Medicare Insurance Broker Archives

The canolo whispered… “Eat Me😋.” I Whispered Back… “Just One Bite✨

Happy Mother’s Day …. may this blog find you in amazing health with your Medicare insurance coverage🏥working well, even if you’re not a mother!

Any issues with your Medicare coverage (and the carrier isn’t helping), or you’d like to shop? Email Gray, Gray@TheBig65.com or book a time on my calendar.

Remember to hang up 📞 on the big illegal call centers ⚠️ that try to force the wrong plans on consumers. Always use an independent broker.

Well, we finally got to Sicily to spend some time with our Airman Nicholas. After four years in the UK, he is enjoying the warmer weather of the Mediterranean. We are enjoying his company!

What’s my favorite part of Italy? Honestly, it’s the Americanos… hot, black and strong and way less expensive than a Starbuck’s coffee.

When the American GI’s liberated Sicily in 1943, they begged the local baristas to add hot water to the tiny cups of espresso, hence the name!

I also learned that cannoli is plural, the single is cannolo and they are best when the sweet filling is added JUST before they are served. Maybe that’s why I never liked them before.

Whenever we visit a new city, Q always looks for a walking tour… to get the layout of the city, the local history, and the street food recommendations.

It’s easy to fall in love with arancini, deep-fried rice balls, typically stuffed, breaded, and fried to perfection😋.

Arancini means little oranges🍊, because of the arancini’s shape and color. Colonel Sander’s has nothing on this dangerous, delicious little street food.

It should probably be served sprinkled with a cholesterol statin! Man are they addictive!

Fortunately, Sicily is blessed with healthy fruits, vegetables, and seafood.

Of course there are also plenty of healthy choices at home in the US, but…

When surrounded by deliciousness… how does anyone stay healthy without missing out?

Here are some simple strategies:

Don’t deprive—sample smartly: Enjoy a few bites instead of a full portion. Share with your travel buddy or wrap up the rest. You don’t have to finish it all.

Balance the day, not every bite: If lunch is indulgent (hello, deep-fried rice balls 😋), go light on dinner with veggies, lean proteins, and water.

Eat local, eat slowly: Take time to enjoy each bite. Mindful eating helps your brain register fullness and satisfaction sooner.

Why is mindful eating the topic this week? Q let me know my shirts appeared to be shrinking since we arrived in Italy🍨🥐😱! Coincidence? I think not! Time for me to get with the program.

Hydration is your secret weapon: Sip water regularly to curb cravings and help your body process salt and sugar… and always listen to your barista☕🍫.

Walk it off: Exploring on foot after a meal helps digestion and glucose control — and in Sicily, every step is a scenic reward.

In places where everyone walks (and Nicholas has no elevator), it’s easy to get in your steps🚶‍♂️.

Build a “core meal” habit: Start your day with something nourishing and fiber-rich (like oatmeal and Greek yogurt) so you’re less tempted to snack impulsively later.

Truthfully, this is the one I struggle with most with on the road, every corner is filled with croissants, cookies, and cakes.

At home, my routine is black coffee and a few nuts. But hey, sometimes you just have to give thanks and keep going. Plus, I’ll be home with Plato shortly.

🍽️ Bottom Line:

You can enjoy life’s delicious moments — like Sicilian street food — or a Mother’s Day Brunch — without derailing your health goals. The key? Intentional indulgence, not accidental overload.

And why should we do any of this? At this point in life, it’s about staying healthy and not being a burden, taking care of family, living a life of service, and annoying our children for as long as humanly possible😆!

As my Dad always said… everything in moderation, even moderation!

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

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
Montana
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.

We survived the earthquake 🌍!

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

Any issues with your Medicare coverage (and the carrier isn’t helping), or you’d like to shop coverage? Email Gray, Gray@TheBig65.com or book a time on my calendar.

Remember to hang up 📞 on the big illegal call centers ⚠️ that try to force the wrong plans on consumers. Always use an independent broker, like The Big 65. That’s why we’re here.

