What happens if the system breaks down?

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

Please book a time on my calendar if you are having Medicare issues. Anyone on an Advantage plan has till the end of March to make a change if they are unhappy!

Are you getting through your taxes?  It’s QuickBooks time here at home and Plato is not in the mood. He loves the sun and the snow.

Plato watching as The Big 65 works on QuickBooks.

Last weekend, the neighborhood looked like this.

Sun shining on a snowy day in Highlands Ranch, Colorado.

Now the snow is mostly gone and we are definitely thinking Spring.

Plato enjoying spring weather in Denver, Colorado.

Of course we’re always one disruption away from a problem (weather, internet, health) so today, we need to talk about prescriptions and how to make sure you never run out.

Plato chomping down on some Skippy peanut butter in Colorado.

Your grandmother had a well stocked pantry, just in case. Now we are spoiled by 24 hour convenience and Amazon so we are used to having less of everything on hand.

It may be time to build up reserves.

Earlier this year, hackers took over a major healthcare website and prevented physicians from being paid and some pharmacies from dispensing medications.

Karl's backyard beehive in Colorado.

Many pharmacies were able to find work-around options, but some of my clients were in a tight spot.

Dr. Michael Rhodes recommends having an emergency supply of meds on hand, minimally three days worth, ideally 30 days worth and a disaster kit ready.

If you prepare, you’ll be like Jane and have no drama with your Llama.

Jane hugging her llama.

“Ask your doctor for an additional prescription, explain what you’re doing and tell your doctor the meds will be going into storage,” says Dr. Rhodes. “Since many insurance companies will only cover a 30-day supply you may need to pay out of pocket. If your medication is very expensive, ask if there’s a generic substitute you could use in an emergency.”

Group of people sitting at a table.

Check out this article for additional ideas on how to have your emergency medicines ready, but the bottom line…bee 🐝 prepared 😂.

Then go have a cup of coffee☕ with the people you love. This is my old tribe in the Shenandoah Valley. I sure hope to see them again.

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
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.

Logo for The Big 65 Medicare Insurance Services company.

 

Beware the Snow Ides of March!

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

Are you having any issues? If so, reach out and book a time on my calendar.  Anyone on an Advantage plan has till the end of March to make a change if they are unhappy!

Here in Colorado, we are beholding the Ides of March with 30 plus inches and it’s still coming down ❄️. Client Becky around the corner said we came home too early…

Karl Bruns-Kyler shoveling snow in Colorado as Plato the friendly dog watches Karl.

Plato didn’t seem to mind, not one bit. He thinks we timed it just right 🐶.

Plato the friendly dog enjoying the indoors in snowy Colorado.

It was raining ☔ in England most of the time I was visiting our Air Force son. You know your boy is in the right place when he takes you to the Duxford Air Museum when he isn’t working on the base. It was a pleasure to spend time with him and to learn about his adventures. The young’uns sure grow up fast 😲.

Nicholas checking out airplanes and flying machines.

So now that Quantz and I are home and together again, there’s plenty to catch up on, inside and outside the house. She does the mail, the bills, and the inside stuff.

Quantz at home sitting beside the blazing fire and reviewing bills.

My job is outside the house – gutters, yard, and snow removal.

Now, shoveling snow is great cardio, but beware! According to The American Journal of Emergency Medicine, over 11,500 people were treated each year in Emergency Rooms over a 16 year period for snow shoveling related incidents 😱.

Highlands Ranch snow day.

According to another article, “your level of risk largely depends on your fitness level and whether you have cardiovascular risk factors, such as a history of cardiac or vascular disease, obesity, smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or another chronic condition.”

If you do choose to take on a physically taxing chore, beware. Snow shoveling “drives up a person’s heart rate and blood pressure. In addition, since the chore requires engaging seldom-used arm muscles while the legs are mostly still, blood tends to pool in the lower extremities. At the same time, cold temperatures constrict the arteries, decreasing the amount of blood and oxygen reaching the heart ❤️🏥.”

Karl Bruns-Kyler shoveling snow in Colorado as Plato the dog watches in delight.

Google “Area Agency on Aging” to find local resources. Many cities have a website like ours to help seniors with snow shoveling.

