medicare insurance services Archives

You ready for winter🥶?

Greetings and may this blog find you in remarkable health 💪 with your Medicare insurance coverage 🏥 working properly.

If you still need help, email Gray@TheBig65.com and he’ll get you on my calendar. We still have space for existing clients, but time is running out.

Thanksgiving season is upon us and since our Air Force son Nicholas really wanted to see his cousins before he redeploys in two weeks…

So the Bruns-Kylers took a quick trip to Virginia (plus it was cheaper to go before Thanksgiving 😂🦃🍁.)

It had been almost 10 ten years since we’d gotten this side of the family together and it sure was fun to connect and see how everyone is growing up.

Family get-togethers should be a time for joy, connection, and gratitude.

Yet, for many families, holidays bring tension and drama. With a bit of planning and mindfulness, you can make family gatherings more harmonious and enjoyable for everyone.

Here are some practical tips to create a peaceful holiday atmosphere:

Acknowledge differences: Every family has its quirks and unique dynamics. Accept that perfection is unrealistic and aim to enjoy the gathering for what it is.

Focus on gratitude: Remind yourself of the blessings in your life and approach the gathering with a positive mindset.

Know your triggers: If certain topics or individuals tend to cause tension, plan how you’ll handle these situations calmly.

Delegate responsibilities: Share the workload to reduce stress. Assign tasks like cooking, setting the table, or cleaning to different family members.

Set boundaries: If the gathering is at your home, communicate clear expectations about timing, house rules, and contributions.

Organize group activities: Games, puzzles, or watching holiday movies can keep everyone focused on fun rather than feuds.

Celebrate traditions: Cooking a special recipe, sharing family stories, or taking a group photo can foster a sense of connection and joy.

Have a backup plan: If things become tense, suggest a change of scenery, such as going outside or starting a new activity.

Steer clear of divisive discussions: Politics, religion, and controversial family matters can quickly escalate. Change the subject if things get heated.

Practice active listening: Acknowledging others’ opinions without argument can help diffuse tension.

Use humor: Light-hearted jokes can shift the mood and help everyone relax.

Know your limits: If you feel overwhelmed, it’s okay to step away or even leave early if necessary.

Be kind to yourself: Don’t take family drama personally. Often, it’s not about you but about underlying dynamics.

Remember, the holidays are about togetherness, not perfection. By focusing on the positives, setting healthy boundaries, and staying calm, you can create a warm and memorable family gathering. Wishing you a drama-free and joyful holiday season!

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

If family or friends need help… referrals are the lifeblood of my business.

If you know someone who might like to receive The Big 65 newsletter, forward this link.

Medicare questions or problems?

Book a time on my calendar or email Gray, Gray@theBig65.com.

Let us know what’s going on and please send pictures :).

Karl Bruns-Kyler
(877) 850-0211
Book a time on my calendar here
Happy with my Service? Click Here to Leave a Review.

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

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

The Big 65 Medicare Insurance Services does not offer every plan available in your area. Currently, we represent 10 organizations that offer 50 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

Here’s what’s different for next year🤔!

Greetings and may this blog find you in amazing health 💪 with your Medicare insurance coverage 🏥 working properly. Are you avoiding all call center noise☠️⚠️?

Plato says 32 inches of snow is even better than the previous 12 and he wants more.

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

I’m pleased to report our Air Force son is home for a few weeks before he redeploys to Italy. Plato is happy to have him around.

Quantz is happy to have her boy home as well. Of course, she’s spoiling him and they are having as much fun as possible. They even took an Italian cooking class.

Me, I’m keeping my cool and trying hard to keep my head above water during this busy season.

Here are a few of the changes coming into play for 2025:

The annual deductible for Part B will rise to $257, up from $240 in 2024.
The standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B will be $185. If you’re receiving Social Security benefits, this amount will be automatically deducted from your monthly payment.
Starting in 2025, there will be an annual $2,000 cap on out-of-pocket spending for prescription drugs under Part D. Once beneficiaries reach this limit, they won’t have to pay additional costs for covered medications for the remainder of the year.

