Did your Medicare account get breached?

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

Just a few weeks till the Annual Election Period. Remember that anyone who calls you to inquire about your Medicare coverage is breaking the law unless you have explicitly given them permission.

If anyone calls you about Medicare, ask for their name and insurance license number and watch the bad guys disappear 👿.

Book a time on my calendar if we need to review your coverage. That’s why I’m here.

See the rainbow on Plato’s head?

Plato in Colorado with a rainbow behind his head.

The big galoot is happy I’m home in Colorado. Thanks to our daughter Sus for taking care of him.

Quantz is still on the road exploring. I’m sending Starbucks cards to the first five people who guess where she is ☕️. Hint: It has lots of forts and lots of steps.

Boat on water.

I came home early to get ready for the busy season which begins on October 15th. Plus, it’s just easier to work from home.

The biggest surprise I’ve seen is that Medicare got hacked, Did you see the news? On May 30th, over 600,000 records were compromised… names, Social Security numbers, Medicare Numbers and more 😤 – not cool at all.

Many steps nestled between two buildings.

If your Medicare number was taken, you should have received a letter from CMS and a new Medicare number. Be sure to update your doctors, your insurance company (and me ) if you were notified of the breach.

Regardless, it’s always a good idea to check your credit at least once a year to see if anyone got hold of your information. You can request a free credit report by visiting www.annualcreditreport.com or calling 877-322-8228. Here’s the full article on the breach just in case your interested.

Cowboy poet Dirk Weisiger atop a mountain.

So proud of my buddy, cowboy poet Dirk Weisiger, for completing this epic adventure in the Alps. A lot of you folks have been telling me about your adventures, but we need more pictures, please 😊.

Artwork by Artist Kathleen Crocetti.

Thanks to client Bill for sharing his wife’s accomplishment. Artist Kathleen Crocetti won the “Best in Show” Mosaic Award at the Mosaic & Glass Arts International Festival.

She is going to receive her award in Buffalo and then Bill is retiring and they are off to explore the mosaics in Italy. “Congratulazioni e buon viaggio✈️!”

Basket of blue crabs from Maryland.

I’m getting hungry looking at these crabs Mike pulled up on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. You can’t get those in Colorado.

Texting for seniors.

Buckeye David always posts the funniest stuff. It’s good to stay up to date, but more importantly…

Did you know Silver Sneakers is offering tuition dollars for college coursework? You can use the money yourself or gift it to your grandkids. Here are the details.

Karl, Plato. and Quantz.

So while Quantz is out exploring, please know that I’m here and ready to help you with all things Medicare. That’s a promise!

Keep squeezing the juice out of life!

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


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

Alabama
Arizona
California
Colorado
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

The Big 65 Medicare Insurance Services does 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.

The Big 65 Medicare insurance broker logo.

 

Is your doctor even listening?

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

If you are feeling antsy about your insurance coverage, remember to ignore the call center noise and book a time on my calendar.

Today’s question:  Is your doctor even listening?  But first …

While Quantz and I were visiting a museum in Estonia with a plague exhibit, it got me thinking about doctors.

Death with a rat on its shoulder.

Healthcare practices sure have come a long way since the days of old, but that doesn’t mean they are perfect.

Though doctors are well trained, they’re still human and they can make mistakes. Sometimes, they may pay attention to details that confirm what they assume is going on.

Karl laying down.

Other times, they might stick with a treatment for too long because they’ve already invested time and effort. Shortcuts in thinking can affect the choices they make.

In fairness, doctors also face performance pressure to see as many patients as possible in a day.

My brother, the Radiation Oncologist, says each specialty probably believes a little too strongly in the merits of their own skills, and in the merits of their own particular specialty.

Oncologists will want to do oncology; Surgeons will want to do surgery.

A person in a costume.

Consider getting a second opinion from another doctor if you’re dealing with a serious or complicated health issue. Don’t be afraid to ask your doctor to explain why they think a certain treatment is the best for you.

Another great question to ask: If you were in my situation what would you do?

Quantz in front of an art exhibit.

With doctors being so busy and spending so much time on their screens, don’t be afraid to interrupt their brusque ways with a personal question.

