The Big 65 Archives

The Secret to Happy Holidays!

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

Even though the Annual Election Period ended on the 7th, we’re still busy talking with clients all over. Book a time on my calendar or email Gray, Gray@theBig65.com. If you still have questions, I’ll be working till the 31st🎉.

Plato has been busy too… hounding neighbors like Vickie for treats😂 when we go walking.

We ran into John and Debbie on the trails and it was fun catching up.

Mookie always barks like a maniac when you walk by his yard. But if you stop and say hello, he is the sweetest dog on the planet.

Socializing, even casually, can boost serotonin, the “feel-good” chemical, and oxytocin, the “bonding hormone.” These chemicals help reduce stress and promote feelings of happiness and trust.

I make it a point to always say “hello” to strangers and it makes me feel like I’m walking tall😊.

Engaging in friendly chats can decrease cortisol, the stress hormone. Less stress means a healthier heart, better sleep, and a stronger immune system.

Quantz has joined a flower arranging class and I know she looks forward to it.

Being part of a community—even in a small way—helps combat loneliness. This sense of connection is vital for mental and emotional well-being, especially as we age.

Casual conversations stimulate your brain, keeping you mentally sharp and engaged. When Quantz couldn’t go to her flower class this week, since it was paid for, I went in her place and actually had fun trying something new.

Here are the simple steps to building low stakes friendships:

Be Open to Conversations: Make eye contact, smile, and engage in small talk during daily activities.
Frequent the Same Places: Visit the same coffee shop, park, or community center to create familiarity.
Practice Kindness: Compliments or simple acts of kindness can start a connection.
Join Local Activities: Consider joining clubs, walking groups, or community events to meet new people.

These brief, positive interactions don’t just benefit you; they brighten the day of the other person as well. A kind word or shared laugh can ripple outward, creating a chain of good feelings in your community.

As we navigate the holiday season, low-stakes friendships remind us that a connection doesn’t always have to be deep to be meaningful. I challenge you to reach out and make a connection with someone new this week. Report your connection and we’ll send you honey🐝. Q is still filling bottles.

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.

Let’s keep moving people🚶‍♂️👨‍🦼🏃‍♀️!

Greetings and may this blog find you in amazing health with your Medicare insurance coverage 🏥 working properly and the holidays 🎅🕎🕯️coming round the corner fast!

Thank goodness the Annual Election Period ended last Saturday🎉 . It was a pleasure catching up with so many people all over the country.

If you have a Medicare supplement plan, we can shop premiums any month of the year (if you are in good health🥗🍎💪🌿✨).
If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, there is an Open Election Period from January 1st till March 31st where you are still able to make one change.

Book a time on my calendar or email Gray, Gray@theBig65.com for after the 1st. Plato is happy for the extra attention and his own Advent calendar!

Here’s how I felt after the Election Period ended 😊😌, happy and grateful for so many amazing clients.

Norman just turned 92, the dad of one my college friends I follow on Facebook. This guy is still active and engaged. I’m guessing the reason why is he never stops moving.

Regular movement is one of the most powerful ways to enhance your health and extend your life. Here’s why:

Exercise strengthens your heart, improves circulation, and lowers blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart disease.

Mary in Tennessee belongs to group of Contra Dancers, a style of folk dancing that builds and is fun.

Regular movement helps prevent conditions like diabetes, obesity, and arthritis.

It doesn’t have to be fancy. My father-in-law, Tom, walks every morning. Our Airman Nicholas visited his grandfather before he returned overseas and reported “Pops” to be in great health.

Physical activity promotes neurogenesis (growth of new brain cells) and reduces the risk of cognitive decline. My buddy Steve just returned from climbing glaciers in Ecuador. That’s a bit more than I’m willing to do but the point is clear:

Keep trying new things. Keep challenging yourself.

Exercise stimulates the release of endorphins, improving mood and combating stress or depression. After the Election Period ended, Plato and I spent an afternoon in the mountains exploring. It was just great to be outside!

Studies show that people who are regularly active live longer and healthier lives. Make movement a habit—whether it’s walking, yoga, working in the yard, or just climbing steps, every step counts toward a healthier, longer life!

Of course there’s nothing wrong with relaxation either. Here’s to quality time with the ones you love!

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:

How will you be remembered🪦?

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

Saturday, December 7 is the final day of the Annual Election Period! Gray and I are working on Saturday.

Call 877-850-0211 if you still need to speak about Part D drug plans💊.