Of course you could always ask the neighbor kids if they want to earn a couple of bucks.

Make sure whatever chore you tackle won’t cause you to end up in the emergency room. Remember last week’s newsletter on messed up medical billing?

As our daughter Sus said many years ago, when I hurt my back overdoing it in a yoga class “don’t be a hero daddy.”

Plato the friendly big dog in the snow.

When I told my little brother Haas in Virginia about the snow, he couldn’t help but immediately send a pic and rub it in. It’s always good to laugh at yourself, right?

Haas fishing in Virginia.

Largemouth brother catching a largemouth bass 😂🐟. I sure am grateful to have him in my life.

So that’s it for this week. As they say in the musical Annie, “the sun’ll come out tomorrow,” especially if my wife Q is around (and she even helped me shovel), I’m a lucky man. Even money says all the snow’ll be gone by next weekend. What say you?

Quantz shoveling snow in Colorado for The Big 65.

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

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.

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

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
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.

Logo for The Big 65 Medicare Insurance Services company.

 

Get off your high horse!

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

Are you having any issues with your coverage? If so, reach out and book a time on my calendar. Anyone on an Advantage plan has till the end of March to make a change if they are unhappy!

OK, the sky’s not falling, but I am on my high horse, watching out for scams. Despite writing about this last week, we almost got burned🔥.

Karl sitting on his high horse.

My wife Q received this email invoice and asked me if we should pay😱! It’s always worth a second look before you pay a bill and this one was completely bogus.

Bogus invoice from PayPal.

This week, we need to revisit Medical Billing. Now don’t fall asleep 😪. If we don’t pay attention to these common billing mistakes, it could cost us money💰.

Salt flats in the Bolivian Andes.

According to Becker’s Hospital CFO Report, 4 out of 5 medical bills contain at least one minor error.

Quantz traveling.

Not all of these errors result in higher bills, but many do. If there is an error in your bill, according to Medicare, here are a few of things you can do.

Back in Highlands Ranch.

→ Get a detailed bill resent by the provider and check it to make sure the service you were billed for was actually the service you received.

Plato in Highlands Ranch.

→ Ask the doctor for a copy of your medical records and compare this to the bill.

Rembrandt paining.

→ Look up the medical billing codes online. Compare them to your bill. If they don’t match what you got, contact your provider’s billing department.

Medicare insurance broker Karl Bruns-Kyler of The Big 65.

→ Confirm the bill was actually sent to your insurance company. Billing departments sometimes send bills to the consumer instead of sending them to the insurance company.

Museum in Amsterdam Karl
→ Call the billing department and have them submit the bill to the insurance company so that it is processed correctly.

263 sign in window.

→ If you are stuck with an expensive bill, make sure they are charging a fair price and not overcharging you ($200 aspirin). Consider checking FairHealth to get a sense of fair market prices and negotiate from there.

View of Amsterdamn.

→ You can also ask for help from a Patient Assistance program in your state.  Here is a link.

Karl standing in a church.

→ One final tip: “If you’re being admitted to a hospital and asked to sign a document of financial responsibility, write in that you agree only if your care is in network, says Elisabeth Rosenthal, M.D., author of “An American Sickness.” See Consumer Reports.Plaque.

In the meantime, keep squeezing the juice out of life and look for ways to help others!

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
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
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.

Logo for The Big 65 Medicare Insurance Services company.

 

 

Everything in moderation, even moderation!

Greetings and may this blog post find you in great health with your Medicare coverage working properly as we await March Madness and college basketball to begin🏀.

My favorite sports cartoon of all time had this caption, and I paraphrase, “hang your hopes and fading dreams on your favorite athletic teams.”

It’s a cold, rainy Friday afternoon here in Britain. I’m here in our son’s kitchen, working on the newsletter and STILL waiting for the dang plumber… two days after he promised to come, grrr. Life’s the same everywhere, right?

Karl working on Medicare plans for the people.

Thank you Rick in Colorado for sharing this important email he received from Medicare regarding Advantage plans.

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment information for Medicare recipients.

Are you having issues, questions, or do you need to shop? Book a time on my calendar or give me a call.  I’m here to help so you can ignore the illegal Medicare Telemarketing Scammer Dogs 😊!

