Medicare covers diabetic shoes under Part B, but only if you meet specific medical requirements and use an approved supplier

Medicare will pay for one pair of diabetic shoes and three pairs of inserts per year if your doctor documents that you have diabetes and a foot condition that requires special footwear. The shoes must be prescribed by a podiatrist or other may have access to doctor, and you must buy them from a Medicare-approved supplier. You pay 20% of the approved amount after you meet your Part B deductible; Medicare pays the other 80%.

The catch is that "diabetic shoes" means shoes prescribed for a specific medical reason — not just any shoe marketed to people with diabetes. Your doctor has to write an order stating what foot problem you have and why you need the shoes. Common reasons include severe calluses, foot ulcers, hammertoes, or significant nerve damage that changes how you walk.

Key Takeaways

  • Medicare Part B covers one pair of diabetic shoes and three pairs of inserts per calendar year if your doctor prescribes them for a documented foot condition.
  • Your doctor must write an order explaining your specific foot problem — shoes prescribed only for diabetes prevention do not may have access to.
  • You must use a Medicare-approved supplier; shoes bought at a regular store or online retailer will not be covered even if your doctor prescribes them.
  • You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after your Part B deductible; the exact cost depends on the shoe and your deductible status.
  • If you need more than one pair per year, you can pay out of pocket or ask your doctor whether a second pair might be medically necessary and documented.

What foot conditions may have access to for coverage

Medicare covers diabetic shoes when you have a foot condition caused by or worsened by diabetes that requires special footwear to prevent injury or ulceration. Your doctor must document one of these conditions: severe calluses, foot ulcers, hammertoes or other toe deformities, bunions, flat feet, or significant nerve damage (neuropathy) that affects how you walk or puts pressure on certain parts of your foot.

The key word is "significant." Having diabetes alone is not enough. You need a foot problem that your doctor believes will get worse without special shoes. If you have mild calluses or no foot problems yet, your doctor cannot write a prescription that Medicare will cover, even if you are at high risk.

If your doctor thinks you may have access to, ask them to document the specific condition in your medical record and write a prescription that names the problem. Bring that prescription to a Medicare-approved shoe supplier.

How to find a Medicare-approved supplier

Not every shoe store or orthopedic supplier is approved by Medicare. You need to find one on the Medicare Supplier Directory, which you can search online at dmepos.cms.gov (DMEPOS stands for Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies). Search by your ZIP code and select "Orthotics" or "Orthopedic Shoes" as the category.

Call the suppliers that appear in your area and tell them you have a prescription for diabetic shoes. Ask whether they are currently taking Medicare patients and what the out-of-pocket cost will be after insurance. Some suppliers will handle the insurance paperwork; others will ask you to submit it yourself.

If no approved suppliers appear near you, ask your doctor's office for a referral. Some doctors work with mail-order suppliers that are Medicare-approved and can ship shoes to your home. Make sure any supplier you choose is on the Medicare list before you buy.

What you pay and when

Your cost depends on whether you have met your Part B deductible for the year. Once you meet the deductible, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for the shoes and inserts combined. The approved amount varies by supplier and shoe type, but typically ranges from $300 to $800 for a pair of shoes plus inserts.

If you have not met your deductible, you pay the full deductible amount first, then 20% of anything above that. If your deductible is $226 (the 2024 amount) and the approved shoe cost is $500, you would pay $226 plus 20% of the remaining $274, which equals $226 + $55 = $281 total.

You also get three pairs of inserts per year at the same 20% cost after your deductible. If you need replacement inserts between shoe purchases, ask your supplier whether they can bill them separately so you spread the cost across the year.

The prescription and paperwork

Your doctor must write a prescription that includes your diagnosis (the specific foot problem), a statement that the shoes are medically necessary, and your shoe size. The prescription does not have to be on a special form, but it does need to be specific enough that Medicare can see why you need the shoes.

Bring the prescription to your approved supplier. They will measure your feet, help you choose shoes, and submit the claim to Medicare. Keep a copy of the prescription and the supplier's receipt for your records. Medicare typically processes the claim within two to four weeks.

If Medicare denies the claim, the supplier will send you a notice explaining why. Common reasons for denial include using a non-approved supplier, a prescription that does not document a may have access to condition, or exceeding the one-pair-per-year limit. You can ask your doctor to resubmit with more detail about your foot condition if you think the denial was a mistake.

When you might not be covered

Medicare will not cover diabetic shoes if your doctor prescribes them only for diabetes prevention or general comfort. The shoes must be prescribed for a specific foot problem. You also will not be covered if you buy shoes from a store that is not on the Medicare Supplier Directory, even if your doctor writes a prescription.

If you need more than one pair of shoes in a calendar year, Medicare will not cover the second pair unless your doctor documents a new medical reason — for example, if you develop a foot ulcer after your first pair was prescribed for calluses. In that case, ask your doctor to write a new prescription explaining the new condition.

Shoes prescribed for cosmetic reasons or to correct minor foot shape differences also are not covered. Medicare focuses on shoes that prevent serious complications like ulcers or infections in people with diabetes-related nerve damage.

Other coverage options if Medicare does not cover your shoes

If you do not may have access to for Medicare coverage, you have other options. Some Medigap plans cover items that Medicare does not, though coverage varies by plan and state. Check your plan documents or call your Medigap insurer to ask whether orthopedic shoes are covered.

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C), that plan may cover diabetic shoes under different rules than Original Medicare. Call your plan to ask what foot care items they cover and whether you need a referral.

You can also buy diabetic shoes out of pocket. Prices at approved suppliers typically range from $300 to $800 per pair. Some shoe companies offer discounts for people with diabetes, and some nonprofits that focus on diabetes care have information about low-cost shoe programs in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral to see a podiatrist for a diabetic shoe prescription?

No. If you have Original Medicare (Part A and B), you do not need a referral. You can see any podiatrist who accepts Medicare. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, check your plan documents — some require a referral from your primary care doctor first.

Can I get custom-made diabetic shoes instead of off-the-shelf shoes?

Yes, if your doctor documents that your foot condition requires custom shoes. Custom shoes cost more, and you will pay 20% of the approved amount. Ask your supplier whether they can make custom shoes and what the Medicare-approved cost will be before you order.

What if I lose or damage my diabetic shoes before the year is over?

Medicare will not cover a replacement pair if you still have one pair left in your yearly benefit. If the shoes are damaged beyond repair due to normal wear, ask your doctor whether they will write a new prescription and explain the damage to your supplier. Medicare may cover a replacement in unusual circumstances, but it is not automatic.

Can my spouse or family member help me pay the 20% cost?

Yes. There is no rule against someone else paying your share. You can also ask your supplier whether they offer a payment plan if the 20% cost is difficult to pay all at once.

Do I need to reorder inserts every year, or can I keep using the same ones?

Inserts wear out and lose their cushioning over time. Medicare covers three new pairs of inserts per year, which is meant to account for normal wear. You can order new inserts whenever you need them, as long as you stay within the three-pair yearly limit.