Quantz and I are exploring Istanbul🕌✨, an ancient city where East meets West. It’s a fascinating mix of Europe and Asia and it’s filled with surprises😲.

Like the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest covered markets in the world, thousands of shops selling spices, food, and clothing. You can get lost in this place if you don’t use Google maps.

It’s fun to try new things: mulberries, persimmons, even Turkish delight🍬. Of course Q is way more adventurous then I am, but that’s why we have balance in our relationship…

One explorer and one boring insurance dude to keep things on track.

Istanbul is filled with dogs and cats that roam freely and are fed and housed with public funds.

As long as you see a tag in the dog’s ears, or a clipped spot on the cat’s ears, you know they’ve been vaccinated and protected.

On Thursday, as I was walking to meet a friend for coffee, we experienced a 6.2 magnitude earthquake 🌍 that shook for thirteen seconds.

Thousands of people streamed out of every building but there was no major damage, thank goodness😮‍💨!

As Yusuf and I drank Turkish coffee, every member of his family called him to make sure he was OK.

What a great reminder to live every day as if it is your last.

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:

Aging is inevitable—bitterness isn’t 🕊️❤️

Greetings and may this blog find you in amazing Easter Bunny health🐰, with your Medicare insurance coverage🏥working properly.

If you’re having any issues with your Medicare coverage (and the carrier isn’t helping), or you’d like to shop coverage, email Gray, Gray@TheBig65.com or book a time on my calendar.

Well… after a month of adventures on her own, I finally found Quantz… in Cyprus — a beautiful island in the Mediterranean that’s physically divided but spiritually rich.

On one side, you’ll find Greek Cypriots, churches, and the echoes of Greek Orthodoxy preparing for Easter.

On the other, Turkish Cypriots, mosques, and the rhythms of Ramadan just recently completed. And somewhere in between? A UN-patrolled buffer zone, literal barbed wire, and decades of conflict and misunderstanding.

And yet… everywhere we went, people welcomed us with kindness. Whether it was a café in Nicosia or a bakery in the north, there was hospitality, warmth, and laughter.

It reminded me that, just like Easter and Passover — holidays born from different stories but rooted in renewal, liberation, and hope — we often have more in common than we think.

As we age, it’s easy to get stuck in our ways, our opinions, or our routines. But keeping an open mind — staying curious, choosing connection over conflict — is one of the most powerful ways to stay mentally sharp, emotionally fulfilled, and yes, even physically healthier.

So whether you’re celebrating with matzo or baklava, an egg hunt or a Seder plate, remember this:

Life is too short for walls, build bridges instead.

“There is no them, there is only us.” Plato and Gray both agree.

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:

🧠💪 Live Longer Without Spending a Dime

Greetings and may this blog find you in stellar health😄, with your Medicare insurance coverage🏥working well.

Spring has finally sprung 🌸 all over our great nation. Are you getting outside?

Sunlight☀️ equals Vitamin D🧴… good for the brain, good for the bones, great for the soul🧿. Most important, it’s free!

If you’re feeling blue or have problems with your Medicare coverage (and the carrier isn’t helping), email Gray, Gray@TheBig65.com or book a time on my calendar.

Q met this 200 pound beast in Heraklion 🧔‍♂️🐾 (where Hercules was born), on the island of Crete. Don’t worry, she didn’t adopt a new doggy, yet… our doodle Plato is safe, for now🤞.

Maybe it’s just me, but it seems like every day, I’m bombarded with expensive miracle cures that promise I’ll live to be a thousand if I just give them my credit card.

It’s refreshing to discover that some of the most effective longevity strategies are both simple and free.

Experts and people who live past 100 show that simple, everyday habits—not expensive miracle cures—can help you live a longer, healthier life. I’m guessing Jean does a bunch of these, how about you?

🧭 Find a reason to get up each morning

Whether it’s grandkids, gardening, or helping a neighbor—having a purpose gives you direction, energy, and a reason to smile. It’s like fuel for the soul.

Living a life of service is the foundational cornerstone of my life. When our kids were young, we hosted ten different international exchange students (only one at a time) to live in our home for a year.