If you have a Medicare supplement plan, we can shop premiums any month of the year (if you are in good health🥗🍎💪🌿✨).
If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, there is an Open Election Period from January 1st till March 31st where you are still able to make one change.

The winter weather continues in Colorado and we sure have been enjoying the precious time with family before our Airman Nicholas heads back overseas. Where does the time go?

Last weekend, we celebrated a Thanksgiving Christmas combo, turkey and Santa Claus. It was so much fun to pull out the old ornaments, this one from my great great grandparents, 1853. The bottom line translates as “remember us from the grave,” wow!

Holidays are when we hope to strengthen family bonds and build lasting memories. But, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Here are a few ideas to help you stay happy, healthy, and grounded through the end of the year.

Stay Active: Enjoy family walks, gentle yoga, or even a snowball fight! Movement helps manage stress and keeps energy levels high.
Eat Smart: Indulge in holiday treats but aim for balance. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins in your meals.
Rest Well: Prioritize sleep to recharge your body and mind for all the festivities.
Be Present: Put down the phone and focus on real conversations. Ask family members about their favorite memories or future plans.
Practice Gratitude: Share what you’re thankful for—this small act can boost everyone’s mood.
Create New Traditions: Whether it’s baking cookies, watching a classic movie, or volunteering together, building memories is what the holidays are about.
Set Boundaries: It’s okay to say no to events or requests that feel overwhelming.
Plan Ahead: Organize holiday tasks early to avoid last-minute chaos.
Breathe: Take a moment to relax with deep breathing or a short meditation if things feel hectic.
Volunteer: Help out at a local shelter, or support a charity close to your heart. Quantz has been delivering Meals on Wheels and really enjoying it.
Check on Neighbors: Reach out to elderly neighbors or those who may be spending the holidays alone.

We’re going to blink and the holidays (and our lives) will be over. Just like my great great grandparents ask to be remembered from the grave – how will you be remembered?

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:

Watch out for Medicare red tape⚠️❗

Greetings! I hope you had an amazing Thanksgiving, with remarkable health 💪, plenty of stuffing, and your Medicare insurance coverage 🏥 working properly.

This is the LAST Week of the Annual Election Period! It ends on December 7th.

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

There’s plenty of snow falling in the Rockies and for this we are grateful. Nicholas was happy to get a day in the mountains. He’ll be heading overseas soon for his next Air Force assignment. We sure are gonna miss him.

After skiing Sunday morning in Winter Park, we bought a pass for $20 to harvest a Christmas tree in the National Forest. Plato was happy for the adventure.

You get a piece of red tape that must be attached to the base of the tree. If the rangers don’t see that when you’re driving out, you could be in trouble.

Navigating Medicare has a lot of red tape: if you don’t follow the rules, you could face trouble, too. Here are some of the things I recommend doing:

Never pay a medical bill until you are certain it is correct. According to Nerdwallet, billing errors and “inaccurate claims (are) at nearly 50 percent.” I don’t know if this number is true, but even if it is much lower, it points to the importance of checking every bill with the carrier or the provider before paying.

If you are in a Medicare Advantage plan and your doctor recommends lab work, an MRI, or a medical procedure, different locations may have different costs for the service provided.

Check in with member services to make certain what you need is being provided in the most cost effective way. Services received in your primary’s office are often the most cost effective.

If you are taking multiple medications for chronic conditions (cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes, etc), request an annual MTM, a Medication Therapy Management session to make sure there are no adverse interactions occurring.

Doctors are often too busy to review your medications unless you speak up. Carry a list of all your medications to the appointment or request a review with your pharmacist or your Part D drug provider.

Even in the winter, Plato wants you to bee 🐝 careful😂!

Thanks to Elizabeth for the Google review. If you’d like some honey, feel free to leave us a review on Google or Facebook.

And finally, our daughter Susanna is fostering Elwood, an 8-year-old Rottweiler looking for a new home.

He is calm and takes his time getting used to new people and surroundings. Elwood does well with other dogs and would be happy in an adult-only household. He is a loving companion who enjoys a peaceful environment, but will jump with joy if you offer to take him on a walk. If you want a gentle, goofy and loyal friend, Elwood would love to meet you!

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

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

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

Medicare questions or problems?

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

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

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

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

You ready for winter🥶?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Medicare questions or problems?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Medicare questions or problems?

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

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

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

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

Avoid these rookie🙀 Medicare🚑 Mistakes💸🤭!

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

Plato says he’s pretty excited about the 12 inches of snow we received. He loves the snow!