At least that’s something to celebrate, right Jean?

It’ll be interesting to see how the new administration deals with Medicare and Social Security, but no news yet.

As we get to the holidays, I hope you’re taking time out to enjoy time with your family. They sure grow up fast.

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:

Never go to the doctor alone👨‍⚕️⚠️😬!

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

Last week it was North Carolina🌧️, this week it’s Florida🌪️, what’s next🤪?

Oh yeah, the Annual Election Period starts Tuesday, October 15th 😱! I’ve already spoken with dozens of clients. Some will need to make changes, most won’t😌.

Just remember to IGNORE the telemarketers📞⚠️☠️ and the misleading TV ads. They’re like racoons, if you feed them, you’ll be sorry🦝!

Here’s the deal:

If your drugs 💊 and doctors👨‍⚕️ have changed significantly🔄…
If your plan is ending or the premiums have gone way up 💲…
If you’re unsure your coverage📄is still meeting your needs🤔…

Then please book a time on my calendar here 🗓️.

If you are an existing client, there’s no need to fill out a new drug list.

Gray will reach out and update your medications and doctors before we speak. If you can’t find a time that works, email Gray@thebig65.com and he will get you on my calendar 🗓️.

Plato says thank you SO MUCH❤️ to clients Jean, Cindy J, Claire, Maryellen, Annette, Karen, Wietze, Carol G, Bill J, Robyn, Lisa, Elizabeth, Robert, and Terrye for the 5 Star Google reviews that took us to over 300 reviews🎉!

Small honey bears from our hive🍯will go out next week when my wife Q gets home from her adventures in Belgium. Yes indeed, Quantz may actually be coming home🤞.

If you’d like a small honey bear🍯🐻(smaller than neighbor Ed’s) from my bees, please post a Google Review with this link IF you’ve been happy with our service.

If you don’t have a Gmail account, you can leave a review on Facebook. That’ll be good for a honey🍯🐻as well. If you already posted a review on the Facebook Big 65 page, please reply to this email and you’ll get your honey, honey😂🤣!

Now the important message: Why you should never go to to the doctor👨‍⚕️alone!

(or take an ice bath❄️🛁 at 43 degrees without your Doodle nearby!)

It’s always better to have someone with you at the doctor’s office.

A spouse or a friend can help you remember things and provide support.

Be sure to get the doctor to look you in the eye👁️ and always ask the question:

“Doc, what would YOU do in this situation? If I was your Mom/Dad what would you recommend?”

Doctor visits can be overwhelming. A friend or family member can:

Take Notes: They can jot down what’s important so you don’t have to worry about missing anything.
Ask Questions: Sometimes they’ll think of things you didn’t.
Offer Support: If you’re feeling nervous or unsure, having someone there can help.

If someone goes with you, when you get home you can reprocess the information and reduce the chances of making a mistake. Don’t be like this prairie dog and stick your head in the ground. It’s a good thing to ask for help!

Here are some apps on your phone you might consider downloading and using:

Otter.ai: Records and transcribes your appointment so you can listen back later.
MyChart: Lets you access your medical records and test results anytime.
Google Keep: A simple way to take notes and track questions.
CareClinic: Helps you keep track of meds, symptoms, and appointments.

If you have to go alone (or even if someone comes with you), let technology be your friend!

Never underestimate the value of support during a medical appointment. A second set of ears or a bit of technology will increase your chances of making good decisions.

Support includes face timing with the people you love, like little Greta, the daughter of one of our exchange students from Germany. Grand varmints, life’s great joy ❤️!

Speaking of good decisions, I think my brother Robert made a great one… spending time with his granddaughter Nel in New York City. Enjoy the Big Apple brother (and please send me a bagel)🥯.

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:

Protect Your Identity with These Simple Steps

Greetings and may this note find you in amazing health with your Medicare insurance coverage working properly.