Hosting often created extra work but it made our lives (and the lives of our children) better. Now those kids are grown up and we get to visit them all over the world.

Last weekend, I finally got to visit the Pleister family in Germany. It was so much fun to finally meet the parents of Lena and Chris.

🧠 Challenge your brain

Just like your muscles, your brain loves a good workout. Try a puzzle, read a book, learn a new skill—even switching up your routine helps. Little mental stretches every day can keep your mind strong and your memory sharp.

Chris and Lena’s father, Hans, runs a maritime simulator for the University in Bremen.

After brief instruction, I attempted to navigate a 220 meter container ship out of the Elbe river into the North Sea. It was a fascinating experience, but I was unable to avoid being rammed by the ship in the distance🚢🌊😬.

The good news? No maritime job for me. I will continue to be your Medicare broker for a long, long time!

🥗Eat Real Food

Forget the trendy diets and miracle shakes. Stick with the good stuff: colorful veggies, juicy fruits, wholesome beans, and fresh fish. Your body runs best on real, nourishing fuel.

And just like my dad said: Everything in moderation, even moderation🍻😂.

While visiting the Pleisters, we ate a number of delicious vegetarian meals, but that didn’t stop me from having the occasional beer (especially after I sunk the container ship.)

🚶‍♂️Keep moving

You don’t need fancy equipment or a gym membership. Just move! Walk the dog, stretch toward the sky, or dance while making dinner—anything that gets your body going and your joints smiling.

We had some epic ping pong matches with the entire family. Man was my arm sore the next day, but it sure was fun!

🤝 Stay social

Friendship is powerful medicine. Call an old friend, wave to your neighbor, say yes to that lunch invite. A little laughter and connection can do wonders for your heart, your mood, and your memory.

Over the weekend we did a city tour of Hamburg. Our guide pointed out the clubs where the Beatles got their start and also the barber shop where they got their famous haircuts. Chris and Anja played a wicked air guitar🎸.

As I said goodbye to the Pleisters after a wonderful visit, I was reminded that living well doesn’t require deep pockets—just deep connections.

We didn’t need luxury or lavish plans to create memories, just good conversation, shared meals, and time together.

The article this week echoes that truth: longevity isn’t about miracle cures—it’s about purpose, movement, healthy food, and meaningful relationships. And sometimes, the best medicine is simply being with people who make you laugh. ❤️

Now I have to go find Quantz to make sure she doesn’t come home with a new 200 pound dog!

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:

When Grief Knocks, Here’s How to Open the Door 🚪🌅🕊️

Howdy! May this note find you happily above ground🪦😉, with your Medicare insurance coverage🏥working well😄.

The Open Election Period to change Advantage plans ends Monday, thank goodness!

Hopefully, some of the illegal telemarketers📞promising benefits you’re not eligible for will go away… for a while🤞.

Now if your Medicare coverage ISN’T working, or you’d like to shop or review your plan, email Gray, Gray@TheBig65.com or book a time on my calendar.

Plato would like to remind everyone there is always road work ahead😆and we are happy to help.

Spring🌻has finally sprung in our neck of the woods. The bees 🐝are doing good work.

We’ll be sending honey 🍯 to all those who’ve recently referred friends or have given us a Google review. That includes Susan M, Ann H, Sharon T, Marjorie P, Ted C, Sarah K, and Kathy G.

If we owe you honey for a review or a referral, PLEASE email Gray.

This week, I’m sharing a photo from high school that means the world to me.

It’s a shot of me, my best friend Luke Jr, and our dads, taken during the last week of our Senior year.

After leaving the Shenandoah Valley and building lives in different places, our friendship never faded—and watching our fathers become close was one of life’s unexpected gifts.

This week, I heard about a young’un whose best friend passed away completely unexpectedly. There is nothing sadder than when a young person predeceases his parents.

It reminded me how deeply we can love and how devastating loss can be—no matter your age.

Grief is the price we pay for loving deeply. And it comes in waves, with tears and with laughter.

