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