We got a scare on Thursday!

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

This week, the universal truth came home to roost:

If you live long enough, you’re gonna get old, naturally…

Quantz at eye doctor with Karl Bruns-Kyler of The Big 65 Colorado.

We had a health scare!

Over breakfast, Quantz casually mentioned seeing floating objects in her eye and a shadow in her peripheral vision.

Since I actually love my wife, I immediately looked up the symptoms on WebMd and called our eye doctor who said, “get her into a specialist NOW!”

That got my attention.

Quantz eye test for The Big 65 Colorado.

Our ophthalmologist diagnosed the problem: vitreous detachment (thank goodness NOT retina detachment). Normally, this particular condition goes away on its own.

Talk about relief!

As the son of two hypochondriacs who enjoyed poor health for years, I’ve always tended to avoid doctor visits at all costs, and that’s not always a good thing.

If you experience sudden noticeable changes in your vision, see a doctor immediately. Here’s an article on when to see an eye doctor.

Quantz tending flowers for The Big 65 Colorado.

Had a fascinating conversation with Cathy in Ohio about Prolia, the bone density injection many clients take for Osteoporosis.

This is one of those excellent drugs that is expensive as sin so I get lots of calls about this topic. Cathy inspired me to get on the phone with Amgen to get clarity.

According to Gabby in the Amgen 360 Navigation Department, the makers of Prolia, here are some things to be aware of if your healthcare practitioner prescribes Prolia:

  • Find out if your MD does “Physician Purchases of Prolia through a buy in bill.” This means that instead of purchasing the Prolia through your prescription drug benefit, the MD’s practice buys Prolia in bulk and the cost of the Prolia falls under your Part B Medicare Benefits. This might save you money. 
  • Ask the billing department to do a “Benefit Verification” to find out the exact cost before you do anything and have them confirm benefits with your insurer. 
  • Check in with Amgen (the makers of Prolia) for advice, 888-427-7478. 

The devil here is definitely in the details. Every situation is different, there is no universal solution.

Bee hive in Colorado for The Big 65.

This was a tough year for bees. Here in Colorado, professional bee keepers lost a high percentage of their hives to mites.

I thought my hive died because it was too cold, but when I did my spring inspection, there was plenty of uneaten honey. It turns out the mites overwhelmed the hive and that sure made me sad.

The good news is, I’m not giving up.

Today, I’ll be driving up to Windsor, Colorado to take another beekeeping class and to pick up two new queens and a two boxes of bees. Wish us luck.

Bear in Virginia for The Big 65 Colorado.

You can probably guess from this picture why my little brother, Haas, doesn’t keep bees on his farm in Virginia… too many of these around.

Turns out he left a bag of trash in the covered bed of his truck and this fella made a heck of a mess. Apparently bears love Gatorade and Red Bull. Remember that!

Bobcat in Florida for The Big 65 Medicare insurance broker.

Jon & Charlotte in Florida took this bobcat picture with the front door camera.

Good thing it wasn’t …. wait, is that Mittens?

Dave with his dog for The Big 65 Colorado.

Last week, I wrote about Dave the dog trainer and his work with service animals for the police.

Apparently, he takes his work home with him. Is this your definition of a lapdog? This looks like true love to me.

Sus and boyfriend in Northern Colorado for The Big 65.

Last weekend we took Flo, our French cousin, to a music festival in northern Colorado. We got to see our daughter, Sus, and her boyfriend. Good times!

Flo and tie die fun in Colorado.

You’ll be happy to know that I took a taste of my own medicine and tried something new with Flo and Sus.

Tie dye is not something I’ve ever tried before but it was fun, especially when surrounded by young uns having a great time.

Karl-Plato-Flo in Colorado for The Big 65.

Don’t worry, I won’t be joining the Grateful Dead.

But hey, now I have new shirt for yard work.

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… 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
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Louisiana
Maryland
Minnesota
Missouri
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Virginia
Wisconsin

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

Minnesota Medicare insurance agent Karl Bruns-Kyler of The Big 65 Minnesota.

 

When dogs are on the lam – watch out for this scam!

Sure hope this note finds you in great health with promise of Spring putting a lift in your sails… and your Medicare Insurance working properly.

When dogs are on the lam – watch out for this scam!

Karl Bruns-Kyler is a Medicare insurance broker for The Big 65.

Are animals near and dear to your heart?

Last week, my little brother’s dogs, Georgia and Piper, dug under his fence and went on the lam in Virginia. Boy was Haas worried!

Haas dog on porch who is a friend of The Big 65.

Haas put out “lost dog” signs all over the county. That same day, he got a text:

Text: Hey, you missing two dogs?

Haas: I sure am! Did you find them?

Text: Before I give you ANY details, I’m going to send you a text with a code. Send me the code and then we can talk!