Whether you’re dealing with the loss of a friend, a parent, a partner, or even a beloved pet, grief has no timetable. Here are a few thoughts that might help:

Acknowledge the pain
Don’t rush to “get over it.” Grief is real and deserves your attention.
Let memories surface
Looking at photos, sharing stories, or simply sitting in silence can be healing.
Connection heals
Talking to others who’ve experienced loss reminds us we’re not alone. Community matters.
Grieve in your own way
There’s no right way to mourn. Cry, write, walk, pray, laugh at old memories—whatever helps.
Time doesn’t heal all—but it softens the edges
Over time, the sharpness of grief dulls, and love takes center stage.
Honor your loved one.
Plant a tree, cook their favorite dish, tell their story. Let their memory keep living through you.

I keep this old photo of my late mother on my desk. Dinner with her on the Queen Mary in Long Beach in the early 1990’s.

This is the ship both she and my dad emigrated to America on separately… dad a week before World War II began from Germany, mom as a college student from the Netherlands to start a new life in 1950s America.

After dinner, we walked the ship and called my curmudgeonly father to celebrate the evening. It’s an evening I’ll never forget.

So this week, I raise a cup of coffee to the bonds that never break—even after we’re gone.

And if you’re carrying the weight of loss, just know: it’s okay to feel it, to talk about it, and to reach out for support.

Let’s be kind to ourselves and to each other and celebrate that we are still above ground.

Congratulations to Tina and Jay on their retirements and the celebration they had with family to mark a new chapter. “May the circle be unbroken.”

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:

Think This😃, Not That😫—Make 2025 Your Best Year Yet🫠!

Greetings and may March Madness 🏀 find you in wonderful health with your Medicare insurance🏥working properly😄.

Remember, anytime you see an ad on TV 📺 (or receive an illegal telemarketing call📞) promising a $900 food allowance for Medicare, beware⚠️…

That benefit is ONLY for people on Medicaid with super low incomes.

If your Medicare coverage ISN’T working, or you’d like to shop your coverage, email Gray, Gray@TheBig65.com or book a time on my calendar. We’re here to help you avoid the swamp monsters🐊☣️.

Remember the opening from the Charles Dicken’s book, A Tale of Two Cities?

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…”

That’s how I felt when Plato and I stumbled upon a herd of one hundred plus Elk 🦌in the park near our house😱.

Fortunately, Plato came running back to me and he didn’t end up getting in big trouble chasing the wildlife🐾😌🙏.

That moment reminded me how much life is shaped by how we choose to respond.

And that’s exactly the idea behind Dr. Josh Axe’s book, Think This, Not That. It’s all about flipping the script—recognizing we can shift our mindset anytime, even when life throws unexpected surprises at us.

As the world continues to spin out of control, this couldn’t be more important. Whether it’s facing health changes, making Medicare decisions, or simply navigating life’s ups and downs, adopting the right mindset can turn “the worst of times” into “the best of times.”

Like when KC decided to try snowboarding…but we took him down the expert side of the mountain😩🙈 (poor guy, he looked like Sasquatch in the snow).

Here are 4 powerful mind shifts from the book that apply to all of us:

1. Think Abundance, Not Scarcity

Too often, we think, “I’m too old to try that” or “It’s too late to change.”

Flip it: There’s still so much time to grow, explore, and live fully.

Try This: Pick one new experience this month—whether it’s a hobby, class, or trip you’ve been putting off. New challenges keep you sharp!

Though we definitely started KC on the wrong side of the mountain🏔️, by the end of the trip, he had learned enough to enjoy the process🏆.

2. Think Confidence, Not Fear

It’s natural to feel uneasy when it comes to health changes, life’s curveballs, or Medicare Choices. But fear keeps us stuck.

Flip it: Replace fear with confidence—remind yourself, “I’ve handled challenges before. I can handle this, too.”

Try This: Take one step toward clarity today—whether it’s scheduling your preventive screenings, facing a challenge, or booking a quick Medicare review with me. Being informed is the fastest path to feeling in control.

