If you’ve heard of sugar and love the sweet substance, then chances are you’ve also heard of a not so sweet condition that can accompany it.
It’s none other than diabetes, which currently impacts more than 34.2 million Americans. To give you a larger perspective on how pervasive it is, more than 1 in 10 people in the country have it. That number doesn’t include the 88 million Americans who are at risk of prediabetes.
Apart from it affecting your thirst and hunger among its list of symptoms, one of the most major ways it can impact your lifestyle is in your feet. Because diabetes tends to damage your nerves, you might begin to lose some feeling in your two long limbs. This can lead to further complications when it comes to a reduced inability to heal or ward off an incoming infection.
Even though you might have never predicted that the innocent looking white powder could have caused your feet to lose their senses, it doesn’t mean that you should give up when it comes to treatment and healing.
That’s where diabetic shoes can play a big therapeutic role in reducing the pressure that your feet have to tread with on a daily basis. They can additionally provide a cushion with ample support so that you can go about your life on your own two feet as usual.
However, like all durable medical equipment (DME), their benefits come attached with a hefty cost. What you’ll usually see for diabetic shoes is a range of $50-200 per pair.
Feeling overwhelmed by the sudden lack of savings in the bank, you might already be looking toward insurance with a hopeful expression.
Luckily, Medicare does offer partial coverage and reimbursem*nt to take the load off your shoulders. (or in this case, your feet!). Like most other therapeutic options, your diabetic shoes fall under Part B because they’re considered DME.
Depending on your specific needs out of a shoe, Medicare will be able to provide you the following options:
- One pair of custom molded shoes with inserts in case of a severe diabetic foot condition
- One pair of extra-depth shoes
- Two additional pairs of inserts every year for your custom molded shoes
- Three pairs of inserts every year for extra-depth shoes
Rather than just inserts alone, they’ll also be able to cover any costs related to shoe modifications so that you can get the best fit possible.
To enjoy all of these benefits, you’ll have to prove to Medicare that you’re able to qualify for their insurance. The main requirements are a doctor’s verification and prescription that your diabetic shoes in question are medically necessary.
What that means is that you’ll have to meet at least three of the following health conditions:
- Diabetes
- Foot deformity
- Diabetes-inflicted nerve damage
- Foot ulcers
- Foot amputation
- Poor circulation
- Treatment must be done through a thorough health care plan.
As soon as Medicare is able to approve you into their insurance coverage, you’ll be able to enjoy your diabetic shoes at a significantly reduced cost. Don’t forget that even though Medicare will pay for the majority, that you’re still most likely responsible for any copays and deductibles.
At the end of the day, the soothing comfort and preventative relief you’ll get from the diabetes shoes should outweigh any outstanding costs.
The content contained in this article is for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. Reliance on any information provided in this article is solely at your own risk.