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

The country of Georgia is the birthplace of wine 🍾 and this wine jar is 8,000 years old, making it the oldest known wine jar in the world.

You may want to grab a glass of 🍷, a seat, and a notepad before we talk about today’s topic.

As a Certified Senior Advisor who helps consumers shop for Medicare Supplements, Medicare Advantage Plans, and other types of insurance coverage, I have a fiduciary responsibility to help you avoid irreversible mistakes.

Earlier this week, the breach of National Public Data was reported. Hackers potentially accessed the personal information of millions, including Social Security numbers 😱.

While the details are still murky, one thing is clear: we need to stay vigilant about protecting our credit and personal information.

Now before you follow Frank Sinatra’s advice about a second glass below, here are some practical ideas on how to protect your data and how to make sure this breach doesn’t cause you a financial hangover‍ 😵‍💫💸.

First off, take a deep breath 😮‍💨🧘‍♂️.

Not every piece of stolen data gets used. Sometimes, it just sits in the hands of thieves who don’t know what to do with it. But it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Here’s something you can do immediately to protect your finances.

Freeze Your Credit

One of the best defenses against identity theft is to freeze your credit with the big three credit reporting agencies:

Equifax: Visit www.equifax.com or call 1-800-685-1111.
Experian: Go to www.experian.com or call 1-888-397-3742.
TransUnion: Access www.transunion.com or call 1-888-909-8872.

Each website provides detailed instructions for managing your credit, including how to freeze or unfreeze your credit reports.

This stops anyone from opening new accounts in your name without your permission. Just don’t forget your PINs for thawing your credit when you need to open a new account!

(We met Donnie and Linda in Tbilisi, Georgia on the last day of their trip. Their daughter and her new husband had their wedding in the mountains of Georgia, near Russia. These two are adventurous!)

Additional Steps to Protect Yourself

Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Add an extra layer of security to your online accounts.

Set Up Account Alerts: Keep tabs on any suspicious activity by setting alerts for charges outside your home country or transactions over a certain amount.

Watch Out for Phishing Scams: If you get an alert, avoid clicking links or calling numbers provided. Instead, log into your account directly to check for issues.

It’s a bit of a hassle, but it may be worth the peace of mind.

Commercial Tools to Consider

If you want even more protection, consider investing in tools like:

Identity Theft Protection Services (e.g., LifeLock, IdentityForce) that offer monitoring and recovery services.

Credit Monitoring Services (e.g., Credit Karma, Experian) to keep an eye on your credit report for any unusual activity.

Just like Q’s salad, you don’t have to take these steps, but they are options 😂.

While we can’t always prevent these breaches, we can make it as difficult as possible for thieves to mess with our lives.

The key to life is NOT what happens to us but how we choose to respond. Be like Becky and go pick some blueberries in Michigan. They are great for the brain and being outside is good for the soul.

My brother’s neighbor adopted a pair of orphaned opossums. Hopefully my wife Q doesn’t volunteer to rescue them. Our dog Plato would be totally jealous.

We had wonderful adventure this summer exploring the world, but yours truly is ready to get home. The Annual Election Period is now eight weeks away and I have to get ready for the Medicare madness 🤪.

Based on my certification trainings, there may be significant changes to Part D drug plans and Medicare Advantage plans for 2025. Keep an eye out for the “Annual Notice of Changes” you should be receiving in late September.

If you’ve had changes in medications or your doctors, please update them with Gray, Gray@TheBig65.com. That way, we’ll be ready if we need to review your coverage in the fall.

I can’t wait to get home, but Q, the love of my life, isn’t quite ready. She still has to make up for her thirty years of corporate slavery. Georgia was her 79th country. That’s why she said “goodbye” to me on Monday .

Bet you can’t guess where she’s goin’ next?

The first five people who guess right get a Starbucks card☕(hint: they have lousy Wi-Fi so I couldn’t go!). You can guess up to three countries to make it easier! I’ll be at home playing with Plato and my bees❤️. Let me know if you need me.

