Uninsurable w/PCOS

gracie381 · 03-09-2006, 07:59 PM

Hello everyone, I'm from Tennessee and I am having a very difficult time. I have recently been removed from my state's insurance program and I am now considered uninsurable due to having PCOS. I have been turned down by 4 companies just because of PCOS: (BlueCross BlueShield, Continental General Insurance, United Healthcare & Humana). Thing is I don't have any ongoing symptoms from the PCOS except irregular mensus and infertility. I am a thin cyster (5'9, 145 lbs.) and my blood pressure has always been normal to low and I am not insulin resistance. Of course this doesn't seem to matter to any of the COLD underwriters for the insurance companies. I even had one underwriter speak with my doctor, who explained that I was not a typical PCOS patient and that my mensus were being controlled with meds, and the infertility issue was something that I would be handling on my own. They still didn't care. I was just wondering if any of you cysters out there have insurance through a private company and not a group. If so, could you pleeeease throw me some names out here. I'm very desperate. I just cannot imagine living the rest of my life without health insurance. In Tennessee, one insurance underwriter told me that PCOS was now declined across the board with everyone. I think we should pass a bill or law saying they cannot do this. I know PCOS symptoms can be very miserable and bad, but I feel like everyone is giving me a death sentence just because I have it.
Anyway if there is anyone out there who might can help me, please let me know. Thanks!

waiting.for.baby · 03-09-2006, 08:10 PM

Well, I have insurance through my job, so I can't help you with the private insurance issue. I live in NJ, and when one takes a job that offers insurance, the company MUST take the person onto the (group) plan no matter what conditions they have, but only when it immediatly becomes available to them. If they sign on LATER when they still work for the company, they can still be included, but cannot get treated for that condition until 6 months later. I don't know if it's like that in TN, where you live. That's how I got on this plan with my company. If I were going private, I don't know what would happen...I can imagine the struggle you are going through. I'm sorry I couldn't really help you!! I wish you good luck though :o)

gracie381 · 03-09-2006, 09:40 PM

Thanks for the info. I cannot get insurance through my job, and neither can my husband. I would find another job, but I love what I do and would hate to change. I've been working at the same place for almost 6 years and it's great. Thanks again for taking the time to reply. Hopefully someone on here will be able to help me.

tikvah · 03-10-2006, 01:42 AM

You said you were on state insurance; was that the high-risk insurance pool or something else? Because I know many states have insurance for people who have pre-existing conditions. They cannot refuse you for any condition.

emma42 · 03-10-2006, 07:04 AM

Hi,

Maybe try enrolling in some classes through a school. Even community colleges have student health plans--not free but not very pricey and I believe you are eligible just by being a student--they don't make you fill out health questionairres. Someone I know due to his diabetes could not get private health insurance. One agent told him he was uninsurable in the US. He was finally able to get insurance through a university--no health questions asked.

gracie381 · 03-10-2006, 03:13 PM

Unfortunately the state of Tennessee has shut down its only program which covers people with pre-existing conditions. That is what I was on until they kicked me off. Only people that can qualify for TennCare now are people who can also qualify for Medicaid, which I cannot.

Also I cannot afford to enroll in any classes. I wish I had the money to do so, but it is just not possible. I also could not be a student forever if you know what I mean, but thanks for your suggestion.