Get their attention, interrupt the pattern, and you may get better care. Then you can find out if your doctor is even listening…

Upside down tree hanging from two buildings.

We have had a fantastic summer exploring Europe, spending time with our Air Force son, and seeing many of our former exchange students all grown up with kids of their own.

Though Quantz will keep travelling, I’m heading home to Colorado to prepare for the Annual Election Period. It’s that time of year.

Karl reviewing Medicare options.

The best part of travel is that it interrupts your patterns and gets you out of your comfort zone. I’ve learned to work almost anywhere that has a bit of internet.

Quantz has a knack for making new friends. We spent an afternoon in a bar with group of Danish soccer fans who’d travelled to Finland to watch their team compete.

Quantz with new friends in Europe.

Think about that, they travelled from Copenhagen to Helsinki and then watched the game in a bar (they couldn’t get tickets for the match). Talk about dedication! Thank goodness the Danes won.

My favorite thing is to check out new foods, you never know when you’ll find something amazing.

Dried reindeer meat packaging.

For the record, reindeer in tube will never be on my top ten list. Rudolph is safe for now.

But if you keep exploring, eventually you’ll find an amazing bakery that makes it all worthwhile.

Quantz and Karl together in a kitchen.

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

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


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-seven states around the country, including:

Alabama
Arizona
California
Colorado
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

The Big 65 Medicare Insurance Services does 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.

The Big 65 Medicare insurance broker logo.

Watch out for this health problem

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

Hope you had some meaningful time with family over Labor Day.  Today, I encourage all of us to watch out for this health problem. 

Three weeks till the annual election period. Remember to ignore the noise and if we need to update your medications, shoot an email to Gray and we’ll be ready.

Karl Bruns-Kyler holding a building with his bare hands.

I was catching up with client Duke in Atlanta this week when his wife called. She was on the way to the hospital to check in on their 3rd grandchild who had just been born. Life’s great joy.

Duke tells me he and his wife love the time they spend babysitting and connecting with those cute little bundles of love. Their time with family makes them happier and healthier. That’s a fact that more and more studies are confirming:

Connections with others = better health.

Quantz and Nicholas at dinner together.

Yet despite all the tools we have to stay connected, humanity is experiencing a loneliness epidemic.

This year, the surgeon general published an 81 page report, “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation.”

Nicholas checking his phone in a crowd of people.

Want to hear a scary statistic?

“The mortality impact of being socially disconnected is similar to that caused by smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day, and even greater than that associated with obesity and physical inactivity.”

Karl and Nicholas together.

The good news is the remedy is in plain sight:

“Each of us can start now, in our own lives, by strengthening our connections and relationships.”

Help a Neighbor: Offer to pick up groceries or mow the lawn for a neighbor. Acts of kindness can lead to stronger community bonds.

Book Club: How about joining or starting a book club? You get to read and then chat about it with others. Two birds, one stone!

Local Tours: Many places offer free local tours or day trips. Why not sign up and learn something new?

Quantz in a doorway.

Call a Friend: Try to talk to a friend or family member at least once a day. Even a short call can make a big difference!

Get Moving: Take a walk or join a walking group. It’s good for your health, and you might bump into some friendly faces.

Stay Active in the Community: Try to participate in local events, group activities, or classes designed for seniors. This could include religious services, hobby groups, or exercise classes.

Just pick one and see what happens. The first ten people who try something new (and send a picture for the newsletter) will get a free Starbucks card!

The ball is in your court.

Karl and Quantz at dinner.

We had a fantastic time connecting with our Air Force son in Poland and now we have traveled to Stockholm. In this restaurant behind us, the Nobel Prize committee meets to choose its winners (but they didn’t ask us for advice.)

Quantz at the Abba museum.

Remember this band from our younger years? They have a fun Museum with the history of their music and tons of pictures, videos and memorabilia. If you ever visit, I bet you won’t be able to leave without at least one of their songs stuck in your head.

But if you want to hear some beautiful music, you need to listen to my buddy Jared.

Jared playing the guitar.

Jared is one of my favorite clients and just an overall amazing person. He and his wife Cindy were missionaries in many different countries, including India and Suriname.