And do 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:

We went to the wrong city 40 years too late and this is what we learned

Hello and may this blog find you in amazing health 💪 with your Medicare insurance coverage 🏥 working properly.

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

Are you watching the Summer Olympics in Paris?

Q and I were hoping to compete in the bobsled competition. Turns out we went to the wrong city, for the wrong Olympics, and we were forty years too late.

Sarajevo (in the former Yugoslavia) hosted the Winter Olympics in 1984. Do you remember watching the bobsled races?

This bobsled track was once a site of glory but fell into ruin and disrepair due to war and neglect. During the war, it was used by the Serbs as a bunker from which to attack the Bosnians. After the war, the graffiti artists took over.

Our health is like a track, if we don’t take care of it, it will break down.

In the book “Good Energy,” author Dr. Casey Means explains the importance of metabolic health, how everyday choices affect our health and energy levels.

According to the book, 93% of Americans have poor metabolic health, leading to fatigue, weight gain, and chronic illnesses.

The good news is that, just as a war torn country in the Balkans can mend, focusing on small steps will increase energy levels, improve mood, and raise our overall well-being.

In the picture below, yours truly is standing in the footsteps of the assassin who shot the Austrian Arch Duke triggering World War I. Thanks goodness our former President wasn’t assassinated. That would not have been good for our country.

Here are the key take aways:

Foundations of Health: Dr. Means emphasizes the importance of foundational health practices such as balanced nutrition, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management.

This is the bridge of Mostar, bombed during the Yugoslavian war in the early 1990’s, now fully restored. It is now a symbol of peace and hope.

Nutrition and Energy: The book delves into how different foods impact energy levels, with a focus on whole, unprocessed foods that stabilize blood sugar and support metabolic health.

If you ever get to the Balkans, the vegetables and the olives are amazing. I’m not sure that beer is a vegetable (flexible mind, right 😉😂).

Gut Health: Gut health is highlighted as a cornerstone of overall well-being, affecting everything from energy levels to mental clarity and immune function.

Burek is a savory pastry made of thin, flaky dough layers. It is typically filled with beef or lamb, cheese, spinach, or potatoes. I can’t comment on its healthiness, but it is the ultimate Balkan comfort food.

As we always say at The Big 65, everything in moderation, even moderation 😊.

Mind-Body Connection: “Good Energy” also explores the intricate connection between mental health and physical well-being, offering strategies to enhance both through mindful practices and positive lifestyle changes.

My German dad was a chess fanatic so it was great fun watching these fellows in the square playing every day. They had a great time yelling, playing, and giving each other smack. I loved it. As my father always said, “they would’ve killed me like a chicken.”

For Medicare clients, understanding the holistic approach advocated by Dr. Means aligns with the wellness themes we frequently discuss in our blog (yes, like my wife Q says, I am a broken record 😊).

Here are the simple steps (and check out the chair yoga below).

Eat Real Food: Fill your plate with colorful vegetables, fruits, lean meats, and healthy fats.

Move Daily: Incorporate at least 30 minutes of physical activity into your day.

Prioritize Sleep: Create a relaxing bedtime routine to help you get better sleep.

Manage Stress: Find activities that relax you, whether it’s reading, gardening, or practicing mindfulness.

Don’t close the door on good health. In the old days, a strong metal door could have been the difference between life and death.

You should also watch the webinar we created on balance and mobility. These tools are the bedrock of wellness just like the pillars of health in Dr. Means’ book.

As we travel through Slovenia, Croatia, and Bosnia Herzegovina, again and again, we see the resilience of the human spirit and it gives us hope that these countries can continue to heal and improve the lives of all their inhabitants.

Despite hardship and challenge, it’s never too late for any of us to change our world or our health. Don’t ignore fires on the horizon (like this one in the hills of Mostar). If you do, you will get burned.

And in the meantime, 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:

You asked for balance and here it is!