WARNING, DANGER WILL ROBINSON, DANGER!

According to the Identity Theft Resource Center, this is a common scheme to trick consumers into giving out a Google verification code that’ll be used for illegal activities.

Be vigilant, watch out for phishing scams or anyone claiming to be a family member needing help. Always double check before you give out any personal information!

The good news, Haas recognized this as a scam and did not respond.

Dogs together for The Big 65 Medicare insurance broker.

Even better, Haas got a call from a neighbor farm and he was reunited with two very tired, dirty, hungry little rascals.

Think they were happy to be home?

Karl Bruns-Kyler of The Big 65.

Tax Day is behind us, Amen! Here’s a reminder:

If you own a business or a rental property, or, if your medical expenses exceed a certain percentage of your Adjusted Gross Income, you may be able to deduct those costs from your taxes.

This can also apply to Long Term Care Insurance Premiums.

Every situation is different, but this article is good place to start. Also ask your tax person.

Service dogs - friends of The Big 65.

Had a great chat with new client David in New York.

David’s lifelong passion has been training service dogs for different police forces around Buffalo. Recently, he was featured on TV for helping to train this Newfoundland (named Bello) to improve its obedience as an Autism anchor dog.

It’s an amazing story if you want to watch.

Service training dogs with people_The Big 65.

The good news is, thanks to Dave’s training skills, this families autistic son, who is +6 ft tall and well over 250 pounds, now has a loving companion that prevents him from bolting (which is his default behavior) and literally anchors him to the spot.

This means that the family can take their son out to McDonalds or to the park and Bello’s training and size prevent the young man from running. Bello has made everyone’s’ life better. Well done, Dave!

Healthy Foods For the Big 65.

No need for cholesterol medications, yet, but this chart shows some great foods I’ll be sure to increase eating to keep things on track.

Scott and Ruth_friends of The Big 65.

love this picture of client Scott and his wife Ruth. Scott retired from a successful career in the oil and gas industry and has re-invented himself as a Real Estate Agent.

Ruth is an author and continues to work helping companies create a culture that improves workplace stability (and financial wellness) for entry level workers.

Fun fact: Ruth and I went to the same Mennonite high school in the Shenandoah Valley. Years later, we just happened to find out we live less than two miles from each other. Small world, eh?

Client Claire and her Sheltie Fancy_The Big 65.

Sometimes a picture says everything. Client Claire and her Sheltie, Fancy, are a handsome duo, great smiles, great friends! I sure hope you have something to smile about this week!

Remember, keep squeezing the juice out of life.

Medicare questions or problems?

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

If your family or friends have questions, 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
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Louisiana
Maryland
Minnesota
Missouri
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Virginia
Wisconsin

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

Minnesota Medicare insurance agent Karl Bruns-Kyler of The Big 65 Minnesota.

Are your doctors really taking care of you?

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

Cartoon of two women discussing medical and technology challenges in a cemetary.

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

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

Karl Bruns-Kyler of The Big 65 and his wife Quantz holding a live serpent

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

Photograph of a monkey sitting on a gold crown.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shoplifters will be prostituted sign in a store.

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

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

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

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

Nicholas holding chopsticks with Karl Bruns-Kyler.

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

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

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

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

Malaysia in a beautiful country with great food, Karl Bruns-Kyler.

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

Photo of Drunken Duck Tongue on a menu.

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

Durian is a fruit banned in Singapore because of the smell.

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

Photo of Karl Bruns-Kyler and his son Nicholas.

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

Karl Bruns-Kyler is a Medicare insurance broker with The Big 65 Colorado.

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

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

Quantz points to "No Durian" sign on store window.

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

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

We are here if you need us.

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

Referrals are the lifeblood of my business!

 

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


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

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


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

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

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

The Big 65 Medicare Insurance Broker logo

What you need to know about Medicare and travel

May this note find you in good health with your Medicare Insurance working properly. Today, I will discuss what you need to know about Medicare and travel. But first …

Quantz in Chang Mai Thailand with The Big 65.

Here in Chang Mai, Thailand, no one has accused Quantz of being a “Momster,” yet, but this crocodile statue in front of the temple took a special liking to my wife!

Q swinging on vine with The Big 65 Colorado Senior Insurance Broker.

For those of you who have been reading this Medicare newsletter for a while, you already know that Q is much more adventurous than me when we travel.

Q pets the elephant.

I tend hang back and observe before jumping into a new activity. That’s just the way I’m wired.

Kneeling in Thailand.

This sense of caution aligns with my mission to help clients avoid irreversible health insurance issues.

Q and a little boy.

While chatting with a client in Ohio this week, I received the following question:

How will my Medicare coverage work when I travel away from home in the US or overseas?