Scam Alert for senior citizens in the USA.

If everything is working, you’re good👍. If you aren’t happy 😠👎😤

Well, you better call Karl📞(don’t call Saul).

Last week, I shared info on the importance of upping your protein 🍗 as we age. Lack of protein can cause some very solvable problems (read about them here).

This week …

Nicholas looking a castle in England.

It’s all about reducing blood sugar 🍩🍦🍪🍭🍰.

Nicholas stuck in the wall.

Now before you disappear (Nicholas seen here climbing into Ely Cathedral’s 800 year old octagon tower 🏰) … hold on!

“It’s an accepted fact that people with Type 2 diabetes have a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease.” Some health care practitioners are beginning to consider Alzheimer’s to be Type 3 diabetes. So, anything we can do to lower blood sugar is probably a good thing.

Ely Cathedral in England.

Yes, diet is absolutely important, staying away from added sugar and refined foods will definitely improve metabolic fitness, we already know that, but…

Karl and Nicholas in a cathedral of Medicare.

There are lots of other things we can do to lower blood sugar. It’s not an all or nothing situation.

As dad always said, seen here with mom on their wedding day 65 years ago on the 28th: “Everything in moderation, even moderation💡!”

Karl's mom and dad.

Miraculously, my brother Rob was born six months after this picture, hmmm 👶.

But I digress, let’s get back to the simple things we can do to reduce blood sugar.

Beautiful scenery that reminds us that "everything in moderation, even moderation."

Moderate exercise (this is my morning 2.5 mile walk to Mindenhall for coffee and a chat with the locals) three times a week for thirty minutes, over 8 weeks will improve metabolic fitness and improve insulin resistance.

One study showed that even “single session of low intensity exercise will increase insulin sensitivity.”

Cute dog having breakfast in UK.

Just be sure to skip the whipped cream at Starbucks, though I love that UK Starbucks welcome weiner dogs inside❤️.

Our Plato back home would be totally jealous. He’s such an underprivileged dog!

Plato relaxing back in Colorado.

Other things you can do, and they all come from this fantastic article (thanks Gray):

• Get more sleep
Reduce stress (see pic of Plato above if you need a role model)
Consume protein and fat first and then eat carbs
Add vinegar to your diet
Eat more cinnamon
Don’t drink lots of water with your meal

Don’t get overwhelmed or discouraged. Pick one thing and add it, let me know if it helps. Send a picture celebrating your success, or what gives you joy.

What’s my joy? Airman Nicholas just got home from his base, shockingly, the plumber didn’t show. Oh well!

Please remember our soldiers and keep them in your hearts, it’s a crazy world out there!

Airman Nicholas in England.

In the meantime, keep squeezing the juice out of life and look for ways to help others!

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
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
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.

Logo for The Big 65 Medicare Insurance Services company.

Are you running low on protein?

Greetings and may this blog post find you in great health with your Medicare coverage working properly.

Are you having any issues with your coverage? If so, reach out to Gray or book a time on my calendar. We’re here to help so you can ignore the Medicare Telemarketers!

Yours truly is in Britain, visiting our Air Force son, and you are probably wondering where’s my wife, the mighty Q?

Animals in the wild.

Quantz is still in South America, checking off countries on her bucket list. These pictures are from Iguazu, some of the largest waterfalls in the world.

Quantz in front of a lovely waterfall.

When I was there in 1983, the catwalks you see below were completely washed away. Q’s pictures remind me how impressive the water is.

 Waterfalls of Iguazu.

The Amazon is such a fascinating place, filled with animals like the coatimundi, racoon-like creatures that will eat almost anything.

Which brings us to the topic of today, protein.

A coatimundi, a racoon-like creature in the wild.

A study in the Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging, indicates that older adults in the US aren’t getting enough protein.

Analyzing data from over 11,000 adults aged 51 and above, they found that nearly half of the older participants didn’t consume adequate protein regularly.

Majestic scene of the mountains in South America.

Not getting enough protein isn’t just about muscles; it could signal that someone’s diet and overall health might need a boost. As we get older, our muscles start to shrink, which can make us weaker and more prone to falling.

A nice lady working in the market.