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

It’s been a delight catching up with so many of you these past few weeks but it sure has been a challenge staying on schedule. I’ve been doing ice baths every morning at 4:30 AM to get ready for the day. It’s supposed to be great for metabolic health. I’ll keep you posted on my numbers!

Hard to believe, a week ago, it was beautiful and sunny. Q was raking leaves.

I was prepping candy boards just as the snow warnings came.

It seems like every year, the process gets a little easier. But…

You have to pay attention to the details (like adding a bit of vinegar to prevent mold).

If you don’t pay attention to details, the hives will perish and you don’t get honey.

If you don’t pay attention to the Medicare details, bad things can happen.

Did you know that Medicare won’t always pay for ambulances?

Client Judy in Denver shared the story of a neighbor who had to pay the full cost of her ambulance. Turns out, if it’s not a life threatening emergency, you may get stuck with the bill.

Medicare will not pay for ambulance services if:

1. It’s Not a Medical Emergency: Medicare only covers ambulance rides when it’s necessary for your health. If you could safely travel by another method, they won’t pay.

2. No Doctor’s Order for Non-Emergency Rides: For planned, non-emergency ambulance rides, you need a doctor’s written order stating it’s necessary. Without it, Medicare may not cover the trip.

3. Going Farther Than Needed: Medicare pays for rides to the nearest suitable medical facility. If you go farther without a medical reason, you’ll pay extra.

4. No Advance Notice: In some non-emergency cases, if the ambulance company thinks Medicare won’t cover the ride, they must give you an Advance Beneficiary Notice (ABN) first. If they don’t and Medicare denies payment, you might not have to pay for it.

Here’s the book with all the details. Buyer beware!

Our son Nicholas just finished his first tour of duty in the Air Force stationed in Britain. We can’t wait to see him.

Thanks to Becky and Joe for the Google review. They live around the corner so I was able to drop off their honey the day before the storm.

We still have plenty so feel free to leave us a review on Google or Facebook. If you were promised honey and it hasn’t arrived, please let us know.

Happy 66th to this young lady (her husband said they had to use the previous year’s candles😂). I accidentally deleted the sender’s name😅, so please send me your name and you’ll get honey as well!

A big shout out to Marcia and her hubby for sending pictures of their great travel adventure…8000 miles across 15 states in their 42 foot motor home over two months, Florida to Montana. Now that’s living large, right Bruce😊.

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:

It’s time for a heart to heart talk❤️!

Greetings! Q and I hope you had a happy Halloween🎃, in amazing health 💪 with your Medicare insurance coverage 🏥 working properly.

The Annual Election Period is in full costume and I’m hearing from lots of clients that even the carriers are trying to trick folks into new plans.

If anyone calls and tries to switch you to new plan, watch out😱!

Thank goodness Bob called me before he agreed to be switched😌!

Turned out it was a call center PRETENDING to be a carrier! We got everything taken care of, but it almost cost him, big time💵.

Just like marriage, and honey production🍯🐻, Medicare is a team effort. My job is to help you deal with all the Bull🐂😂.

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.

Cindy and Jared reported their honey arrived safely in Florida. I learned from last year not to send glass bottles 😬🔨 .

If you’d like some, feel free to leave us a review on Google or Facebook, Q is still filling bottles. If you were promised honey and it hasn’t arrived, please let us know.

Even though this is my busiest time of the year, it sure is great to have Q home. My brother’s wife turned us on to Delicata squash last year.

Slice it thin
Leave in the seeds
Douse it a soy sauce & olive oil
Put it on parchment paper
Roast it at 375 degrees till done

You won’t be sorry! We told Lincoln not to eat too much but hey, it was Halloween!

We had a great block party in the neighborhood. Everyone brought food and libations and it sure was fun to see the varmints racing about and having the time of their lives.

As we round the curve into the holiday season, and way too much delicious food…

Now is the time to start thinking about heart health and the things you can do to balance out the extra delicious stuff we will soon all be eating!

(Judy got her honey, too!)

When it comes to heart health, cardio exercises like running often get the spotlight. However, weight lifting offers unique benefits that are just as important. Here’s a quick look at how both can boost your heart health and simple steps you can take.

And you don’t have to be a “wild thing” to do them😉!

Benefits of Weight Lifting

Increases Muscle Mass: More muscle boosts your metabolism, helping with weight management.
Lowers Blood Pressure: Resistance training can help reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
Improves Insulin Sensitivity: This lowers your risk of type 2 diabetes, which is linked to heart issues.
Enhances Heart Rate Variability: Better HRV indicates a healthier heart.

