Although most specialist physicians are aware that under certain conditions Medicare will cover the cost of diabetic footwear, not all primary care physicians know about this benefit. Be sure to talk with the doctor before purchasing prescription shoes or inserts. You or your elder could save substantially, as these things are not inexpensive.

If you have Medicare Part B, have diabetes, and meet the conditions below, Medicare should cover therapeutic shoes and inserts.

The types of shoes that are covered each year include one of the following:

• One pair of depth-inlay shoes and three pairs of inserts

• One pair of custom-molded shoes (including inserts) if you can't wear depth-inlay shoes because of a foot deformity, and two additional pairs of inserts

Note: In certain cases, Medicare may also cover separate inserts or shoe modifications instead of inserts.

How To Qualify For Therapeutic Shoes

In order for Medicare to pay for therapeutic shoes, the doctor treating your diabetes must certify that you meet all of the following three conditions:

1. You have diabetes

2. You have at least one of the following conditions in one or both feet:

    • Partial or complete foot amputation

    • Past foot ulcers

    • Calluses that could lead to foot ulcers

    • Nerve damage (neuropathy) because of diabetes with signs of problems with calluses

    • Poor circulation

    • Deformed foot

3. You are being treated under a comprehensive diabetes care plan and need therapeutic shoes and/or inserts because of diabetes.

     Medicare also requires the following:

    • A podiatrist or other qualified doctor prescribes the shoes

    • A doctor or other qualified individual like a pedorthist, orthotist, or prosthetist fits and provides the shoes