Individuals over 50 “whose protein intake was lower than the recommended level had a poorer diet overall, as well as ‘significantly more functional limitations.’ These people consumed fewer healthful foods such as greens and beans, dairy, seafood, and plant protein foods.”

Four ladies in colorful outfits walking down the street together.

”Despite the protein craze in America, the data shows there’s still a big gap in adults’ protein intake.”

Great sources of protein include rice, beans, lentils, soy, and quinoa, as well as eggs, dairy, or meat. This was Quantz’s dinner in La Paz, Bolivia, the highest capital in the world. She never figured out what the food on the left of the plate actually was.

A plate of unknown meat sitting on a plate of rice.

So just to make sure I practiced what I preached, yours truly had a ribeye and “chips” in the Mildenhall Market. I feel stronger already.

A man cutting meat in Mildenhall Market.

Most important, keep squeezing the juice out of life and look for ways to help others!

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
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
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.

Logo for The Big 65 Medicare Insurance Services company.

 

Your health may depend on this choice!

May this note find you in great health with your Medicare coverage working properly.

Remember, if you’re having problems with your coverage, reach out to Gray or book a time on my calendar if it’s complicated. We’ll get it fixed, I promise.

Word on the street is Punxsutawney Phil did NOT see his shadow this week so keep your fingers crossed for an early spring.

When Quantz and I visited Pucon, Chile this week, each of us had a different take on the experience.

Mountain in the distance.

I’m normally accused of being the optimist, but I can tell you that I was a lot more focused on the 800 pound gorilla behind the lake, that little plume of smoke that never stopped (and making sure we had a full tank of gas just in case she blew!)

Beautiful mountain the distance.

Naturally Q wasn’t worried in the least. Her focus is always the same: see as much as we can before it’s too late. That’s why I love her, even though she keeps cracking the whip! It’s all about balance, right?

Quantz cracking the whip on the beach.

Since most of my time is spent helping clients navigate Medicare choices and avoiding irreversible mistakes, today, let’s review:

Emergency Room versus Urgent Care versus Primary Care, which one should I use?

Two vultures on a rock.

Let’s keep this simple, if the turkey vultures are circling, head straight to the Emergency room for any of the following:

•  Cardiac discomfort or chest tightness
•  Complex fracture (bone break with visible exposure)
•  Trauma to the head region
•  Lung inflammation or severe respiratory infection
•  Epileptic episodes or convulsions

Rocks beside an ocean with a blue sky in the background.

ER visits should also be considered for:

•  Signs of a stroke, numbness, weakness, or slurred speech.
•  Suspected poisoning or exposure to dangerous chemicals.
•  Severe headaches, especially if accompanied by confusion or neurological symptoms.
•  Persistent high fever in adults.
•  Severe allergic reactions with difficulty breathing or swelling.
•  Severe mental health crisis, thoughts of self-harm, or harming others.

Remember, this list is NOT all inclusive. If it’s life threatening go to the Emergency Room.

Quantz standing inside an old tree.

Consider Urgent Care for:

•  Minor injuries like sprains, strains, or minor fractures.
•  Non-life-threatening cuts that may require stitches
•  Minor burns or rashes.
•  Common illnesses like colds, flu, ear infections, and sore throats.
•  Mild to moderate asthma or allergy symptoms.
•  Mild allergic reactions, such as hives.
•  Fevers without severe symptoms or underlying health conditions.
•  Minor urinary tract infections.
•  Minor eye injuries or infections.
•  Minor dental issues, such as a chipped tooth or toothache.
•  Prescription refills or non-urgent medication issues.
•  Routine vaccinations and physicals.

Karl Bruns-Kyler walking through the woods.

And Primary Care? Well, you probably know the answer to this one, routine visits, vaccinations, important care but not urgent care or emergency care, right?

As common sense as this sounds, taking a few minutes to review could save you time, trouble and  💵!

ER chart.

But the most important reason? Over utilization of Emergency Rooms reduces their efficiency, reduces the quality of care, and takes resources away from all of us when really need to be treated.

It’s up to each of us to do what we can to make things better.

Plato playing in Colorado.

