Diabetic Shoes

Does Medicare Cover Diabetic Shoes?

Yes, Medicare will cover the cost of one pair of therapeutic shoes (diabetic shoes) and inserts for people with diabetes if you have a medical need for them. The Medicare payment for therapeutic shoes is subject to the requirement that they are necessary and reasonable for protection of insensitive feet or neuropathy (nerve damage in the feet).

Medicare will cover one of the following per calendar year:

·    One pair of depth-inlay shoes and three pairs of inserts or;

·    One pair of custom molded shoes (including inserts) and two additional pairs of inserts. This option is only available if you cannot wear depth-inlay shoes due to a foot deformity.

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