Diabetic Shoes

The Medicare Diabetic Shoe Program

Medicare provides coverage for diabetic therapeutic shoes for some patients with diabetes. The goal of this coverage is to prevent foot complications for those diabetic patients at higher risk.

There are several criteria that must be met in order to qualify for this benefit. Your podiatrist will be able to discuss this with you. Medicare approved a diabetic extra depth shoes are supplied and fitted by the podiatrists at Ankle + Foot Center. The medical doctor managing your diabetes will also need to certify that he or she is treating you for diabetes and the shoes are a necessary preventive measure for your feet.

Payment for the extra depth diabetic shoes is the same as for other Medicare benefits--80% of the reasonable and allowed Medicare fees. The shoes are considered as a special and separate category under Medicare. They are not considered durable medical equipment or orthotics. Should you require a brace along with therapeutic shoes, the brace may be covered under a different Medicare provision. Your doctor will also be able to discuss the type of shoe that should be appropriate for you.