Though retired, he continues to make music (check out ALL the instruments he plays in his YouTube video) and he stays connected to family and friends. I don’t think this guy could ever be lonely (or bored).

Carmen celebrating her birthday.

And finally, Happy Birthday to Carmen and her family. She is another amazing person, and also a pastor who has lived with her family all over the world. Carmen makes everyone better, including her husband Luke, my best friend since 8th grade.

I can’t wait to see them in October!

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

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


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-seven states around the country, including:

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

The Big 65 Medicare Insurance Services does 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.

The Big 65 Medicare insurance broker logo.

Any skeletons in the closet?

May this blog find you in great health this Labor Day Weekend with your Medicare Insurance working properly.

I hope you and your family survived the hurricane. Just spoke with clients in Sarasota. They said they are hurricane vets and escaped the worst A-OK. I’m still waiting to hear from clients in Georgia and the Carolinas. Let us know how things are going.

This little elf reminds me that in less than four weeks, I’ll be in the midst of our busiest season, the Annual Election Period when folks can make changes to their Medicare coverage.

Elf art on cobblestone street in Europe.
In the next few weeks, you should be getting copies of your plan’s “Annual Notice of Changes,” for your Part D drug plan or your Medicare Advantage Plan. Be sure to give it the once over and book a time on my calendar if we need to talk.

Karl Bruns-Kyler walking in Wroclaw Poland.

Right now, we are in Wroclaw, Poland, formerly called Breslau, Germany. I am fulfilling the dream of a lifetime: visiting the city where my father was born before he and his family escaped Europe.

They left in August of 1939 on the last free sailing of the Queen Mary, just days before Hitler invaded Poland and World War II began. My dad’s family was half Jewish and half Gentile so you can imagine how strange things were for everyone.

Some chose to leave, some chose to stay. Some died in the camps, some survived.

Auschwitz Gate.

My father never spoke about these things (he was just a boy) and he never even told my mom. I only learned about his family history when my mother visited a Gentile uncle of his in Germany when I was in college.

What a surprise to discover a whole family history we knew nothing about.
Door knob in Poland.

After visiting one of the museums, I used Google Translate to ask if they had any information about my namesake, Karl Masner, my great grandfather, who had been a museum director in the city.

Amazingly, his portrait is hung in that very museum, with the same red hair of my father. What a story for future generations.

Karl Kyler standing in front of painting of his great grandfather, Karl Masner.

We came to Poland to visit our Air Force son. It was such a joy to see him and to share these new discoveries of our family history.

Quantz and Nicholas in Poland.

The stories that make up your family’s history are more than just tales to be recounted at reunions; they’re the legacy you’ll leave for your grandchildren and generations to come.

Karl and Nicholas walking together in Poland.

In today’s digital age, there are many ways to record your family’s lineage, stories, and traditions, so they don’t get lost in the sands of time.

•  Virtual Family History Tours

Using map software or online resources, create a virtual tour of places significant to your family history. Share the tour with family members during online gatherings.

•  Time Capsule Project

Create a family time capsule filled with mementos, letters, and keepsakes. Decide on a future date for the capsule to be opened by your grandchildren or later generations.

Quantz posing with elves.

Other things to consider:

•  Annual Family Story Night
Host an annual family “Story Night” where each member shares a story or memory about the family. Record these sessions for future listening.

•  Letters to Grandchildren
Write letters to your grandchildren at various stages of their life — like upon high school graduation, getting married, or having their first child. Save these letters in a special box for them to open when the time comes.

Every week, I hear from clients who’ve lost someone they love, so do your best to preserve the memories that will have meaning for future generations.

Shirley smiling.

Thanks to Adrienne for sending this amazing pic of her mom…95 and still going strong. Shirley lives in Independent living, plays duplicate bridge three days a week, bingo twice a week, plus Pokeno and Rummikub on the weekends. Shirley might just outlive us all.

Elissa and James in Savannah.

Last week I reported of Elissa’s globetrotting adventures. This week, her hubby James wanted to make sure we knew that the two of them also have adventures together, recently exploring the great city of Savannah.

Puff and Buddy in South Carolina.

And finally, greetings from Puff and Buddy in the Low Country of South Carolina. We’re hoping they are doing well!

