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Are they allowed to do that? I have Alliance/MAMSI at my current employer, but had Blue Cross/Blue Shield at my last employer when I was diagnosed with whatever-it-is (like PCOS, but not officially given that name). Alliance didn't bat an eyelash when I joined my new employer. With BC/BS I had an HMO, so I needed referrals for everything, and I don't here. I have nearly half a dozen specialists at this point, too: reproductive endo, regular endo, gastroenterologist, an orthopedist (separate issue), and a nutrionist.
I wonder if my "ease" was because I had insurance already, though? I can't imagine that... but also, find out if that company covers people who have diabetes, any other physical disability (cerebral palsy, for example, or traumatic brain injury), seizure disorder (epilepsy), etc. If they cover people with those disorders, what is their reason for not covering you?

How frustrating! Getting independent insurance (not through a job or university, etc..) can be very difficult, especially if you have ANY health problems. I was once turned down for insurance because of a history of depression in my teens. This despite the fact that it had several years since I had any problems and, this really confused me, even though they didn't cover any mental issues anyway. It frustrated me completely. Anyway, my suggestion would be to talk to an insurance broker. He/she will be intimately acquainted with all kinds of insurance plans and may be able to help you come up with some creative solutions. Sadly, your only choice may be to start looking for a job that does have insurance. Good luck, and may I just say that Health Insurance companies are evil

Jessica

Call/write your state insurance commissioner and give them the exact facts. Date of diagnosis, the wording of the denial of coverage, etc.
Yes, they can do it if you are applying for a new policy with a new company. No they can not if it is the same company you had previously under your parent's policy and there has been NO lapse of coverage.
The insurance commissioner may be able to guide you through the maze of getting some coverage with this company, or with another company.

I'm not sure I understand your post, Fearless. My insurance has always been with different companies as I've moved jobs, states, and positions. I've never been turned down for insurance, and since my endocrine disorder doesn't have a name, but has caused an incredible weight gain (and little weight lost). They stabalized the weight with a medication regimine, and I exercise 5-6 days per week with swimming and weights, but have still nearly zero weight loss.
I imagine my disorder must be expensive with the number of specialists and the medications, plus all the bloodwork and diagnostic imaging that they do regularly.

You are the first person I've heard of personally being turned down for PCOS. Are you taking metformin? That could be a red flag making them think you have diabetes. I had to submit extra paperwork for life insurance when Met was listed. I would definitely ask them to reconsider your application. They could have made a mistake.

That is so weird. I have never heard of anyone getting turned down due to PCOS. I would call the insurance company and find out why they would turn you down for having PCOS and see what they may say. If they think it's because of the medication you are on (maybe you are on Metformin) you might need a doctors note to say why you are on Metformin and that's its for your condition, not diabeties. Just a suggestion!

I am not on Metformin. My PCOS was diagnosed because I had ammenorhea and I wanted to know why. Blood tests were performed that indicated PCOS. I don't have any symptoms other than that.

Sadly, since insurance is privatized in the US, they can turn you down for a pre-existing condition - especially if you are applying independantly, rather than through an employer. (When you apply through an employer, you usually don't have to go through your medical history)

I would contact the insurance company and request further information regarding the denial, and ask for them to reconsider your application.

You can also check out this site: http://lifeandhealth.com/ You type in your information and then insurance companies willing to insure you send you price quotes.

I am a new poster, but I have been lurking for years. After I read this post, I had to reply. I have been continuously covered by insurance since 1996. This insurance has always been provided by the school I was attending at the time or by a job. I am now graduating again, so I have to get individual insurance. So far I have been denied coverage by every company I have tried because of my PCOS. Only one of the companies has offered to cover my husband but not me. All the other companies have also denied my husband because of my PCOS. If you get insurance through a job, you will be covered, but if you try for individual insurance with PCOS, they will not cover you. I am 28 years old. Last year I only went to the doctor once for a one-time thing totally unrelated to PCOS.

So is diabetes a reason some insurance companies won't cover a person?

I would guess so. It is why my mother had to give up her business and get a job that had health insurance.

It really depends on what state you live in as to the insurance laws in that state. I know for the state of Texas, you have to have continuous insurance for at least 18 months & no lapse of more than 6 months in order for pre-existing conditions to not apply.

If you can tell me the state that you're in, I can tell you the laws that apply to your state.

I didn't have insurance for 3 years & I had it in a different state, I was not turned down for insurance nor did I have to wait to get treated for PCOS. I did not put on the application that I had PCOS though, maybe that makes a difference...I've never put on any application that I had PCOS b/c I've never found a place to put it down.

Good Luck!
Traci