Hello and may this note find you in amazing health 💪 with your Medicare insurance coverage 🏥 working properly.

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

You already know my mantra: getting old ain’t for sisses!

Q saw this woman climbing these ancient steps in Croatia. Isn’t she inspiring? I love to be reminded that “the world makes a way for a person who knows where they are going.”

My mom climbed steps every day until the day she died and we three brothers are convinced that’s what kept her going (plus a glass of wine and lots of love from her cats 🐱🍷❤️!)

Aging well is all about mobility and balance ⚖️ and the foundation of mobility is in our feet and ankles 👣. That’s why I am super excited to share this balance and mobility webinar we created exclusively for readers of the The Big 65’s newsletter.

Cate Reade, MS, RD, is a Registered Dietitian and Exercise Physiologist. She is the founder and CEO of MoveMor™, a company that focuses on improving functional mobility and reducing fall risks in older adults.

I met Cate at one of her mobility workshops at our local rec center. Her work and mission, helping people maintain and restore mobility, is so inspiring that I felt compelled to share her tools and techniques in this webinar.

Click on the picture below for this 20 minute webinar.

Statistics show that falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries among older adults. According to the CDC, one out of five (senior) falls causes a serious injury such as broken bones or a head injury. (My wife Q was recreating a ritual Roman animal sacrifice in Zadar. Thanks for the illustration honey!)

These injuries can significantly impact our ability to live independently and may even shorten our life expectancy. As Q and I explore the world, I am constantly reminded that we are only one step away from a tumble. It can happen to anyone at any time.

Loss of foot muscle strength (not lifting your toes high enough) and ankle mobility will greatly increase our chances of falling.

In addition to strengthening specific muscles, improving overall mobility is essential.

Regular physical activity, such as walking, yoga, or tai chi, can help maintain flexibility, strength, and coordination. These activities not only improve physical health but also enhance mental well-being, which is crucial for overall quality of life.

Remember small steps, repeated consistently, will have a huge impact. Here’s a shout out to Cheryl. She had knee replacement surgery earlier this month and she is being extra diligent doing her physical therapy. I know your husband is proud of you!

I hope you will watch the webinar because none of us ever want to be a burden to our families. The older we get, the greater our desire to maintain our independence. If you watch till the end, you’ll see Cate has a special offer just for readers of our blog!

I received a lot of positive feedback about last week’s blog, the importance of having your medical info available to first responders. Hats off (and a Starbucks card) to Jean in North Georgia showing us she is prepared. Well done Jean!

This week, we’ve been exploring the Dalmatian Coast, the Game of Thrones locales here in Croatia. Check out the caper plants growing out of the walls. The area is beautiful but I recommend NEVER coming here in summer! It’s too hot and there are too many people.

The locals tell us the best times to be here are late April/early May or late September, after the kids are back in school. Lesson learned.

In Split, we listened to a rehearsal of the opera Aida (by Giuseppe Verdi, first performed in Cairo in honor of the opening of the Suez Canal).

There’s a 3600 year old sphinx the Roman Emperor Diocletian took from Egypt and placed in this castle 1800 years ago. He was the only Emperor to ever retire and he got 10 good years in his hometown living in this remarkable place.

Our guide described him as a combination of Bill Gates and Vladimir Putin. I guess the world has always been on fire, carpe diem.

While hiking, we met a Polish guy with this number “32” shaved into the side of his head. I thought it was his favorite soccer player’s number. Turns out he was celebrating his 32nd wedding anniversary 😊❤️. Now that’s true love, right?

If you’ve every done this, send us a picture for the newsletter.

And in the meantime, 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:

You need to get out now🫠!

Ni hao and may may this blog find you in great health with your Medicare insurance coverage working well. Did you have a great Memorial Day Weekend?

I keep hearing good things from clients about drug savings. Before filling an expensive refill, reach out to Cori at the Canadian Med Store in Florida (yes, in Florida). No guarantees, but it’s always worth a second look to shop your drug costs.