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

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


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-seven states around the country, including:

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

The Big 65 Medicare Insurance Services does 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.

The Big 65 Medicare insurance broker logo.

 

 

Please don’t get angry!

May this note-blog post find you in great health with your Medicare Insurance working properly.

Sure hope you are surviving the crazy heat… 94 in Savannah with humidity, 108+ in Phoenix. This week, clients all over have been telling me it’s starting to get on their nerves. Hang in there, fall is coming!

You know the saying happy wife, happy life? I guess it’s all about perspective. So, please don’t get angry!

Karl Bruns-Kyler and Quantz.

Getting older comes with its own set of challenges, like dealing with Medicare and health issues, which can make anyone feel frustrated or angry. When you find yourself getting upset with your spouse or family, it’s important to take a step back and think differently about the situation.

Karl Bruns-Kyler and Quantz Bruns-Kyler picture in European art gallery.

Instead of seeing problems as things that drive you apart, try to view them as chances to come closer together. A simple pause to breathe and think can do wonders!

Remember, you and your loved ones are a team, working together to make life better for everyone. Talking openly, trying to understand each other, and even sharing a laugh can turn hard times into moments that make your family ties stronger. This way, you don’t just solve problems—you build a happier, more loving home.

Deb and Dave in front of their camper.
Speaking of a happy, loving home, congrats to Deb and Dave, Buckeyes who just celebrated their 44th wedding anniversary doing what they love to do… camping and exploring.

Deb and Dave inside their camper.

These two are living proof that life is an adventure and that it is up to each of us to write our own story. Their story includes spending as much time as possible with family and friends in the great outdoors. Keep going!

Elissa in Georgia standing in field.

Elissa in Georgia has been living her best life this year exploring the world.
Elissa visiting the Jameson distillery.

In addition to Ireland and England, she has visited SIX other countries this year. Her husband James chose to be at home and is totally supportive of her adventures. They spend great time together and apart. Elissa says she’s totally blessed and humbled.

Utah Beach in Normandy.

I recently felt blessed and humbled visiting Utah Beach in Normandy, one of the sites of the D-Day invasion. That the Allies were able to pull off the greatest amphibian landing in the history of the world is beyond belief.

Haas standing near Utah Beach in Normandy.

After many years of asking, I was finally able to convince my little brother, Haas, to join us on this adventure. This was his first trip to Europe and only his second time out of the country.
Haas enjoying the sights and sounds of France.

Other than a stomach bug, I’m pleased to say he had a blast. He runs a convenience store in Virginia, so we were always checking things out he might be able to add to his store.

We ran across these automatic pizza machines all over France. You drive up, touch screen your order, and 3 minutes later, out comes a delicious, hot, fresh pizza. What do you think? Let me know if you’ve ever seen this.

Automatic pizza machine in France.

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

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


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-seven states around the country, including:

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

The Big 65 Medicare Insurance Services does 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.

The Big 65 Medicare insurance broker logo.

How to sharpen the saw!

May this note-blog post find you in great health with your Medicare Insurance working properly.

You’ll be happy to know I only have one 2024 Medicare certification left to complete. There are at least 10 different carriers with over 50 different plans in some zip codes, how crazy is that?

Summer of 2023 has easily been the most enjoyable time of our lives. We’ve been connecting with family and friends we haven’t seen in ages.

These two boys are the sons of our first exchange student, Romain from the Alsace, who lived with us in Georgia almost twenty years ago when our kids were about this size.

Karl playing cards with two kids in the kitchen.

Over the last two decades, we have hosted eight different students from different countries who came to the US and lived with us for a calendar year. It was so much fun for us and so great for our children to have to share our home with all these amazing young people.

This August, we invited them all (and their families) to meet up. Five of them showed up with family and spent time with us in Normandy.

Karl Bruns-Kyler at dinner with friends.

Chris rode his bike all the way from Germany.

Chris from Germany with his bike.

Everyday we spent together was filled with surprises, cooking, exploring, taking walks, drinking wine, and catching up on life and all the changes.

Kid feeding a hungry horse.

I have to admit, sometimes it was exhausting.

Group of people in front of building.