The word from our daughter Sus is that Plato is doing just fine. We are very fortunate that Sus keeps an eye on him when we are out of town. I guess we must have done something right.

We met an amazing American this week, Ed Ritter from Pennsylvania.

Ed Ritter from Pennsylvania.

Ed and his wife retired a few years ago and now they travel quite a bit.

What was so amazing about Ed? He’s a vanishing American species:

A political centrist. When Ed returns home, he plans to run for the State House of Representatives as an alternative to the extremists on all sides of the aisles.

Ed will attempt to find a middle ground. Remember, when neither side is completely happy, that’s probably a good thing. It was so refreshing to talk with someone who isn’t just going to talk, he’s going to try!

And he’s from our tribe, a retiree getting ready to make a difference! Remember this movie? Go get ’em Ed!

Color poster for the film Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.

Meanwhile, Quantz keeps me moving. I hope you are moving too! Never stop, connect with your friends, learn something new.

Karl and Quantz doing the tango in Chile.

Most important, keep squeezing the juice out of life and look for ways to help others!

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
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
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.

Logo for The Big 65 Medicare Insurance Services company.

Screen Time and the Pursuit of Happiness

Greetings from Valparaiso.

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

Well, the Bruns-Kylers are continuing their adventure in South America. You know I encourage each of you to seek out your own adventures, whether at home or abroad, so I’m doing my best to live by these words.

But don’t worry, I work from wherever we are exploring.

Karl and Quantz standing in front of a colorful door.

Remember, if you’re having problems with your coverage, reach out to Gray or book a time on my calendar if it’s complicated. We’ll get it fixed, I promise.

Before leaving Bogota, we had the pleasure of reconnecting with Flo, the daughter of Quantz’s French cousin who lived with us in Denver last year. She is studying Spanish and volunteering before starting grad school next year. What a surprise to see her in Colombia.

Flo, Karl, and Nicholas having dinner on a wooden table in Columbia.

Sadly, we finally had to say “Adios” to our Air Force son, Nicholas. He returned to his base in Britain last Friday and we already miss him. I hope you’re keeping all our soldiers in your prayers, it’s a crazy world out there!

Quantz embracing her son, Nicholas.

But kids grow up and we have to move on. We have to keep asking, what’s the next big thing?

Each of us will have a different answer so I’m no help here, but…

Karl admiring artwork on a wall.

I can tell you the next small thing to avoid, and that is too much screen time ‍📱😵‍💻.

A young girl sliding down a slide.

In the United States, we average about 7 hours daily staring at screens 😱!

How you feel when you see bogus Medicare ad on television.

Of course this number is increasing every year and we don’t even notice. We are like frogs in a pot of water slowly getting warmer 🐸🍲🔥. One day it will boil.

A mummy in Chile.

Let’s not negate the many positives of screens: we can stay connected to others, it’s easy to share pictures of the ones we love, and some apps can absolutely save us time and money. I love face timing with family and friends.

Quantz admiring the Pointsettas.

But on average, we spend 44% of our time awake staring at screens and that may not be making us healthier or happier.

Octavio and his sons meeting Karl Bruns-Kyler.

Some of the physical risks of using a phone too much include cyber sickness, text claw, eye strain, and fatigue.

A map of the area that Karl and Quantz are visiting.

Excessive screen time can increase the risk of depression. Limiting time engaged in social media to 30 minutes daily may improve well-being.

AirBnB tip of the day - check out the bathroom.

The great news is small changes can reduce your screen time and increase your well-being.

Susan and her husband in Chile.

Put your phone away during meals and keep it out of the bedroom. If you’re on your phone, set a timer and take a break every 30 minutes, rest your eyes, move around, and stretch.

Marilyn showing Karl a photo on her phone.

I just learned about this really cool technology… books. Most of the US has amazing libraries and if you haven’t visited one recently, I promise you’ll be amazed.

Remember, we can’t be perfect. I am as guilty as everyone of overusing my screens 😇😈, but with a little attention, we can improve our lives and our health. As James Clear says, 1% every day. Keep going 🌟😊👍!

Quantz holding a glass of red wine in each hand.

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

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
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
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.

Blue, red, and white logo for The Big 65 Medicare insurance broker.