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

It’s great to be home again in Colorado with Quantz. This is a picture of her, 40 years ago, when she spent a year in China. It was one of the most unique experiences she had as a student.

After studying in Guilin for a semester, Quantz was invited by the Chinese Communist government to stay for another semester and to teach English to Medical students. Naturally, Quantz jumped at the chance to have an adventure.

Fast forward forty years and this week, we had the pleasure of hosting Dr. Ma Ping Ke, aka Patrick (his name in her English class), one of her favorite students back in the day. Patrick flew to Colorado just to visit us.

When was the last time you visited a local museum or toured the botanical garden in your town? Often, we overlook the treasures in our own backyard, reserving these activities for when guests visit. But what if we took the time to explore these local gems ourselves?

We took Patrick to the Incline at Manitou Springs, Colorado and climbed 2,788 train ties to the top.

Walking or hiking can provide a moderate level of physical activity, which is great for maintaining mobility and overall fitness. While seeing something new, we can improve cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles, and enhance balance and coordination, all crucial for aging well. Thank goodness we survived!

Engaging with your community and interacting with others in local spaces can foster a sense of belonging and connection. We took advantage of Memorial Day Weekend to host a barbecue introducing Patrick to our neighbors and also to say goodbye to Max.

Max has been living with us for the last six months and has now taken the next steps in his life. We were happy to have him in our home and we’re also happy to be empty nesters again.

Social interactions can combat feelings of loneliness and isolation, which are common as we age. Sharing experiences with others, whether friends, family, or even fellow visitors, can enrich your social life and emotional well-being.

Having guests from other countries also causes you to appreciate the things you do have when you share them with others, like making your own pizzas.

Patrick wasn’t a fan of the Mexican food we ate but he loved making his own pizza.

Exploring local museums, galleries, and historical sites can deepen your appreciation for your community’s heritage and culture. This cultural enrichment can be both educational and inspiring, offering new perspectives and sparking creativity.

At first Patrick was pretty nervous about Plato, but by the end of the week, they became great pals.

Tips for Local Adventures:

• Make a List: Identify local attractions, parks, restaurants, and events you’ve been meaning to visit.

• Set a Schedule: Dedicate a day each week or month to explore a new place.

• Invite Friends or Family: Share the experience with loved ones for added enjoyment.

• Stay Curious: Approach each visit with an open mind and a sense of curiosity.

Speaking of curiosity, our daughter Sus was traveling this week so we took care of her cat, Kali (that’s the Indian name for the Goddess of Destruction). Kali definitely fits the bill and we enjoy her just the same. Sus takes care of Plato when we travel so it’s a pretty good deal.

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:

Medicare Insurance and Credit Card Fraud

Credit Card Fraud and Medicare

In talking with other Medicare Insurance Brokers near me, you’d be surprised how many consumers on Medicare Insurance Plans do not pay enough attention to their credit card information. Credit card fraud and Medicare are two things I know something about.

Last week I received a new Capital One Debit Card.

The problem?

I didn’t open the account :(.

Apparently, someone with my social security number and a burner phone opened the account on my behalf.

That means they have all my information.

The good news is I was able to cancel the card. If I had opened the account, and deposited money, chances are the scammers would have drained it later.

Credit card fraud is a form of identity theft. When an unauthorized individual steals another person’s credit card information and uses that information to make purchases or remove funds, this is against the law. Interestingly, Federal law limits a cardholders’ liability to $50. That is, if there is credit card theft. However, many banks will waive this amount IF the owner of the credit card is willing to sign an affidavit explaining the details of the theft.

We can protect ourselves from credit card fraud and identity theft by doing a couple of things now. Find a card with $0 liability protection. Sign up for transaction alerts on your current credit cards. Keep an eye on your credit card information. And consider adding a credit protection service. These credit monitoring services can help protect you against credit card theft and put your mind at ease.

Credit card fraud and Medicare: Be careful out there.

And if you have questions about Medicare Insurance, visit www.big65.com.