Karl and Q with cute kids and The Big 65 Medicare insurance broker.

The answer is… it depends.

Regardless of the type of plan you have, emergency care is typically covered as in network anywhere in the United States.

Emergency care is often covered overseas, if you haven’t been out of the US for more than 60 consecutive days.

Karl and Q with nice lady.

If you are travelling outside the US, sometimes it makes sense to purchase additional travel insurance that may include medical evacuation, just in case.

Kids playing in the water.

The bottom line: every situation is different, so if you have travel coming up, feel free to shoot me an email or just book a time on my calendar.

Karl working for The Big 65 Medicare insurance clients.

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

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

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

 

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


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

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


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

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

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

The Big 65 Medicare Insurance Broker logo

Paperwork That Matters

May this blog post find you in good health with your Medicare Coverage working properly.  Today, I want to discuss paperwork that matters.  But first …

Aren’t these kids cute? I’m a sucker for dinosaur jammies, must be the grandpa instinct kicking in, eh?

Karl Bruns-Kyler holding cute kids in Vietnam

Many of you tell me about the joy you receive from your grandvarmints and how important they are to you (at least till they start being teenagers).

Some clients hope to leave something to the next generation. Others say their plan is to spend it all and enjoy life to the fullest.

Either way, most of us hope we will never be a burden to our spouses, our children, or our grandchildren. And yet…

I speak with clients REGULARLY who may be leaving their loved ones in a tight spot if they don’t get this right. Click on the picture below to make sure this isn’t you.

If we live long enough, we are going to die. Therefore, it is essential to have these documents in place long before we need them:

    1. Last Will & Testament
    2. Trust (if necessary)
    3. Power of Attorney
    4. Healthcare Power of Attorney
    5. Living Will
    6. HIPAA Release
    7. Letter Of Intent

 

Not having these documents in place can cause terrible difficulties for your family, so take the time to leave them in a good situation.

If you already have them in place, make sure they are up to date. If you haven’t done them, look for an Eldercare Attorney or consider these forms as a starting pointThis is paperwork that matters to everyone.

New friends Tim and Kate in Cambodia with The Big 65.
While travelling in Cambodia, we met and made friends with Tim and Kate, a father/daughter duo from South Carolina exploring the world together.

Tim is and his wife are retired and Kate is engaged and plans to start working when they return from their adventure. What a great way to build a lifelong memory.

Pol Pot Killing Tree_The Big 65 Colorado Insurance Broker

When I’m not working, Q always makes sure we visit places of historical interest. In Cambodia, we visited the killing fields where millions were killed by Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge. It was such a sobering experience and an important reminder of how things can go wrong in the world.

Chum Mey, typewriter repairman with Karl Bruns Kyler and The Big 65.

In the capital, Phnom Penh, we had the privilege of meeting Chum Mey, a typewriter repairman, and one of only seven (out of 20,000) who survived Pol Pot’s murderous prison, S-21. The reason the the seven were kept alive is they had specific skills the Khmer needed. What a miracle to have survived. Chum is such an inspirational person and so kind despite the darkness he lived through. What a lesson for us all.

Man watering garden in Vietnam.

We have so enjoyed getting out of the cities and seeing the countryside.

Farmer with small crabs in Vietnam with The Big 65 Medicare Broker.

Asia is graying faster than almost any other part of the world. People are working longer and also staying active, which is a good thing. This farmer showed us the small crabs she gathered from the dry rice paddy on her farm.

Oliver the owl in Vietnam with The Big 65.

While visiting some caves near Luang Prabang, we met a group of children illegally selling wildlife to tourists. Buying this owl, we named him Oliver, was probably the wrong thing to do, he cost three dollars, but we did it anyway.

Oliver the owl on balcony with The Big 65.

We brought him back to the hotel and uncaged him on the balcony (of course he bit Quantz, because no good deed goes unpunished.)

Oliver stayed till night fall and then disappeared. Of course it won’t change the world, but it made us feel better.

Vietnam scene_Karl Bruns-Kyler of The Big 65.

That’s it for now. The reason I’m here is to make sure your coverage is working the way you expected it to be working.

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

PLEASE forward this newsletter to anyone you know who needs help with their Medicare coverage.


Karl Bruns-Kyler

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


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

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


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

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

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

The Big 65 Medicare Insurance Broker logo


 

One Of My Favorite Ted Talks

One of my favorite TED Talks …

The 4 phases of retirement | Dr. Riley Moynes  |  TedX Talks

Dr. Moynes interviewed hundreds of retirees and from those interviews, he recognized the four phases of retirement.  This is a great Ted Talk for anyone who is retired or considering retirement. 


Karl Bruns-Kyler

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


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

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

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

The Big 65 Medicare Insurance Broker logo