 

Changes to your Medicare Prescription Drug Plans for 2024

Greetings and may this note find you in great health with your Medicare coverage working properly.  Today, I want to discuss changes to your Medicare Prescription Drug Plans for 2024. But first …

If you’re having problems, reach out to Gray or book a time on my calendar if it’s complicated.

Happy man in a blue car.

Don’t you love the smile on this guy’s face? He’s enjoying the day tooling around the old town sharing his city with travelers in this classic car.

That’s the way I’d like to feel every day.

Turtle walking near an old hotel.

My reality is a little closer to this old tortoise who sleeps behind the planters in this old hotel.

Every morning, getting up and out is a little harder. I’m a little achier and often a little grumpier, but, a good cup of coffee makes all the difference in the world.

The Big 65 Medicare insurance broker crew in Aruba.

Once we get up and out, there are adventures waiting, especially when Quantz twists my arm and gets me to do something I’d enjoy but wouldn’t do on my own.

If it weren’t for her, I’d work more and enjoy less. Traveling with Q pushes my comfort zone.

This is an old German freighter off the coast of Aruba. Instead of letting it fall into Allied hands in 1942, the captain chose to sink her himself by flooding the boiler room and causing the engine to explode. I’m glad I wasn’t on board.

A turtle underwater.

Our daughter Sus had to return to her home in Colorado because she had a burst pipe. As you can tell, Plato was happy to see her but he’s still mad at us for leaving him at home with her boyfriend.

Now Quantz, our Air Force son Nicholas, and I have moved on to explore Colombia.

Sus and Plato in Colorado.

Thanks to Tim in Firestone, Colorado for sharing an interesting article from the Wall Street Journal about drug trends for Medicare. Here’s the gist:

In 2024, Medicare Part D plans will have a ceiling of $8,000 for how much they and consumers (combined) will pay out of pocket.

Changes brought about by the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act mean that people on Part D plans will pay no more than roughly $3,300 on drugs annually (subject to variation based on brand or generic medications).

Les Lezards Boutique Hotel in Cartegena.

In 2025, the cap will change to a flat $2,000.

The 5% coinsurance that patients had to pay after reaching the “catastrophic” spending threshold has been eliminated. This change is expected to offer significant savings to approximately 1.5 million people.

The rooftop garden at Les Lezards.

The cap on drug costs will force insurers and drugmakers to cover a larger part of the cost.

Potential downsides for Medicare patients include higher premiums and more complicated paperwork.

Quantz and Nicholas at a fruit stand in Columbia.

The changes represent a significant makeover to the Part D prescription-drug benefit.

Cancer drugs in pill form can be costly for people on Part D plans, and these changes are expected to provide substantial savings for patients with expensive medications.

A man and woman walking down the street of Cartegena at night.

Despite all the good news, drug costs seems to be one of the biggest frustrations everyone has.

Quantz feedings the turtles in Columbia.

Remember the following strategies when filling a prescription:

Often, physicians will prescribe a brand name medication without taking into consideration a client’s financial situation. Check with the doctor’s office to see if they can provide you with a sample before you shell out your own money.

Quantz and Nicholas exploring the architecture of Old Town in Cartagena, Columbia.

If you are a prescribed a brand name drug, check with your pharmacist and find out if there is a generic alternative.

A single medication is always easier but sometimes, a combination of drugs can be used successfully and perhaps keep down your costs. Every situation is different so do your homework.

Karl and Marcus in Cartagena.

Before filling the prescription through your drug plan, ask the pharmacist if they have a cash price that is lower than your copay.

If you get into the catastrophic phase every year (which means the total cost of your drugs {paid by you and the drug plan, $8,000 for 2024} then you may want to run all of your drugs through plan but…

If you barely reach the donut hole each year ($5,030 paid by you and the drug plan) or never reach the donut hole, paying the cash price or using a third party tool like GoodRx, Amazon, or Cost Plus Drugs might save you some serious coin.

Life continues to be filled with a million moving pieces but if you take thirty minutes and make a few calls and check a few websites, it might really save you some money.

Please know that even though we are traveling, I have slots open every week if you need me.

Nicholas enjoying the sunset at Cafe del Mar in Cartegena.

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

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
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
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.

