrals are the lifeblood of my business.

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

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:

Don’t Pay Your Medicare Bills Until You Are Sure They Are Right!

Recently, one of my Medicare clients received a $50,000 bill for a hospital stay.

I hate to say it but…

It’s not that unusual for medical billing to be incorrect.

When a client in Ohio received the $50k hospital bill, I had to jump in.

After a couple of calls and a long time on hold…

We finally got the bill corrected and resubmitted.

The client’s portion?

Less than a thousand 😊, whew!

If you receive a bill and the numbers look high… remember that medical overbilling happens all the time.

Or different than your what your summary of benefits dictates…

Don’t pay right away.

Call your insurance provider and review the billing.

If the numbers don’t match, call the healthcare provider billing department.

Tell them to review the billing codes and to resubmit the bill to your provider.

Sometimes it can take multiple calls, but it’s definitely worth the trouble.

Remember, information is power. So arm yourself with as much information as possible. What exactly does your insurance cover? What doesn’t it cover? The more information you have and the better informed you are, the better prepared you will be to spot errors in medical bills.

There are many reasons why medical overbilling occurs. Some of these reasons include: Upcoding, Duplicate Billing, Over-prescribing Drugs, and Utilization Abuse. Again, educate yourself and pay close attention to all medical bills BEFORE making payment.

Here’s a Medicare link to new protections against surprise medical bills.

And if you have questions about Medicare Insurance, book a time on my calendar.

www.thebig65.com

Karl Bruns-Kyler logo

Get Out Now!

As Medicare Insurance Broker, I have the privilege of working with so many remarkable clients living interesting lives.

COVID has crimped our lives but it doesn’t mean we have to stop living.

Look for ways to explore, adventure and try new things.

Don’t take my word for it, here’s an article that talks about the value of travel for your mental health.

And if you have questions about Medicare, visit thebig65.com or book a time on my calendar and I’ll call you!

Watch your Medicare Drug Costs!

As a Medicare Insurance Broker, one of the biggest frustrations clients have is the cost of prescription drugs.

Once you’re in a drug plan, it still makes sense to be a good consumer.

Before filling your prescription with your drug plan, ask your pharmacist the cash price for the medication.

It’s also a good idea to check out the cost of a medication using the free website good rx.com.

Before filling a brand-name medication, ask your pharmacist if there is a generic alternative that is less expensive and talk to your doctor about that.

Also talk with your pharmacist about getting a higher dosage prescription and breaking it in half if your pharmacist considers it a safe thing to do.

Remember, be a smart consumer about your medication, and if you have questions about Medicare, book a time on my calendar here.