Don’t underestimate the power of laughing with a old friends like Beth. That’s really good for the heart❤️!

Benefits of Cardio

Strengthens Heart and Lungs: Improves overall aerobic capacity and circulation.
Burns Calories: Helps with weight loss and maintenance.
Reduces Stress: Cardio releases endorphins, boosting mood and reducing anxiety.
Manages Cholesterol: Can raise good cholesterol (HDL) and lower bad cholesterol (LDL).

Even though I’m super busy with the Annual Election Period, Plato and I make it a habit to walk daily (and to drop a stone each time we summit the Bluffs to give thanks for living!)

Both weight lifting and cardio are essential for heart health. By incorporating both into your routine and making small lifestyle changes, you can enhance your cardiovascular fitness and overall well-being. Consistency is key, so find what you enjoy and stick with it!

Talk about finding what you like, Alex and his wife love to travel and explore amazing places. These two travelers visited the salt water lakes in Kyrgyzstan. They are DEFINITELY getting honey for visiting a country Q is now eager to explore!

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:

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 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:

Here’s the Hidden Hospice Help Medicare Offers!

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

The Annual Election Period began Tuesday, October 15th 😱! It’s been fun catching up with so many of you all over the place.

If you’re happy with your coverage, you may not have to do anything, most plans will roll over automatically. We have till December 7th and there are plenty of slots in November.

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.

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.

Just remember to IGNORE the telemarketers📞⚠️☠️ and the misleading TV ads. Plato says Halloween is scary enough, don’t let the bad guys get you!

I’m happy to report that Q made it home safely on Monday after adding 9 countries to her total of 82! Plato couldn’t contain himself (and yes I gave him a bath before she arrived).

Once she gets settled, we will be sending out the honey🍯🐻 to everyone who was kind enough to give us a review on Google or Facebook. We still have plenty so feel free to click the links if you’ve been pleased with our service.

This week I received helpful advice from several amazing clients in hospice. You might think hospice care is only for the final days of life, but for Medicare recipients diagnosed with Dementia, Alzheimer’s, or Parkinson’s, qualifying for hospice earlier could improve quality of life significantly and reduce some costs.

Here’s a simplified guide on why you should consider hospice sooner—and when it might be too early.

Hospice isn’t just for cancer patients—it also supports those with advanced Dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s, providing care when symptoms become severe, quality of life declines, or when curative treatments are no longer effective.

Hospice care may be accessed by someone with Dementia, Alzheimer’s, or Parkinson’s when they show a major decline in their mental or physical abilities.

This could mean they struggle with basic tasks like eating, bathing, or moving around. Other signs include rapid weight loss, ongoing infections like pneumonia, difficulty recognizing family members, or frequent trips to the hospital. These changes can indicate it’s time to consider hospice support.

Here are some benefits people receive under hospice care:

Pain and symptom management
Medical care from doctors and nurses specialized in end-of-life care
Emotional and spiritual support for the patient and family
Medications
Medical equipment (e.g., hospital bed, wheelchair) and supplies (e.g., bandages)
Assistance with personal care, such as bathing and dressing
Respite care for family caregivers
Grief counseling and bereavement support for loved ones
24/7 access to care and support

Hospice care is not available for individuals with mild memory loss or occasional confusion.

If someone can still handle daily activities with minimal help and their condition is stable, managed by medication or therapy, hospice benefits wouldn’t be available.

The good news is that Plato still knows where he lives.

To start hospice care, talk to your primary doctor or specialist to see if it’s the right time. You can also contact a hospice provider directly—they’ll work with your doctor to assess eligibility and guide you through your Medicare benefits.

The bottom line, if you or someone you know is struggling with these issues, hospice may offer additional tools for the individual and the family. Share this if you think it will help.

Fortunately Annette and Mark’s Mastiff named Boris shows no sign of decline, even if he does believe he is the world’s largest Beanie Baby 😆!

And even though Annabelle and Daisy Mae may not the win the largest Beanie Baby award compared to Boris, I still think Frank and Brigitte own two of the cutest critters I’ve seen in a while.

Finally, here’s a big shout out to Wietze in Georgia. He’s in his fifth year of volunteering with the AARP Foundation Tax Aid Program. In this program, people can get their taxes done for free, yes FREE.

The primary clients are low income seniors but the only limitations are that the return cannot be too complicated. If you need help or would like to volunteer, check out the link. Thanks to Wietze for sharing!

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.

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