Logo for The Big 65 Medicare Insurance Services company.

 

Please don’t ever pay your bill immediately!

Greetings and may this blog post find you in great health with your Medicare coverage working properly.

If you changed plans in the fall, you should have received your new ID cards by now.

If you haven’t, or if you’re having a carrier issue (and you’ve already spoken to the carrier), reach out to Gray and he’ll get you squared away.

A black and white butterfly sitting on a colorful flower in Aruba.

In talking with clients this week, I’m hearing a lot about issues with billing.

According to this article, up to 80% of all medical bills have at least one error.

Nic and Sus in Aruba.

Client Stan tells me he’s pulled out most of his hair trying to get a shingles vaccine bill properly coded and submitted. He received incorrect information from the doctor and from Medicare ☹. Stan is a retired engineer so if someone as logical as he is can’t get the right answer, it sure is frustrating.

Butterfly me in Aruba Medicare.

I wish I could tell you there was a single step you could take to avoid billing issues, but complicated problems are never solved that easily.

However, if you have a Medicare Supplement, Plan G, your only out-of-pocket for Medicare approved services (excluding drugs, dental, and vision) is $240.

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, the summary of benefits should you provide you with exact costs for deductibles, copays and the maximum out of pocket each year.

Bruns-Kyler family dining in Aruba.

Nevertheless, here are some suggestions to help you avoid over paying:

Check Your Information:

  • Billing errors can happen due to small mistakes on your insurance claim form.
  • Even a single missing digit in your insurance ID or a misspelled name can lead to denied claims and premature billing.
  • Verify that your insurance details on the bill are accurate and have been processed by your insurance company.


Compare to EOB:

  • After your health insurance processes claims, you’ll receive an Explanation of Benefits (EOB).
  • Compare your medical bill to the EOB to ensure the amount on the invoice matches what your insurance says you owe.

    Nic and Sus, brother and sister.


Beware of Aggressive Billing:

  • Some providers may send bills while your insurance is still processing your claim.
  • Don’t pay these bills without checking with your insurance company.
  • Look for phrases like “Due Now,” “Estimated Amount Due,” or “Amount You May Owe.”


Request an Itemized Statement:

  • Medical bills often lack a detailed breakdown of charges.
  • Ask for an itemized statement to ensure you’re only paying for services and items you received.
    Bruns-Kyler family in Aruba.

Check Billing Codes:

  • Each medical procedure has a billing code (HCPS/CPT), and there are diagnosis codes (ICD-10) for medical conditions.
  • Review these codes to ensure they’re correct.
  • Mistakes in codes can lead to claim denials or unjustified procedures.
  • Research codes independently and take action if there’s an issue.


Negotiate a Reduction:

  • If your bill is more than you can afford, negotiate with the provider.
  • Find resources online to determine fair service costs.
  • Make your financial constraints known and ask for a discount or a payment plan.
  • Paying a lump sum may increase your chances of getting a discount.
  • Ask for zero interest on a payment plan.

    Karl and Nic in Aruba.

Act Quickly:

  • Address your medical bills promptly to avoid collection agency involvement.
  • Hospitals must wait six months before reporting to credit bureaus, but late reporting can affect your credit for years.
  • Taking quick action can prevent future financial issues like higher interest rates or difficulty securing loans.

    Sus in Aruba.


The bottom line: be slow and extra careful BEFORE you remit any payment to healthcare providers and call the insurance company for help as well. This process will not eliminate the number of mistakes, but hopefully it will reduce them.

In case you couldn’t tell, the Bruns-Kyler family is celebrating their first vacation as a family together in almost three years. We finally got our Air Force son together with the rest of the family at the same time. We are giving thanks for warm weather and this time together in Aruba. Can you tell Q was happy to see our son?

Remember, life is short. Don’t take anything or anyone for granted!

Quantz and Nic in Aruba.

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

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
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
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.

Logo for The Big 65 Medicare Insurance Services company.

Prepare to be amazed!

Happy New Year!  Prepare to be amazed!

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

Is your 2024 off to a good start?

Q wasted no time getting Max and me to take down the Christmas tree while she packed up the ornaments.

It’s actually nice to have the open space again and Plato doesn’t seem to mind.