But the most amazing part… I felt my brain power getting stronger.

Three people riding bikes near a corn field.

When we engage in new and novel activities, it improves our brain fitness.

According to the Alzheimer & Dementia Resource Center, staying active and engaged can reduce the speed of cognitive decline.

Group at people sitting down together to break bread.

Some of the activities they recommend:
• Brush your teeth with your non-dominant hand
• Close your eyes while getting dressed or performing other tasks
• Wear earplugs to experience the world without sound
• Turn your pictures or clocks upside down
• Start a new hobby
• Learn a musical instrument or something that is new to you

Kid playing in a yard with green grass.

Just being in a house filled with young’uns speaking French, German, Spanish and English … filled my brain and gave me a fresh perspective, plus tons of gratitude.

Karl Bruns-Kyler pointing his finger at a building in the distance.

What a joy seeing the people you love grow up and continue the circle of life.

Is it our responsibility to keep challenging ourselves to grow so they have a model to follow?  That’s a personal choice, but for me, here’s the mission:
• Don’t expect thanks
• Expect the unexpected
• Live a life of service
• Maintain a joyful heart
• Laugh at everything, the good, the bad & the ugly

Father with two kids.

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

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


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-six states around the country, including:

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

The Big 65 Medicare Insurance Services does 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.

The Big 65 Medicare insurance broker logo.

Gotta Have It Insurance Review: Is It Right For You?

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

The Medicare busy season is still ten weeks away so I’m doing my best to complete all Medicare certifications for 2024 while also enjoying the summer before the storm.

How are you making this summer fun and noteworthy for you and your family?  

Pauline in Roswell Georgia.

Back in 2004, Pauline came to our house in Roswell, Georgia as our second exchange student from France. We taught her how to burn cookies Smile emoji..

Pauline and her son in Paris.

Nineteen years later, we have the pleasure of reconnecting with her and her own family in Paris.

Pauline and her beautiful kids.

Back in the day, she was a typical high school girl. Remember how annoying teenagers can be? We never would have imagined what an amazing parent she would grow to become.

Pauline in Paris with family.

We are doing our best to convince them to visit us in the US next summer.

Quantz and I spent the afternoon with her family in the park, learning to know her children and her partner. What a joy to reconnect after so many years and so good for the heart.
Pauline and her family with Quantz and Karl.

Do you know about heart rate variability (HRV)?

HRV is a measure of the subtle variations in time between each heartbeat, reflecting our heart’s adaptability and resilience. Why is this important? Well, research suggests that higher HRV levels are associated with a healthier heart and increased longevity, meaning it could help us live longer, healthier lives!

Here are some ways to improve your HRV:

•  Relaxation Techniques: Engage in relaxation practices like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. These activities can help reduce stress and enhance HRV.

•  Regular Exercise: Stay active with regular physical activity. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week, as it can positively impact HRV.

•  Adequate Sleep: Prioritize getting enough sleep each night. Quality sleep supports a healthy heart and better HRV.

•  Balanced Diet:  Opt for a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins to support heart health and HRV.

•  Manage Stress: Find healthy ways to cope with stress, such as spending time with loved ones, engaging in hobbies, or seeking support from a counselor.

•  Stay Hydrated: Drink enough water throughout the day to maintain good blood flow and support a healthy heart.

•  Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can negatively impact HRV and overall health, so it’s best to avoid or limit these habits.

By incorporating these simple practices into your daily routine, you can take significant steps towards enhancing your heart rate variability and ultimately improving your overall health and longevity. Take care of your heart, and it will take care of you!

The family dressed up in costumes for Halloween.
Alex was our third exchange student (from Chemnitz, Germany) and he came to live with us back in 2005 for the year.

Germans are great rule followers but they sure are intense. We loved having him in our home and we were very curious how he would turn out.

Alex and family visiting with Quantz and Karl.
This week, we had the pleasure of meeting up with him, his wife Lisa, their kids and Alex’s parents. Naturally, we are proud of him and the amazing person he has become.

Alex's wife Lise one of their beautiful children.

Apparently we are not the only ones who are proud of him. His wife Lisa and their youngest daughter Frida think so too!

Greta playing in the park.

