Medicare Supplement Plans Archives

Don’t ever pay…immediately ⚠️!

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

For Medicare questions or concerns, book a time on my calendar or email Gray, Gray@TheBig65.com if you need us.

If you were driving the backroads of Mexico and you came across a cowboy 🤠 leading his cattle🐄 across the road, you’d slow down, right?

Consider using the same strategy when it comes to paying Medicare medical bills—proceed with caution⚠️.

One Medicare client received a shocking $50,000 hospital bill😱, but after a few calls, it was corrected to less than $1,000. What a difference😌!

To avoid overpaying, separate the forest from the trees.

Here’s what to do:

Review Your Bill Carefully:

Never pay the bill immediately.
Request an itemized statement from your healthcare provider.
Look for duplicate charges, services you didn’t receive, or any unfamiliar billing codes, called CPT codes.

Compare with Your Insurance Coverage:

Cross-check the charges against your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) or Explanation of Benefits (EOB).
Verify that the services are covered and that the charges align with your plan’s benefits.

Contact Your Healthcare Provider’s Billing Department:

If something doesn’t look right, call the billing department to discuss the charges.
Request a review and ask them to resubmit the claim to Medicare or to your insurance plan if there are errors.

Remember, slowing down to verify your medical bills can save you thousands of dollars. Here’s an article from Medicare. This problem occurs with Medicare Supplements, Medicare Advantage Plans, and Part D Drug Plans. Beware!

If you have questions about Medicare or need assistance navigating your coverage, we are here if you need us.

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 How to Maximize Your Medicare💪🩺!

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

We’re now into the Annual Election Period and it’s sticky business🍯, yes-siree!

I sure hope you’re ignoring the telemarketers📞⚠️☠️ and the misleading Facebook/TV ads that promise free money. I talked with two clients who were totally lead astray.

Just like marriage, and honey production🍯🐻, Medicare is a team effort.

If you want us to give your plan the once over BEFORE setting an appointment, shoot us an email and I’ll let you know if you actually need to book a time. We’re working through a bunch of those and we will get them ALL answered.

If you have a pressing issue that needs immediate attention, please use this email link and Gray will make sure we get it done.

If your drugs, doctors, or your plan have changed significantly, book a time on my calendar here 🗓️. No need to fill out a new drug list.

Thanks to Q, lots of honey went out this week. If you’d like some, feel free to leave us a review on Google or Facebook.

Our daughter Sus came down last weekend to celebrate my birthday and it sure was fun to carve pumpkins, reminisce, and spend time together. Remember when your varmints were small?

Life’s great joys come from spending time with the ones you love, so it’s important to do everything we can to stay healthy…for their sake! Nobody wants to be a burden.

Unfortunately, our healthcare system often focuses on treating the symptoms… after the problem, instead of before.

The good news is Medicare (both Medicare Supplements and Medicare Advantage Plans) covers a wide range of preventive services to help us remain healthy. Many of these services come at no additional cost to you, so why not take advantage of them?

Each year, you’re entitled to a wellness visit where you can discuss your health and set up a personalized prevention plan. This is a great time to talk with your doctor about any screenings or vaccines you might need.

Speaking of need, one thing I don’t need is rock climbing😨! But you can see (up high) that Sus is a fan!

Consider Flu shots as we head into the colder months. Medicare covers these shots along with others like the pneumonia and hepatitis B vaccines.

Surprisingly, flu vaccinations were associated with a significantly lower risk of dementia. Staying vaccinated also helps prevent serious illnesses that could lead to hospital visits.

Sus surprised us with tickets to see the musical “Hamilton.” It was incredible and none of us got the flu🙂🤞.

Medicare offers several free cancer screenings, including mammograms, pap smears, and colonoscopies. Early detection can make all the difference when it comes to treatment, so be sure to schedule your screenings.

Don’t these two look like they’re ready for a Hollywood screening!

Keeping track of your cholesterol and blood pressure is key to heart health. Medicare covers cardiovascular screenings that can detect conditions early before they become serious problems.

Plato and I may need a statin after Q prepared this lemon pound cake for the Big 64! It was delicious.

If you’re at risk for Type 2 diabetes, Medicare covers a diabetes prevention program, which includes lifestyle changes to help prevent the onset of diabetes.

If you test your blood sugar at home, the company Advanced Diabetes Supplies (ADS) will set up for home delivery of your diabetic supplies, at NO ADDITIONAL cost! Here is a link to their website.

My little brother Haas and I compete to stay healthy. I’m convinced part of the reason he does so well is because he catches, hunts, and grows most of the things he eats.

If you’ve been thinking about quitting smoking, Medicare covers counseling sessions to help you kick the habit for good. This benefit is available whether or not you’ve shown signs of tobacco-related disease.

By taking advantage of these free services, you can catch health problems early, stay on top of chronic conditions, and prevent future issues. These preventive services are part of Medicare’s commitment to helping you live a healthier, fuller life. Remember, it’s never too late to prioritize your health!

And do remember to keep moving just like my buddies Jason and Cary. We do power yoga at 5:30 AM during the week in room that’s over 100 degrees. That’s gotta be good for something, right?

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:

Check out this festival where fun meets wellness!

Hope you had a great Father’s Day and may this blog find you in amazing health 💪 with your Medicare insurance coverage 🏥 working well.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Refer a Friend: If family or friends need help… referrals are the lifeblood of my business.

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

Medicare questions or problems?

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

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

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

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

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:

Do you know the difference between a Medicare Insurance Broker and a Captive Agent?

I hope your week is going well despite these crazy times.

It’s beginning to feel like fall here. Can you believe we’re already having snow in the mountains? Hopefully it’ll put out some of the fires.

Not knowing the difference between a Broker and an Captive Agent during this Annual Election Period can cause consumers to seriously limit their Medicare options. Click on the picture below to learn more and to see my family 😊.

When I first began working in insurance many years ago, I was a Captive Agent. But after two months, it became clear that I couldn’t truly help people shop for coverage unless I became independent and I’ve been a Broker ever since.

What I love about being a Medicare Insurance Broker is the freedom to provide clients with the unvarnished truth, the good, the bad and the ugly about all the plans. I’m not always able to help everyone, but I do try to do my best and to learn from every interaction and continue to grow. That’s all we can do, right?

The Annual Election Period is now in full swing and all of the plans for 2021 are out. Medicare Supplement Plans really don’t change much from year to year. Many of the Medicare Advantage Plans have raised their Maximum out of Pocket levels but they’ve also increased some of their offerings, $0 copay telehealth visits and over the counter spending benefits. Every person’s needs are different.

The important thing? Book a time on my calendar if you are not sure if your current coverage fits the bill. Also remember to look at your drug costs and make certain your drug coverage is still working, especially if your taking expensive brand name drugs.

Have a great week and let your friends know I’m here if they have questions about Medicare.

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.