Quantz and Max take down the Christmas tree.

Hopefully your Medicare coverage is in good shape for 2024 but feel free to book a time on my calendar if you need help or reach out to my admin, Gray.

Just be sure to avoid all the Medicare commercials and the call centers. Remember, that’s why I’m here!

Karl tending to his bee supplies in the kitchen.

Despite a chilly winter here in Colorado, the bees have been incredibly busy. I had to refill both sugar boards and add new pollen paddies to the hives. Keep your fingers crossed the girls make it through the winter!

Bob and Sue tell me they’re counting on more honey for next year as well!

Bob and Sue holding a jar of honey from The Big 65 Medicare Insurance Services.

My favorite part of the holidays is always spending time with family and friends. We had a great time with Jeff and Vicki’s grand varmints playing spirited games of Jenga that always ended in glorious destruction.

Jeff and Vicki's grandchild playing Jenga.

So now that we have a few months of cold and dark to get through before spring, I’d like to remind you why life has never been better!

Now before you shout “not true,” let me absolutely confirm there are plenty of problems, but according to most measurable metrics, life on the planet is improving in dozens of measurable ways.

Remember, the media makes its money making us angry, interested, and upset and not by pointing out what’s going well. Therefore, it’s up to each of us to look for and build on the good every day.

Here are just a few of the remarkable accomplishments this year has seen.

Plato and friend playing together in the green grass.

Global health: numerous countries achieved disease elimination milestones. Egypt eradicated hepatitis C, formerly the world’s highest-burdened country. The Maldives triumphed over leprosy, while Bangladesh conquered both black fever and elephantiasis.

Niger led the way in Africa by eliminating river blindness, joined by Benin, Mali, and Iraq in eliminating trachoma. Timor-Leste, Bhutan, and North Korea celebrated the eradication of rubella, and Ghana achieved victory over sleeping sickness. Additionally, Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, and Belize successfully eliminated malaria.”

(Lest we forget the small things, Deb spent time with her amazing son 😊)

Deb and son together.

In 2023, European cancer deaths dropped by 6.5% for men and 3.7% for women compared to 2018.

The United States saw a one-third reduction in cancer deaths over three decades.

Australia reported fewer skin cancers among those under 40. Promising advances were made in treating colon, skin, bladder, and cervical cancer.

Pfizer pledged to provide patented cancer drugs at cost to 1.2 billion people in low-income countries.

(And equally amazing, Italy allows dogs in the grocery stores 😲🌟!)

Cute dog in store.

Obesity affects over 70% of US adults and more than half of Europe. New treatments like Ozempic and Wegovy not only promote substantial weight loss but also lower the risk of heart failure, heart attacks, and strokes. This year’s breakthrough confirms that these drugs can indeed protect the health of people with obesity.

(Partially amazing? My little brother is still taking ice baths through the winter ❄️😱!)

Haas takes a cold plunge.

UNICEF says there are 50 million more girls in school today compared to 2015. Completion rates for girls have also gone up, from 86% to 89% in primary school and from 54% to 61% in high school. Additionally, five million more girls now complete all levels of education each year compared to seven years ago.

(Impressively, Karin and Ken celebrated 45 years together, well done 🎉🥳🎈!)

Karin and Ken share a meal together.

Something good for everyone:

Early data shows a remarkable 13% drop in murder rates for 2023, one of the biggest annual declines ever. Almost every major crime category, except auto theft, has also decreased. Violent crime is now at its lowest point in over 50 years, while property crime is at its lowest since the 1960s. Additionally, the country’s prison population is down 25% from its 2009 peak, with many states, including New Jersey and New York, reducing their prison populations by over 50% in the past decade.

What’s the most amazing fact of all?

Steve and Jo together.

Steve and Jo celebrating 51 and half years together (plus they’ve visited over 50 National Parks) and they were kind enough to share their adventure with all of us. Through thick and thin they continue to be there for each other 🎉🥳🎈!

So remember the next time your phone or the TV tries to make you angry, look for the good, be kind to someone else, and give thanks for being above ground!

Quantz works on puzzle.

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

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
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
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.

Blue, red, and white logo for The Big 65 Medicare insurance broker.