Medicare Blog

how to get free shoes for diabetics through medicare

by Ms. Lorna Renner Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Free Medicare Diabetic Shoes Explained

  • Find a Medicare Provider in your area that provides Diabetic Shoes. We suggest that you contact Medicare to determine what companies in your area are qualified to provide Diabetic Shoes.
  • In order for the patient to qualify, the patient must have Diabetes, Medicare Insurance, and the Medical Provider company must determine that there is a Medical Necessity. ...
  • If the patient qualifies for diabetic shoes, they can receive one pair of qualified Diabetic Shoes, and three pairs of prefabricated inserts or two pairs of custom inserts (determined by ...
  • The Medicare Provider, has to first visit with the patient (in person) and examine their feet. ...
  • Once the feet are measured, the Medical Provider then presents the shoe options to the patient and they select a style of shoe. ...
  • The Medical Provider then orders the shoes that were chosen. In addition, the Medical Provider will also order the prefabricated or custom inserts. ...
  • If the shoes do not fit, the Medicare Provider orders a different style/size/width. ...

How much does Medicare pay for diabetic shoes?

To make sure these supplies are covered by Medicare, please note:

  • A qualified doctor must prescribe the shoes or inserts.
  • A qualified doctor must provide and fit you for the shoes or inserts.
  • Medicare Part B covers one pair of custom-molded shoes or one pair of depth-inlay shoes per calendar year.

More items...

Are diabetic shoes covered by Medicare?

Medicare can pay a portion of the cost of your diabetic shoes. Part B will cover both the fitting and the footwear. The Part B deductible still applies. Below, we’ll look at just what you can get if Medicare pays for your diabetic shoes. Also, Medicare can cover the cost of modifications to your shoes, rather than inserts.

Why does Medicare pay for diabetic shoes?

  • Amputation of all or part of either foot
  • Foot deformity
  • Poor blood circulation
  • History of ulcers
  • History of pre-ulcerative calluses
  • Diabetic neuropathy with evidence of callus formation

What is the best Medicare-approved diabetic shoe brands?

Best Men's Shoes For Diabetes: A5500 Approved Diabetic & Neurotherapy Footwear For Men

  1. SAS Ambassador [Derby Shoes]
  2. Mephisto Cap Vert [Penny Loafers]
  3. Propét Graham [Monk Straps]
  4. ASICS Gel-Nimbus 20 [Running Shoes]
  5. Dunham Jackson [Toe Cap Shoes]
  6. SAS Decksider [Boat Shoes]
  7. Drew Trek [Walking Boots]
  8. Dunham Captain [Casual Shoes]
  9. Drew Dublin [A5500-Approved Sandals]
  10. Dr Comfort Wings [Brogue Shoes]

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How do I get a free pair of diabetic shoes?

If you are diabetic and have Medicare and Medicaid, you could be eligible for a pair of shoes and 3 pairs of moldable insoles. It is that easy! All you have to do is bring in your insurance cards and a prescription from your doctor. We will contact your doctor for any additional information we need for billing.

Can I get free shoes if I have diabetes?

Many people ask us if diabetics are allowed a free pair of shoes. Unfortunately, this is not true. However, qualifying diabetics with Medicare are entitled to one pair of shoes and three shoe inserts per calendar year with little to NO COST. (deductibles and co-insurance may apply).

What qualifies for diabetic shoes?

Your doctor confirms your need for therapeutic shoes or inserts. A podiatrist or other qualified doctor prescribes them....You have least one of the following conditions in one or both feet:Partial or total foot amputation.Foot ulcers.Pre-ulcerative calluses.Nerve damage due to diabetes.Poor circulation.Foot deformity.

Does Social Security pay for diabetic shoes?

Therapeutic Shoes and inserts are covered under the Therapeutic Shoes for Individuals with Diabetes benefit (Social Security Act §1861(s)(12)).

How do I get a prescription for diabetic shoes?

The purchase of diabetic shoes does not require a prescription. However, insurance company guidelines require that diabetic shoes be prescribed by a physician and fitted by a qualified individual such as a Certified Orthotic Fitter.

Who can write prescription for diabetic shoes?

The prescribing practitioner may be a podiatrist, MD, DO, physician assistant (PA), licensed nurse practitioner (LPN), or clinical nurse specialist (CNS). The prescribing practitioner may also be the supplier (i.e., the one who furnishes the footwear).

Can a podiatrist prescribe diabetic shoes?

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.

Are Orthofeet shoes covered by Medicare?

Medicare covers the cost of orthopedic shoes for people with diabetes who have an additional foot deformity or neuropathy. The payment should be processed by your healthcare practitioner.

What is the difference between diabetic shoes and regular shoes?

Diabetic shoes are often wider and deeper than regular shoes to accommodate a special multi-density insert that is designed to reduce pressure and callouses to the bottom of feet. Diabetic shoes have a larger “toe box” to prevent squeezing of the toes.

What does Medicare approved shoe mean?

Medicare provides coverage for extra-depth shoes, custom-molded shoes, and shoe inserts for people with diabetes who qualify under Medicare Part B. Designed to prevent lower-limb ulcers and amputations in people who have diabetes, this Medicare benefit can prevent suffering and save money.

Are diabetic shoes considered orthotics?

Therapeutic shoes for diabetics are not durable medical equipment (DME) and are not considered DME nor orthotics, but a separate category of coverage under Part B.