Fun fact: After skiing, the left side of the table was drinking wine…for medicinal purposes 🤣 (and sore bodies)🍷!

3. Think Focus🧘, Not Overwhelm

Don’t let everything pile up in your mind.

Flip it: Focus on one small step at a time.

Try This: Set a single wellness goal this week—like a 10-minute walk each day or preparing one healthy meal at home🥗.

Plato told me he felt much more confident about chasing the wild turkeys instead of the Elk, but I kept him on the leash just the same.

4. Think Possibility, Not Limitation

Forget “It’s too late” or “I’m stuck.”

Flip it: Ask yourself, “What’s next for me?”

Try This: Write down a few things you’ve always wanted to do—big or small—and take one step toward making it happen.

My wife Q spent 30 years chained to a corporate desk. When the pandemic hit, and work was miserable, Quantz quit her job and said “we need to change everything.” I still work as much as I ever did, but now, I work virtually. Q has reinvented herself as a traveler and that includes medical missions, like the one she is on in Kenya. Happy wife, happy life!

At the end of the day, it’s all about choosing possibility over limitation. Life’s too short to let fear or doubt hold you back.

Keep asking yourself, “What’s next?”—and take that next step.

Be like my big brother Robert. Despite severing his spinal cord in a bike accident five years ago, he rose from the ashes.

Despite many daily challenges, Robert still practices medicine, plays pickleball, mentors young medical students, and makes the world a better place. He’s the first one to tell you, gettin’ old ain’t for sissies! I am so proud of my brother!

Don’t leave your best song unsung. Your story’s still being written—make it one worth telling.

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:

Boring Life😒 or Extraordinary Life😀? The Choice is Yours!

Greetings and may this blog post find you in amazing spirits, ignoring the Medicare scams and with your coverage 🏥working properly😄.

If your Medicare coverage ISN’T working, email Gray, Gray@TheBig65.com or book a time on my calendar.

March is the last month you can make changes on Medicare Advantage plans for 2025.

Look who had a birthday! Plato turned 10 🎂!

We celebrated with fancy dog food and a couple of new toys.

Of course we love our kids but we really love our dogs, right🤣!

It seems like yesterday when Nicholas and I drove to the middle of nowhere Ohio and chose little puppy from the Old Order Mennonite breeder. Now the kids are grown and Plato is an old guy, just like us,😮. As my favorite saying goes:

Gettin’ old ain’t for sissies.

Last week, I shared the Swedish philosophy of Lagom, being content with having just enough.

This week I had the privilege of attending Certified Senior Advisor (& Ted Talk Presenter) Kelly O’Connor’s lecture on “The Longevity Lifestyle: Embrace and Nurture It in Your Life.”

What does it take to live not just a long life, but a great one?

Kelly introduced The Ten Pillars of an Extraordinary Life, key areas that contribute to living longer, healthier, and happier lives:

Kelly shared actionable steps for building a lifestyle that promotes longevity, fulfillment, and overall well-being.

✅ Purpose – A reason to get up in the morning.
✅ Financial Well-Being – Planning ahead ensures security.
✅ Community – Social connections improve health.
✅ Spirituality – Faith, meditation, or reflection bring balance and peace.
✅ Curiosity – Lifelong learning keeps the mind sharp.
✅ Brain Health – Stimulation, diet, and exercise.
✅ Advocacy – Taking charge of your health empowers independence.
✅ Physical Health – Movement, nutrition, and self-care.
✅ Mindset – A positive outlook improves resilience and happiness.
✅ Mental Health – Stress management and self care support a fulfilling life.

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

Let’s make sure you have just enough⚖️!

Howdy and may this blog post find you in super health with your Medicare insurance 🏥working properly😄.

Have you seen these totally bogus commercials promising free food cards with an Advantage Plan📺💩😠?

Most of these types of ads offer benefits that are ONLY available to consumers on Medicaid. The ads hold up these food cards as a fishing lure but never mention the fact that you must be on Medicaid to qualify.

Don’t be fooled by these bait and switch techniques!

