I made the mistake of honesty - saying I had been diagnosed as having a cyst on my ovary - when I applied for Blue Cross once. They asked for my records, and then turned me down after they saw that I had cysts and hirsutism. THEY decided I had PCOS and the future health complications (possible diabetes, obesity, heart disease) were too much of a risk - even though I was an otherwise completely normal 23 year old with no other health problems, was 5'9" and weighed 125 lbs. The plan I was applying for did not cover infertility treatment, so I don't think they denied me based on the risk of my needing that down the road. I could only qualify for "high risk" coverage - which was described to me as the kind of coverage they'd give someone with HIV or who was in the middle of battling cancer. It was insane.
I went back to school where the university plan HAD to cover me, spent some time uninsured, and fortunately I'm now covered under my husband's insurance (military) no questions asked.
I know what you're going through - it is a HORRIBLE position to be in. Kat is right, though - don't let the insurance lapse, or it just gets worse.
__________________ Heather (30) DH (37)
Diagnosed 2002.
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Holy crap! I give major kudos to all of you for dealing with this on a monthly basis. $500 a month?! That's half my monthly income. More than my rent! I knew that Americans had to pay insurance premiums, but in a vague "I'm not really sick" kinda way. I can't believe that people with the same symptoms I have would be denied like that, all across the board. I wish you good luck, and you've definitely made me appreciate what I have. I wish I could help, but unfortunately all I can do if offer support.
__________________ Erinn
23 years old
Diagnosed: PCOS- April 2006, IR- June 2008
Metformin 500mg 2x a day
"I've tripped again and things are starting to get interesting..."
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Ok...My insurance was termed on 12/31/07--When exactly will it lapse if it hasn't already? I think I have 31 days? I just got my term letter from Aetna...So if it hasn't lapsed will it be easier to apply? Will I get in trouble if I "forget" to mention PCOS on the application *lol* My gyno never gave a definite yes to PCOS neither did my Endo...But I am IR
__________________
Tahlena 28 To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. DBF 26
PCOS Offically Dx'd 2003
IR Dx'd 9/4/2007
***
Rx's
9/5/2007 MET 1000mg
4/1/2008 MET 2000mg
Ok...My insurance was termed on 12/31/07--When exactly will it lapse if it hasn't already? I think I have 31 days? I just got my term letter from Aetna...So if it hasn't lapsed will it be easier to apply? Will I get in trouble if I "forget" to mention PCOS on the application *lol* My gyno never gave a definite yes to PCOS neither did my Endo...But I am IR
I would call your company first thing tomorrow. If you have the money - even if it's pricey - go on Cobra until you find other coverage.
If your coverage lapses, you could end up having a VERY tough time getting coverage.
If you've never been diagnosed with PCOS, and it's not in your records, you don't need to say anything.
There's no existing 'actual' diagnosis for pcos, so there's nothing, really to disclose, imo.
__________________
Hey, SoulCysters! Need to eat more veggies, but can't find recipes??
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I would call your company first thing tomorrow. If you have the money - even if it's pricey - go on Cobra until you find other coverage.
If your coverage lapses, you could end up having a VERY tough time getting coverage.
If you've never been diagnosed with PCOS, and it's not in your records, you don't need to say anything.
There's no existing 'actual' diagnosis for pcos, so there's nothing, really to disclose, imo.
Ok I found out I have another 30 days to elect Cobra...Guess I'll just have to spend the $400/a month ...Will it be easier getting coverage while on Cobra?
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Tahlena 28 To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. DBF 26
PCOS Offically Dx'd 2003
IR Dx'd 9/4/2007
***
Rx's
9/5/2007 MET 1000mg
4/1/2008 MET 2000mg
Ugh!! I wish that I had posted this before I looked into health insurance. At this point after applying to so many carriers am I labeled as having PCOS? Does anyone know if the health insurance companies share this information? I still have two more companies that I could apply to and not add the PCOS diagnosis. I never thought of it being a syndrom which is exactly what it is. Thanks for the links to the studies too. I am learning so much.
Ugh!! I wish that I had posted this before I looked into health insurance. At this point after applying to so many carriers am I labeled as having PCOS? Does anyone know if the health insurance companies share this information? I still have two more companies that I could apply to and not add the PCOS diagnosis. I never thought of it being a syndrom which is exactly what it is. Thanks for the links to the studies too. I am learning so much.