Does Medicare pay for orthotics for diabetics?

Falling under the Medicare Part B, or outpatient medical benefit, foot orthotics are covered if you have been diagnosed with diabetes and severe diabetic foot disease.

Prevention of Diabetic Foot Injury and Infection

By following this list about foot care, you can decrease your chance of problems:

What are Diabetic Shoes?

All shoes are not created equal. To qualify as a diabetic shoe, certain standards must be met:

Will Medicare Pay for Diabetic Shoes?

Each calendar year, Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers either:

Are You Ready for Great Foot Care?

Our site provides information about state-of-the-art foot care. You will find information about treatments, advanced technologies, and upcoming events. We also assist you in finding needed resources such as diabetic shoes.

What are therapeutic shoes?

Therapeutic shoes & inserts 1 One pair of custom-molded shoes and inserts 2 One pair of extra-depth shoes

What is Medicare approved amount?

Medicare-Approved Amount. In Original Medicare, this is the amount a doctor or supplier that accepts assignment can be paid. It may be less than the actual amount a doctor or supplier charges. Medicare pays part of this amount and you’re responsible for the difference. , and the Part B.

What is original Medicare?

Your costs in Original Medicare. An agreement by your doctor, provider, or supplier to be paid directly by Medicare, to accept the payment amount Medicare approves for the service, and not to bill you for any more than the Medicare deductible and coinsurance.

Does Medicare cover therapeutic shoes?

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 submitted by them. It's also important to ask your suppliers ...

Does Medicare cover custom molded shoes?

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.

Do suppliers have to accept assignment for therapeutic shoes?

It's also important to ask your suppliers if they participate in Medicare before you get therapeutic shoes. If suppliers are participating suppliers, they must accept assignment. If suppliers are enrolled in Medicare but aren't "participating," they may choose not to accept assignment.

How much does a diabetic shoe cost?

Diabetic shoes typically retail anywhere from $100-$160 for a good quality pair, however the prescribing physician will charge Medicare up to four times that amount with the bill coming out to upwards of $500.

What are the disadvantages of Medicare diabetic shoes?

The disadvantage of purchasing Medicare diabetic shoes is that doctors and physicians often charge exorbitant prices for the shoes and inserts that are much higher than if the items were bought out of pocket from a retailer.

What are the conditions for diabetic shoes?

In order to qualify for the coverage of diabetic shoes, patients must be covered under Medicare Part B and meet all three of the following conditions: 2) Patient has at least one of the following conditions: Nerve damage in feet w/ signs of calluses on either foot.

Does Medicare pay 80% of what they approve?

Medicare DOES NOT pay 80% of what is billed by the doctor, Medicare pays 80% of what they approve, regardless of the amount billed. This statement in your ad is wrong and misleading and creates bad faith between a doctor and their patients. Get your facts straight and stop lying to the public.

Can diabetics wear shoes?

In order to receive diabetic shoes, the prescribed patient must be fitted for diabetic shoes by a podiatrist or any other qualified individual. The certifying physician is not allowed to provide the patient with the footwear, unless they practice in a defined rural area or there is a shortage of health professionals.

Why do diabetics rely on Medicare?

Because the American government is convinced that socialized medicine is the Devil many diabetic patients rely on Medicare and other insurance to defray the costs of supplies, medications, doctor visits and of course specialized footwear.

When was the Therapeutic Shoe Bill passed?

Way back in May of 1993 (has it been that long?) Congress passed the Therapeutic Shoe Bill, known as TSB for short. The purpose of TSB is to provide reimbursement on therapeutic inserts, shoes and necessary modifications for beneficiaries who have diabetes and meet the very specific eligibility requirements.

Does Medicare Advantage cover diabetic shoes?

If you have the Medicare Advantage plan, that means that you have coverage due to a private Medicare-approved insurance company. These plans should cover all that Original Medicare covers with an exception for hospice care, which is what Medicare Part A covers. (Let’s hope you won’t need that for quite some time.) Thus, if you are enrolled in a Medicare Part C Advantage plan you must have coverage on diabetic shoes if all of the eligibility conditions are met.

Does Medicare cover therapeutic shoes?

Naturally, the Part B deductible will apply. Medicare will cover your therapeutic shoes only on the condition that your doctors and suppliers are also enrolled in Medicare.

Does Medicare cover medical services?

Your physician or other health care provider may suggest that you procure services more often than covered by Medicare. It is possible that they may call for services that Medicare does not cover. Should this happen, you might have to pay some or even all of the resulting costs.

Can diabetics get neuropathy?

Many diabetics suffer from chronic diabetic neuropathy. This is nerve damage that can make your feet vulnerable to injuries in quite a number of various ways. Based on the findings of the Nation Institutes of Health:

Do you have to keep up with paperwork for diabetes?

Yep. But, don’t sweat it. Most of the paperwork will be your doctor’s responsibility. You just have to keep up with it! (A school folder is highly recommended to keep everything organized.) The doctor treating you for your diabetes must be able to certify that you do indeed have diabetes.

Who is Quantum Medical Supply?

Quantum Medical Supply works directly with Medicare to determine the patient's coverage.

Does Medicare cover diabetic shoes?

Medicare, and most insurance plans, may cover the cost of one pair of diabetic shoes and three pairs of custom inserts per calendar year. Co-payments, deductibles and some restrictions apply. Check Eligibility.

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