If you’d like us to review your coverage or if you see a Medicare plan that looks better, email Gray, Gray@TheBig65.com or book a time on my calendar and we will look at it together. Most of the time, we find it’s a scam, but if not, we can help.

Plato just auditioned for Shark Week and he reminds everyone to remember the quote: Never trust a man who says trust me😂.

It’s great to be home in Colorado. We are catching up on the “honey-do” list. Quantz sent out a bunch of honey this week and I’m pleased to report we lost only one hive this winter. We’ll get a new Queen and restart the hive shortly!

If we promised you honey and you didn’t receive it, please send me a note.

If you’d like honey🐝🍯 (while it lasts), you are welcome to write a Google Review or refer a friend. You can also follow our Facebook page and that’ll get you honey as well.

Last week’s snow gave Plato a chance to practice his alpaca imitation. He’s so happy to have us home again.

Dogs are usually content and his consistent happiness made me think of the Swedish philosophy of “lagom,” being content with having just enough.

Life is best enjoyed in balance—not too much, not too little, just enough.

Instead of chasing extremes, why not embrace a lifestyle where everything feels just right? 🌿

Lagom offers a refreshing approach to aging with purpose and contentment. Instead of striving for more or dwelling on what’s lost, it’s about finding joy in what is already enough.

This means maintaining an active lifestyle without overexertion, eating well without strict dieting, and spending wisely while still enjoying life. 🏡

Embracing lagom can lead to a healthier, less stressful retirement—downsizing without deprivation, staying social without overcommitting, and engaging in meaningful activities at a comfortable pace.

We can start by decluttering our homes, simplifying our schedules, and focusing on quality relationships over quantity. By doing “just enough” in every aspect of life, we can cultivate lasting happiness and peace. ✨

My late mother-in-law, Susan, was one of the most important people in my life. She helped others, laughed at everything, and always saw the good in life, never letting the darkness get in her way.

She never stopped moving, never stopped praying; she never stopped. Her life was filled with just enough. I still miss her every day, as do many others❤️.

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:

Forget diet and exercise—this matters even more🛟!

Howdy and may this blog post find you in amazing health with your Medicare insurance 🏥working properly😄.

Any issues🤔with coverage?

If you’ve already called the carrier and there is no resolution, email Gray, Gray@TheBig65.com or book a time on my calendar. We’ll do our best.

We received a ton of greet feedback on scams that clients are experiencing.

Barb S had great advice:

“I find it best to NOT respond to anything that comes up on my phone📞. Instead, I wait until I’m on my laptop where I can better investigate the issue. If it’s an email, make sure the sender is valid. Most of the times, it isn’t.”

Well-said Barb! Keep an eye out for some honey in the mail🐝📧🍯! I give thanks for the wisdom of the tribe.

Speaking of wisdom, I heard a great Ted Talk on the secret to living longer.

Don’t worry, it doesn’t include becoming a professional dog walker🐾😃!

Genetics accounts for 25% of longevity. The remaining 75% is lifestyle.

Lifestyle includes choices, like NOT bringing your cat to the dog park, right🙄! It’s way too easy to make fun of Millennials. Fortunately, this cat made it down and home safely.

We know obesity (20%), smoking (40%), and diabetes (25%) are risk factors for an early death, but research shows that something else may be even more dangerous😧.

Social Isolation increases our risk of death by 50%! Isn’t that crazy?

Loneliness weakens the immune system, raises stress, increases heart disease, and speeds up cognitive decline. Health experts are finally sending out the alarm that we need to turn the tide and add more social connection to our lives.

Wanna know how to stay in the game🤨?

The cure is surprisingly simple: regular face to face interactions.

Saying hello to others, petting dogs, and doing good deeds release neurotransmitters which strengthen the immune system, reduce stress, and promote overall well-being.

Daily personal connections also keep you away from Mictlantecuhtli, the Aztec god of death and the underworld. You do NOT want to hang out with this dude!

Joy and connection can come from daily low stakes interactions. By getting out of the house, we can connect with others and it often inspires curiosity.