I was wondering the same thing about insurance company's sharing information...I'm pretty sure with the whole privacy thing they would need your consent to give out such information...
Since there's no existing 'actual' diagnosis for pcos, as Kat stated if PCOS is mentioned anywhere in your medical history I'm assuming you can get the dx removed and jus have your symptoms listed? Not sure if that would help anything tho
I'm going to go thro my human resources book--its has a whole chapter on HIPAA...I'll post what I find out
__________________
Tahlena 28 To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. DBF 26
PCOS Offically Dx'd 2003
IR Dx'd 9/4/2007
***
Rx's
9/5/2007 MET 1000mg
4/1/2008 MET 2000mg
Ok I found out I have another 30 days to elect Cobra...Guess I'll just have to spend the $400/a month ...Will it be easier getting coverage while on Cobra?
One thing's for sure, it will be MUCH harder if you have a lapse in coverage. That's one of the worst things you can have happen. I waited until the very end of my Cobra to start looking for outside coverage, and ended up applying for 'emergency' 2-month coverage with BCBS to ensure that I would not have a lapse. Whatever you do, don't have a lapse.
I'm not sure, but I think there are some 'regs' in place regarding pre-exisiting conditions under continued coverage (but I'm not 100%). What I AM 100% about is: Don't let your coverage lapse, if you can afford it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by CAheather
Kat, you gorgeous girl. Thank you so much for this forum and all your knowledge and support. I am so happy I found this place.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Suzanka
Ugh!! I wish that I had posted this before I looked into health insurance. At this point after applying to so many carriers am I labeled as having PCOS? Does anyone know if the health insurance companies share this information? I still have two more companies that I could apply to and not add the PCOS diagnosis. I never thought of it being a syndrom which is exactly what it is. Thanks for the links to the studies too. I am learning so much.
I don't think they can share...
My position is: If you can't prove I have PCOS, then you can't deny me because of it.
As of this writing, the medical community has no way to confirm a PCOS diagnosis. Period.
"Discuss" PCOS with your doctor, but try to keep it out of your records.
__________________
Hey, SoulCysters! Need to eat more veggies, but can't find recipes??
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Yesterday I applied for Humana health insurance. I did not say anything about PCOS. I had to list medications. I listed Metformin and stated that I am not diabetic. The underwriter came back to ask why I was taking it. I said for an insulin resitence issue. They denied me. He basically told me that they will deny anyone who is on metformin for anything but diabities. I was told by the agent that only two companies will consider me, BC/BS (which I have) and Aetna, but with a high rider due to the Metformin. It really stinks. I guess I will be staying with my high premium.
Yesterday I applied for Humana health insurance. I did not say anything about PCOS. I had to list medications. I listed Metformin and stated that I am not diabetic. The underwriter came back to ask why I was taking it. I said for an insulin resitence issue. They denied me. He basically told me that they will deny anyone who is on metformin for anything but diabities. I was told by the agent that only two companies will consider me, BC/BS (which I have) and Aetna, but with a high rider due to the Metformin. It really stinks. I guess I will be staying with my high premium.
That sucks so bad--I'm sorry you're having such a hard time with this...I'm sure you know that Met is on the $4 list at walmart, and you can get it at that price with or without insurance...I still get my refills for $4 even tho I'm not covered right now...So I was wondering if it would have been ok to omit that? --Can you tell I can be devious at times? *lol* I applied for BCBS and "forgot" to mention met... I'm going to try Aetna today...I seriously don't see how those insurance people can sleep at night
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Tahlena 28 To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. DBF 26
PCOS Offically Dx'd 2003
IR Dx'd 9/4/2007
***
Rx's
9/5/2007 MET 1000mg
4/1/2008 MET 2000mg
Just got approved for BCBS montly premium is $220.86 including life and dental insurance...Way cheaper then Cobra...Taking this route...Good luck Suzanka
__________________
Tahlena 28 To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. DBF 26
PCOS Offically Dx'd 2003
IR Dx'd 9/4/2007
***
Rx's
9/5/2007 MET 1000mg
4/1/2008 MET 2000mg
...Will it be easier getting coverage while on Cobra?
