Therapeutic shoes & inserts (2024)

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers the furnishing and fitting of either of these each calendar year, if you have diabetes and severe diabetes-related foot disease:

  • One pair of custom-molded shoes and inserts
  • One pair of extra-depth shoes

Medicare also covers:

  • 2 additional pairs of inserts each calendar year for custom-molded shoes
  • 3 pairs of inserts each calendar year for extra-depth shoes

Medicare will cover shoe modifications instead of inserts.

Your costs in Original Medicare

After you meet the Part B deductible, you pay 20% of the Medicare-Approved Amount (if your supplier accepts assignment).

Medicare will only cover your therapeutic shoes if your doctors and suppliers are enrolled in Medicare. Doctors and suppliers have to meet strict standards to enroll and stay enrolled in Medicare. If your doctors or suppliers aren't enrolled, Medicare won't pay the claims they submit.

It's also important to ask your suppliers if they participate in Medicare before you get therapeutic shoes. If suppliers are participating suppliers in Medicare, they must accept assignment (which means they can charge you only the coinsurance and Part B deductible for the Medicare-approved amount). If suppliers aren't "participating" and don't accept assignment, there's no limit on the amount they can charge you.

Find out cost

To find out how much your test, item, or service will cost, talk to your doctor or health care provider. The specific amount you’ll owe may depend on several things, like:

  • Other insurance you may have
  • How much your doctor charges
  • If your doctor accepts assignment
  • The type of facility
  • Where you get your test, item, or service

Frequency of services

Your doctor or other health care provider may recommend you get services more often than Medicare covers. Or, they may recommend services that Medicare doesn’t cover. If this happens, you may have to pay some or all of the costs. Ask questions so you understand why your doctor is recommending certain services and if, or how much, Medicare will pay for them.

Things to know

The doctor who treats your diabetes must certify your need for therapeutic shoes or inserts.

A podiatrist (foot doctor) or other qualified doctor must prescribe the shoes or inserts, and you must get the shoes or inserts from one of these:

  • A podiatrist
  • An orthotist
  • A prosthetist
  • A pedorthist
  • Another qualified individual

Is my test, item, or service covered?

Therapeutic shoes & inserts (2024)

FAQs

Does Medicare pay for orthotic shoe inserts? ›

Key Takeaways. Medicare covers orthotic shoes and inserts for specific conditions. These are covered under Medicare Part B. Medicare pays the bulk of the cost, but you may have to pay a portion yourself.

Does Medicare still pay for diabetic shoes? ›

Medicare-approved amount

Medicare will only cover your therapeutic shoes if your doctors and suppliers are enrolled in Medicare. Doctors and suppliers have to meet strict standards to enroll and stay enrolled in Medicare. If your doctors or suppliers aren't enrolled, Medicare won't pay the claims they submit.

Which insoles do podiatrists recommend? ›

  • Walk Hero Plantar Fasciitis Feet Insoles. $19.99. Amazon. ...
  • Dr. Scholl's Sport Insoles. $15.77. ...
  • Aetrex Lynco Women's Complete Orthotics. $69.95. ...
  • Superfeet All-Purpose Women's High-Impact Support Insoles. $59.95. ...
  • Sof Sole Insoles Men's Athlete Performance Full-Length Gel Shoe Insert. $17.97. ...
  • PROFOOT Men's Orthotic Insoles. $8.99.
May 6, 2024

Are orthofeet shoes covered by Medicare? ›

Do you take Medicare? Our diabetic shoes are approved by Medicare, but we do not accept insurance. To receive coverage by Medicare for our shoe, you must order them from a provider that bills Medicare. To find one of these providers, please feel free to use our professional locator search page.

What type of doctor prescribes shoe inserts? ›

Orthotics refers to custom-made shoe inserts prescribed by a licensed doctor of podiatric medicine, an osteopathic doctor, or a medical doctor after a medical examination and diagnosis. Orthotics are designed to accommodate or correct an abnormal or irregular walking pattern.

What is the difference between shoe inserts and orthotics? ›

Unlike inserts, Foot Levelers orthotics are custom-made for your body and feet, based on scans and doctor exams. Orthotics can manage foot disorders and posture problems, and they generally last much longer-lasting than insoles. Over-the-counter insoles are available in stores and pharmacies.

How to get diabetic shoes for free? ›

People with diabetes might be eligible to receive therapeutic-diabetic shoes and inserts at NO COST*. Proper documentation from the doctor is required. The forms that you would need in order to receive diabetic shoes and/or can be found under DME Forms.

How to get a prescription for orthopedic shoes? ›

If you require an orthopedic shoe, it must be prescribed by an authorized health care professional and fitted by an authorized provider. The authorized provider will have the necessary expertise to assess your needs, select the best shoe, and ensure that it fits correctly.

Can a podiatrist write a prescription for diabetic shoes? ›

who is treating your diabetic condition must certify it. While a podiatrist can prescribe diabetic shoes, they cannot sign the physician's certification statement. You will need a new order for the replacement of any shoe.

Do Dr Scholls inserts really work? ›

They have made a significant difference in my daily life by providing superior comfort, support, and durability. If you're looking for an easy way to enhance your everyday comfort and reduce the strain on your feet, give these insoles a try. You won't be disappointed! Great insole upgrade for working shoes.

Do you put Dr Scholl's on top of insoles? ›

Scholl's® insoles or orthotics? Dr. Scholl's® insoles and orthotics can placed over a shoe's existing insole as long as the shoe is still comfortable and does not feel too tight. Any insole or orthotic that is not full-length should be placed on top of your shoe's existing insole.

Do shoe inserts really work? ›

If you're experiencing minor aches and pains that require a little extra cushioning, off-the-shelf insoles may offer effective relief. But if the structure of your foot or the pattern of your gait causes pain, a store-bought insole may not provide the stability and positioning needed to resolve the issue.

What is the difference between orthopedic and therapeutic shoes? ›

Therapeutic footwear is used to prevent diabetic ulcers. Orthopedic footwear is used by people with structural conditions of the foot.

Does social security pay for orthopedic shoes? ›

NON-MEDICAL NECESSITY COVERAGE AND PAYMENT RULES

Orthopedic footwear is covered under the leg, arm, back, and neck braces, and artificial legs, arms and eyes benefit (Social Security Act §1861(s)(9)).

Do you need a prescription for orthotic shoes? ›

Your healthcare provider can prescribe custom-fit orthotics. Or you can buy inserts over the counter. These pre-made orthotics are often less expensive and don't require a doctor's visit. But you should see a healthcare provider if you have chronic foot pain or your symptoms don't improve with store-bought inserts.

How do I get orthotics covered? ›

Generally, orthotics are covered if:

The orthotics are prescribed by a qualified medical practitioner for protection, support, pain relief, and body alignment. The insurance contract specifically covers orthotics. They are made from the appropriate material, which is often pre-specified in your plan.

Are orthopedic inserts covered by insurance? ›

Coverage typically varies by provider, although most will cover medically necessary orthotics, such as those needed to treat injuries or deformities. Depending on your insurance plan, coverage may also include the cost of fitting, labor, and device replacement.

How do I get orthopedic insoles? ›

Unlike over-the-counter shoe inserts, custom orthotics (also called orthopedic insoles), are prescribed by a doctor and constructed for your feet.

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