Plus you get to buy churros!

Here are some ideas! 😊

Wave or nod to neighbors.
Make small talk in line at the store.
Compliment strangers. You’ll make their day!
Strike up a dog talk.
Join a class or club.
Offer a helping hand.
Make a quick call.
Say hi to your mail carrier or delivery driver.
Go to a local café and chat with regulars.
Attend a community event and introduce yourself.
Ask for a recommendation.
Start with a light joke.

Let us know one thing you tried this week and we’ll send you honey! Plato loves to stay connected!

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:

Is 1-888-330-9958 a Scam? Here’s What We Know

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

Remember to email Gray, Gray@TheBig65.com or book a time on my calendar if you are having issues with your Medicare coverage or you get a weird call from a scammer!

Speaking of the devil, my wife Quantz got this text on her phone! It was totally bogus but it sure looked legit!

As we get older, we become prime targets for scammers who use clever tricks to steal money, personal information, and peace of mind.

Here are some of the most common scams we are hearing about and how to avoid them. Are you ready to learn?

And don’t worry about clients Becky and Joe traveling in South America… they did not try to buy the Iguazu Waterfalls, nor have they fallen for any scams!

Medicare Scams:

Scammers call pretending to be Medicare representatives, claiming they need to “verify” or “update” your information to keep your benefits active. They may request your Medicare number or Social Security number.

How to Protect Yourself:

Medicare will never call you unexpectedly or ask for your personal details over the phone. If in doubt, hang up and call Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE.Looks like Joe is learning how to blend in with the locals!

Medical Equipment Scams:

Fraudsters offer “free” medical devices, such as back braces or wheelchairs, in exchange for your Medicare number. They then bill Medicare for services you never received.

How to Protect Yourself:

If you didn’t request medical equipment, it’s likely a scam. Speak to your doctor before accepting any medical device offers.

Don’t be a sitting duck! Always hang up and verify independently!

Medicare Renewal Scam:

Scammers claim that your Medicare card is expiring and you must provide personal information to receive a new one.

How to Protect Yourself:

Medicare cards do not expire. If you need a replacement, or your Medicare number was stolen, request one through the official Medicare website or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.

Sometimes you just have to wake up and smell the flowers!

Social Security Scams:

Fraudsters claim to be from the Social Security Administration (SSA), stating that your benefits will be suspended due to suspicious activity.

How to Protect Yourself:

The SSA will never threaten to suspend benefits over the phone or demand payment via gift cards or wire transfers.

IRS and Tax Scams:

Scammers pose as IRS agents, threatening lawsuits or arrests unless you pay a fake tax bill.

How to Protect Yourself:

The IRS does not call to demand immediate payment or ask for financial information over the phone. If someone calls and demands payment, hang up and wait for an official IRS letter in the mail.

The Grandparent Scam:

Scammers call pretending to be a grandchild in distress, asking for money to get out of trouble.

How to Protect Yourself:

Always verify the caller’s identity by asking personal questions only your real grandchild would know. Take a deep breath, and call your kids. If your grandkids are in trouble, they will know!

Bonus tip:

Just because you can eat street tacos doesn’t mean you should! Montezuma had his revenge😂.

Tech Support Scam:

A screen pop-up or phone call warns that your computer is infected and urges you to call “tech support” to fix it.

How to Protect Yourself:

Microsoft, Apple, or other tech companies will never call you about a virus on your computer. If you get a pop up on your screen, close the browser, turn off your phone or computer, and restart the device. If the warning persists, call Apple/Android customer service or check in with a reputable local repair center.

You can also do what my buddy Mario does: he laughs at everything and gets lots of exercise.

Final Tips for Staying Safe:

Never give personal information over the phone unless you initiated the call.
Don’t trust caller ID—scammers can spoof numbers to appear legitimate.
Monitor your financial accounts regularly for unauthorized transactions.
Report scams to the proper authorities, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

By staying vigilant and informed, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from falling victim to these scams. Plato is counting on you to be careful!

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: