
Medicare covers orthopedic shoes if they’re a necessary part of a leg brace. Your costs in Original Medicare After you meet the Part B deductible, you pay 20% of the Medicare-Approved Amount. Medicare will only cover your orthopedic shoes if your doctors and suppliers are enrolled in Medicare.
Full Answer
How much does Medicare pay for shoes?
Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers the furnishing and fitting of either of these each calendar year, if you have diabetes and severe diabetic 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
Will Medicare reimburse you for the cost of your shoes?
· Medicare coverage of orthopedic shoes is generally limited to people with diabetes and severe diabetic foot disease. Medicare Part B (medical insurance) may cover the fitting and purchase of either one pair of custom-molded orthopedic shoes and inserts each calendar year or one pair of extra-depth orthopedic shoes each calendar year.
Does Medicare cover shoes?
Medicare covers orthopedic shoes if they’re a necessary part of a leg brace. Your costs in Original Medicare After you meet the Part B deductible , you pay 20% of the Medicare-Approved Amount . Medicare will only cover your orthopedic shoes if your …
Does Medicare still pay for diabetic shoes?
· Medicare allows one pair of extra-depth shoes and one pair of custom-molded shoes per calendar year. Also, Medicare covers up to five pairs of inserts each calendar year. If the doctor or supplier submitting the claims for your diabetic shoes and/or inserts doesn’t accept Medicare, Medicare won’t pay the claims.

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.
Do you need 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.
How do I get diabetic shoes?
Start with a visit to your primary care doctor, endocrinologist, or podiatrist, who can check your feet and recommend the right shoe. You might also see a specialist to get fitted. An orthotist is a medical practitioner that can design, prescribe, and make diabetes footwear.
Does Medicare cover a surgical shoe?
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.
What's the difference between a diabetic shoe and a regular shoe?
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.
Should a diabetic wear socks to bed?
Consider socks made specifically for patients living with diabetes. These socks have extra cushioning, do not have elastic tops, are higher than the ankle and are made from fibers that wick moisture away from the skin. Wear socks to bed. If your feet get cold at night, wear socks.
How much does a pair of diabetic shoes cost?
Diabetic shoes can be costly because they're specialty shoes and need to be custom-fitted for your feet. On average, diabetic shoes can range in cost from $50-$200 per pair.
What shoes are best for diabetic neuropathy?
Some of the best shoes for neuropathyPropét Women's Tour Walker Strap Sneaker.Orthofeet Men's Lava Stretch Knit.Dr Comfort Women's Lu Lu.Dr Comfort Men's Stallion.Skechers Women's GOwalk Arch Fit – Classic Outlook.Skechers Men's After Burn – Memory Fit.
What kind of shoes should a diabetic wear?
Footwear Tips for Diabetes PatientsAvoid shoes with pointed toes.Don't buy shoes with too flat a sole or high heels because they don't allow for even distribution of foot pressure.Look for styles that have soft insoles.Choose leather, canvas, or suede styles to allow adequate circulation of air.More items...•
Does Medicare cover shoes for neuropathy?
Medicare will cover the cost of one pair of extra-depth shoes (diabetic shoes) and three pairs of inserts for diabetics but only if they have a medical need for them. Extra-depth shoes may be medically necessary as a protection for insensitive feet or against diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage in the feet).
Does insurance pay for shoes?
At least some health plans won't help pay for things like foot pads or shoe inserts. Still, some plans will help you – especially if a doctor prescribes them to treat a medical issue. That's especially true if your healthcare provider prescribes orthotic shoes or arm, back, neck, or leg braces.
Are SAS shoes covered by Medicare?
The SAS Tripad® construction and SAS Supersoft® lightweight sole will keep you supported and comfortable through every step of your day. These shoes are also Medicare and Diabetic approved, so you know they meet the highest standards of support and comfort. These shoes are Medicare and Diabetic Approved shoes.
How much does Medicare pay for orthopedic shoes?
If your supplier accepts Medicare assignment, you generally pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount and the Medicare Part B deductible applies. Your doctors and suppliers also must be enrolled in Medicare for Medicare to provide coverage for your orthopedic shoes.
What to look for when shopping for orthopedic shoes?
According to the Mayo Clinic, when shopping for orthopedic shoes look for: Support and flexibility in the sole. A large toe box. A reasonable cushion that creates padding between your foot and the ground.
What is Medicare Advantage?
Medicare Advantage must cover everything that Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) covers with the exception of hospice care, which Medicare Part A still covers.
Do diabetics need orthotic shoes?
Even if you have diabetes, a doctor such as a podiatrist, must certify that you need orthopedic shoes or inserts. Further, your orthopedic shoes or inserts must be supplied by an orthotist, prosthetist, pedorthist or other qualified individual trained in treatment of the conditions of the foot and ankle.
Do orthopedic shoes help with foot pain?
According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, custom-made orthopedic shoes are effective in reducing foot pain and foot pressure. Find affordable Medicare plans in your area. Find Plans. Find Medicare plans in your area. Find Plans.
Does Medicare cover orthopedic shoes?
Medicare coverage of orthopedic shoes is generally limited to people with diabetes and severe diabetic foot disease. Medicare Part B ( medical insurance) may cover the fitting and purchase of either one pair of custom-molded orthopedic shoes and inserts each calendar year or one pair of extra-depth orthopedic shoes each calendar year.
What is original Medicare?
Your costs in Original Medicare. 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.
What is Medicare assignment?
assignment. 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 prescriptions?
applies. Medicare will only cover these items if your doctors and suppliers are enrolled in Medicare.
Can a doctor be 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 if they participate in Medicare before you get these items.
How many pairs of shoes does Medicare cover?
Medicare allows one pair of extra-depth shoes per calendar year. Also, Medicare covers three pairs of inserts each calendar year.
Who can prescribe diabetic shoes?
Nurse practitioners can prescribe diabetic shoes. Physician assistants, nurse specialists, and podiatrists can also prescribe these shoes. Doctors need to provide proper documentation that the patient’s feet have a thorough examination.
How much do diabetic shoes cost?
Shoes will need to be customer-fitted for your feet. Most diabetic shoes can range in cost from $50-$200 per pair . Thankfully, Medicare does cover these shoes in most cases. But if you don’t have insurance, you could be paying these high costs yourself.
Does Medicare pay for diabetic shoes?
Medicare can pay a portion of the cost of your diabetic shoes. Part B will cover both the fitting and the footwear.
Do diabetic shoes fall under Part B?
Diabetic shoes will fall under Part B benefits, much like most Durable Medical Equipment.
Can diabetics get therapeutic shoes?
If you have diabetes and need therapeutic shoes, your doctor can help get you started. And when you choose to buy Medigap coverage, you can take assurance that your shoes won’t cost you an arm and a leg. Your Medigap plan can help with coinsurance, copays, and your Part B deductible.
Can diabetics get inserts?
Sometimes beneficiaries may qualify for diabetic inserts and shoes at no charge. You’ll need to have your doctor certify that the shoes are necessary for your health. And on top of that, you will also need to complete some critical documents. Once you and your doctor sign the forms, you can take the forms to specific suppliers to get shoes at no cost.
What is a SSA shoe?
Social Security Act (SSA) section (§)1861 (s) (12) describes coverage for, "extra-depth shoes with inserts or custom molded shoes with inserts for an individual with diabetes" when certain specified requirements are met. Reimbursement is available for shoes used by beneficiaries with diabetes when the applicable coverage requirements are met. The Therapeutic Shoes for Persons with Diabetes Local Coverage Determination (LCD) and related Policy Article discuss these payment rules in detail.
What is the code for a covered leg brace?
Shoes are also covered if they are an integral part of a covered leg brace described by codes L1900, L1920, L1980-L2030, L2050, L2060, L2080, or L2090. Oxford shoes (L3224, L3225) are covered in these situations.
Can a supplier bill separately for diabetic shoes?
This means that the supplier of the therapeutic shoes provisioned in the treatment of a diabetes-related condition may bill separately for such shoes, while a different supplier may bill for the associated brace.
Can diabetic shoes be covered by TSD?
Thus, the diabetic shoes may be covered if the requirements for this section are met, while the brace may be covered if the requirements of §130 (Braces Benefit) are met. (Emphasis added). This means that the supplier of the TSD may bill separately for TSD while a different supplier may bill for the associated brace.
Can a diabetic foot be a leg brace?
There are situations where a beneficiary may qualify for both a diabetic shoe and a leg brace. The CMS Benefit Policy Manual (CMS Pub. 100-02), Chapter 15, Section 140 reads:
Can KX modifier be used on shoes?
A KX modifier must not be used in this situation. Shoes are denied as noncovered when they are put on over a partial foot prosthesis or other lower extremity prosthesis (L5010-L5600) which is attached to the residual limb by other mechanisms because there is no Medicare benefit for these items.
Is orthopedic footwear covered by Medicare?
There are no other categories of orthopedic footwear that are eligible for Medicare reimbursement.
How many pairs of shoes can you get with Medicare?
Under Part B coverage and cost-sharing rules, you may be able to receive one pair of shoes each calendar year. If your shoes are custom-molded, Part B may also provide coverage for two more pairs of inserts. If you use extra-depth prescription shoes, then you may have coverage for three pairs of inserts.
Why do diabetics wear prescription shoes?
If you’re a diabetic and are experiencing pain or numbness in your legs and feet , it may be a sign that you need prescription shoes to help you manage your symptoms. If you’re struggling with other issues, such as recurring blisters, pre-ulcerative calluses, ulcers, foot deformity or below average circulation, your doctor may also recommend diabetic shoes to prevent these symptoms from worsening.
What are diabetic shoes made of?
Their exterior is often made of a supple leather or soft fabric material with foam padding across the top of the foot and around the collar of the shoe.
What is Medicare Part B?
Special shoes and inserts can help prevent these conditions, and Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) coverage may provide patients with help covering the costs.
Why are inserts called therapeutic shoes?
These materials are also selected for their ability to reduce moisture, which can cause a bacterial infection. Because of their enhanced features , these shoes may also be called extra depth shoes or therapeutic shoes.
Why are shoes better for work?
Because maintaining mobility plays such a key role in managing diabetes, choosing the right kind of shoes is important .
Does Medicare Advantage include Part A?
Medicare Advantage plans include the same Part A and Part B benefits as Original Medicare, but many have additional benefits that help reduce out-of-pocket expenses . These differ between each Medicare Advantage plan, so you should check each plan’s benefits package to compare your options. Related articles:
What are the orthotics for DME?
Medicare lists the following devices as orthotics under the heading of DME: Bracing for ankle, foot, knee, back, neck, spine, hand, wrist, elbow. Orthopedic shoes as a necessary part of a leg brace. Prosthetic devices like artificial limbs. Medicare recipients must meet all the following prerequisites for eligibility:
How much does an orthotic cost?
Depending on the type of orthotic you need, costs can range between tens of dollars, up to hundreds of dollars. Prices depend on your location, whether the orthotic is prefabricated or custom-made, as well as the type of device it is. You will need to use a supplier that is participating in Medicare and accepts assignment. Be sure to discuss your best options with your health care provider.
How much is the Medicare Part B deductible?
In 2019, the yearly Part B deductible is $185.00.
Do orthotics have to be medically necessary?
The orthotic must be medically necessary and your health care provider must prescribe it as a component of your complete treatment.
Does Medicare cover orthotics?
Medicare Coverage for Orthotic Devices. Medicare Part B pays for 80 percent of the approved cost of either custom-made or pre-made orthotic devices. Of course, this is only possible if your health care provider feels it is medically necessary.
What does Medicare Part B cover?
Part B also covers durable medical equipment, home health care, and some preventive services.
Does Medicare cover tests?
Medicare coverage for many tests, items, and services depends on where you live . This list includes tests, items, and services (covered and non-covered) if coverage is the same no matter where you live.