Their oldest daughter, Greta, is someone to watch. One day, she will move mountains.
Nature scene sent from Deb and David in Ohio.
I love this picture sent by Deb and David in Ohio. They’re having great summer exploring in their RV and spending time with family. You know that’s great for your heart rate variability.

Cute dogs sitting on the back of a red car.

Client Frank tells me all is well in the Low Country of South Carolina. He says his health is great and that Jasper and Tebow are still spoiled rotten .

Keep up the good work Frank!

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

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


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-six states around the country, including:

Alabama
Arizona
California

Colorado
Florida
Georgia
Idaho
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Louisiana
Maryland
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Virginia
Wisconsin

The Big 65 Medicare Insurance Services does 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.

The Big 65 Medicare insurance broker logo.

 

 

What is The Big 65? A Medicare Broker Review

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

Yours truly is busy completing Medicare Certifications for 2024. It’s the same every summer. I don’t enjoy taking exams with all the different carriers but…

I give thanks for each of you, that I have a reason to get up each morning and go to work, to help others, and to take care of my family.

June, who came to America in 1974 from Korea, holding a card.

June came to America in 1974 by herself from Korea with ten cents in her pocket (seriously).

She saved the original coin and has built a successful life and business for herself and her family. Hard work and faith. Isn’t that the foundation of the American dream?

Ashleigh sitting in a wheelchair in Colorado.

I met Ashleigh in 2018, a few months after she severed her spinal cord in an accident here in Denver (just a month after my brother had his accident). We met again this week.

Five years later, she has rebuilt her life, living independently, and working as a peer mentor at the Craig Spinal Center. She is such an impressive young woman.

Flo and Plato relax together in Denver CO.

Perspective is everything. I’m as guilty as the next person of taking things for granted. But when we keep our eyes open, pay attention, and connect with those around us, we can be reminded of how much we have to be thankful for.

Flo enjoying a big breakfast in Highlands Ranch, Colorado before heading back to France.

We had our final breakfast with Florence (Flo as we call her). After a year of living in our home and working as a volunteer at an inner city music school, she is preparing for the next chapter in her life, and we are sure going to miss her. Life continues at its normal pace and then it changes, just like that.

Santiago in Mexico after competing in half marathon.

Santiago (one of our many exchange students) sent us this picture of his successful completion of the half marathon he ran in Mexico City last weekend. Now that University is over, he is preparing for an internship in Spain. The young ones keep growing up as we get closer to the end zone.

Life is short and that’s what makes it special. So be sure to remember what you are thankful for, to help others, and to laugh as much as possible.

Bacon alone cannot solve all our problems sign in Colorado.

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

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

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-six states around the country, including:

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

The Big 65 Medicare Insurance Services does 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.

The Big 65 Medicare insurance broker logo.

 

 

You don’t have to be Evel Knievel to have fun!

May this newsletter-blog post find you in great health with your Medicare Insurance working properly Smile emoji..

It’s hot as the dickens here but not nearly as hot as it is for all our clients in the South!

Plato loves the green but he’s always eager to head home fast.

Now that Summer is in full swing, what are you doing for fun?

Karl's dog Plato running in the Colorado sun.

Three generations of David’s family are spending time together and their smiles speak louder than the words.

Summer is a great time to reconnect with family and friends and rekindle the bonds that make life worth living.

The clock is ticking so don’t wait to spend time with the ones you love.

David and his beautiful family together.

Our nephew showed up in town last week and we had the privilege of helping him complete one of his lifelong dreams: a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheater.

Carter at Red Rocks in Colorado.

We arrived a bit late and had to park more than a mile from the amphitheater and hike. Carter really enjoyed the majestic surroundings.

Carter at Red Rocks concert in Colorado.

Of course the minute we got to our seats, the loudspeakers announced a huge hail storm on the way and urged everyone to seek shelter IMMEDIATELY, the concert was on hold Sad emoji..

As we had just experienced a tornado in the previous weeks, your Medicare Insurance Broker KBK and his nephew high tailed it back to the car. I was disappointed for my nephew, but his attitude was stellar.

Avett Brothers performing at Red Rocks in Colorado.

