What Medicare Covers for Orthopedic Shoes and Foot Care

Medicare covers orthopedic shoes only in specific situations, and the coverage depends on which part of Medicare you have and whether a doctor prescribes them as medical equipment rather than regular footwear.

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover shoes or inserts straightforward because your feet hurt or you have flat arches. However, Medicare Part B will cover custom-molded orthopedic shoes if a doctor documents that you have severe diabetes-related foot problems, a severe foot deformity, or a condition that makes standard shoes unsafe for you. The shoes must be prescribed by a doctor and made by an approved supplier — they are covered as Durable Medical Equipment (DME), the same category as wheelchairs or walkers.

Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) may cover orthopedic shoes under different rules than Original Medicare, so you will need to check your specific plan's coverage document or call the plan directly. Some Advantage plans cover shoes more broadly, while others follow the same strict rules as Original Medicare.

Key Takeaways

Original Medicare Part B covers custom-molded orthopedic shoes only when prescribed by a doctor for severe diabetes complications, severe foot deformity, or conditions that make regular shoes medically unsafe.
The shoes must come from a Medicare-approved DME supplier, and you typically pay 20 percent of the approved amount after you meet your Part B deductible.
Medicare does not cover over-the-counter shoe inserts, arch supports, or regular shoes bought at a store, even if recommended by a doctor.
Medicare Advantage plans have their own coverage rules for orthopedic shoes, so you must check your plan documents or contact your plan to learn what is covered.
If your doctor thinks you need orthopedic shoes, ask them to document the medical reason and help you find a Medicare-approved supplier.

When Medicare Part B Covers Orthopedic Shoes

Medicare Part B covers orthopedic shoes as DME when you meet two conditions: a doctor must prescribe them for a specific medical reason, and they must be custom-molded to your foot rather than mass-produced. The medical reasons that typically may have access to are severe diabetic foot ulcers or neuropathy (nerve damage), a severe structural foot deformity that makes walking painful or unsafe in regular shoes, or a condition like severe arthritis that requires custom support.

The shoes are not covered if your doctor straightforward recommends them for comfort or general foot pain. Medicare requires documentation that the shoes are medically necessary — that is, they treat or prevent a serious condition rather than improve quality of life. Your doctor's office will need to submit this documentation to the DME supplier before the shoes are made.

You pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount for the shoes after you have met your Part B deductible for the year. The approved amount varies by region and supplier, so the out-of-pocket cost depends on where you live and which supplier you use.

How to Get Medicare-Covered Orthopedic Shoes

Start by talking to your doctor about whether your foot condition qualifies for coverage. Your doctor will need to write an order that explains why the shoes are medically necessary — not just that you want them. Bring this order to a Medicare-approved DME supplier in your area; you can find suppliers by searching the Medicare supplier directory at dmepos.cms.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.

The DME supplier will take measurements and molds of your feet and work with your doctor's office to confirm that Medicare will cover the shoes before they are made. This step is important because it prevents you from paying out of pocket if the shoes do not meet Medicare's requirements. Once the shoes are made, the supplier bills Medicare directly, and you pay your 20 percent share.

The entire process usually takes two to four weeks from the time your doctor submits the order. If the supplier says Medicare will not cover the shoes, ask them to explain why — sometimes a small change to the doctor's order can make the difference.

What Medicare Does Not Cover for Feet

Medicare does not cover shoe inserts, arch supports, or orthotics that you buy over the counter, even if a podiatrist or physical therapist recommends them. These are considered routine foot care supplies rather than medical equipment. You would pay for these out of pocket.

Medicare also does not cover regular shoes from a shoe store, even if they are expensive or specially fitted. The shoes must be custom-molded by a medical supplier specifically for your foot condition. Mass-produced shoes, no matter how well-made, do not may have access to.

Routine foot care — like nail trimming, callus removal, or general foot exams — is also not covered by Medicare, with one exception: if you have diabetes, Medicare Part B covers foot exams and certain foot care services from a podiatrist or doctor as part of diabetes management.

Medicare Advantage Plans and Orthopedic Shoes

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C), your coverage for orthopedic shoes may be different from Original Medicare. Some Advantage plans cover custom orthopedic shoes under the same rules as Original Medicare, while others may cover them more broadly or have additional restrictions. A few plans may cover over-the-counter inserts or shoes, though this is less common.

The only way to know what your plan covers is to check your plan's coverage document (called the Summary of Benefits and Coverage) or call your plan's customer service number. The number is on your insurance card. When you call, ask specifically whether orthopedic shoes are covered, what medical conditions may have access to, and whether you need prior approval from the plan before seeing a supplier.

What Happens If Medicare Denies Coverage

If a DME supplier or Medicare tells you that orthopedic shoes are not covered, you have the right to appeal. Ask the supplier or Medicare for the reason for the denial in writing. Common reasons include: the doctor's order did not explain the medical necessity clearly enough, the condition does not meet Medicare's criteria, or the shoes were not custom-molded by an approved supplier.

If the reason is that the doctor's order needs more detail, ask your doctor to submit additional documentation. Sometimes a phone call from the doctor's office to the supplier or Medicare can resolve the issue. If you disagree with the denial, you can file a formal appeal; the DME supplier can usually help you with this process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Medicare cover shoe inserts or orthotics I buy at a drugstore?

No. Medicare only covers custom-molded orthopedic shoes made by a medical supplier. Over-the-counter inserts, arch supports, and orthotics are not covered, even if recommended by a doctor or podiatrist. You would pay for these out of pocket.

Do I need prior approval from Medicare before I order orthopedic shoes?

You do not need to contact Medicare directly, but the DME supplier should confirm with Medicare that the shoes will be covered before they are made. This protects you from unexpected costs. Always ask the supplier to get this confirmation in writing before proceeding.

What if my doctor recommends orthopedic shoes but Medicare says they are not medically necessary?

Ask your doctor to provide more detail about why the shoes are medically necessary — for example, documenting a specific foot ulcer, nerve damage, or deformity that makes regular shoes unsafe. Sometimes a clearer explanation from the doctor changes the outcome. If not, you can appeal the denial or pay out of pocket.

Are orthopedic shoes covered if I have diabetes?

Yes, if your diabetes has caused severe foot complications like ulcers or neuropathy. Your doctor will need to document this condition, and the shoes must be custom-molded by a Medicare-approved supplier. General foot pain or diabetes alone is not enough — the shoes must address a specific, serious foot problem.

How much will I pay out of pocket for orthopedic shoes?

You pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount after you meet your Part B deductible. The approved amount varies by region and supplier, so costs range widely. Ask the DME supplier for an estimate of your out-of-pocket cost before the shoes are made.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.