And just like that, they announced the storm would miss us, so, back up to the amphitheater we hiked and had a fantastic time listening to the Avett Brothers.

Carter and Flo in Colorado with Karl.

The next morning at breakfast, we bragged of our hardiness (and how I couldn’t find the car, doh and the fun of the adventure, plus Carter got to meet his third cousin, Flo!

Summer is a great opportunity to do new things, get out of the comfort zone and explore.

It doesn’t have to be anything amazing, just something new to you.

Karl's former neighbor Mr Bill.

My role model is my 97 year old former neighbor, Mr. Bill.

Bill's Rubik cube.

A retired math professor whose brain never stops working, he posted the picture of a Rubik cube he had just solved. He’s always busy with math problems way above my pay grade!

That’s impressive!

Don’t be Evel Knievel this summer but there are plenty of ways to fill it with novelty:
• Get outside and take a walk (when it’s cool :)).
• Share popsicles with the neighbors.
• Work on a craft (great for the brain and fun).
• Call a cousin you haven’t spoken with in forever.
• Read a new book (I just finished “Copperhead,” by Barbara Kingsolver.)
• Visit a local state park.
• Write a letter to someone in need.

Letter to Karl Bruns-Kyler in Colorado.

I dashed off a letter back in June to someone going through hard times. The response I received this week was tonic to my heart.

One of the secrets to happiness: keep focus on the happiness of others, it’ll pay you back a thousand fold. You don’t know when, but I promise it will :).

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

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


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-three states around the country, including:

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

The Big 65 Medicare Insurance Services does 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.

The Big 65 Medicare broker logo.

 

This might keep you out of the ER!

May this blog post find you in great health with your Medicare Insurance working properly Smile emoji..

The fourth of July is behind us now and we are cruising into full summer. We had a great time eating with neighbors and watching the little ones play hard.

This might keep you out of the ER ….!

Plato admiring orange flowers in Colorado senior market.

Plato had a little too much fun on the fourth, he grabbed the grease drip off the BBQ and went rogue … Pig emoji.

It took an hour of scrubbing to get all the grease off his face. Live and learn, right?

Karl Bruns-Kyler of The Big 65 holding bowls of vegetables in each hand.

Plato didn’t get sick, thank goodness, but his escapade did remind me of an article I wanted to share: “5 Things I’d Never Do As Urgent Care Doctor This Summer,” from Zocdoc.com.

Flo standing in the kitchen in Colorado.

The article lists five absolute must NOTS to avoid in the summer:

Quantz in Colorado.

1. Don’t dive headfirst without knowing the water depth.

2. Don’t ride without a helmet.

Karl holding a schmore in Colorado.

3. Don’t walk in the woods without long pants tucked in and tick protection.

4. Don’t play with firecrackers.

5. Don’t eat food that’s been sitting out too long in the sun or that has been undercooked.

Sus rock climbing in Colorado.

For our rock-climbing daughter, Sus, I’d also add, “don’t tell your dad when you’re climbing.”

She’s an engineer and super methodical but I still prefer to remember the words from Hogan’s Heroes:

The bottom line, there’s enough risk in our lives already, being aware of these simple things to avoid will increase your chances of staying out of the ER.

Group of people gathered for high school reunion in Loveland, Colorado.

Quantz had her high school reunion last weekend up in Loveland, and everybody seemed to have a great time, the weather was lovely.

Q and friends in Colorado.

Isn’t it funny how important we thought the small stuff was back in the day?

Now we’re just happy when our backs don’t hurt and our kids are doing okay Smile emoji..

Adrienne and Winston in Colorado.

Thanks to Adrienne for sending this picture of Winston, he’s all grown up and looks great, like a mini Plato (but probably better trained Smile emoji.)

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

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


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.

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 of your options. This is a proprietary website and is not associated, endorsed or authorized by the Social Security Administration, the Department of Health and Human Services or the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. This site contains decision-support content and information about Medicare, services related to Medicare and services for people with Medicare. If you would like to find more information about the Medicare program please visit the Official U.S. Government Site for People with Medicare located at http://www.medicare.gov


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

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

The Big 65 Medicare Insurance Services does 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.

The Big 65 Medicare insurance services red white and blue logo.