Does Medicare Cover a Diabetic shoes?
Yes — Medicare Part B covers one pair of therapeutic shoes per calendar year plus three pairs of inserts for people with diabetes who have at least one qualifying foot complication. Pending federal legislation (S.4070, introduced March 2026) would simplify documentation and expand prescriber recognition, but the bill has not been enacted as of May 2026.
Who qualifies
- You have diabetes (Type 1 or Type 2).
- You have at least one of the qualifying foot conditions listed below.
- Your treating physician (the doctor managing your diabetes) certifies the medical need on Form CMS-849.
- A podiatrist, orthotist, prosthetist, or pedorthist prescribes and fits the shoes.
Qualifying conditions
- Previous amputation of the foot or part of the foot
- History of foot ulcers
- Pre-ulcerative calluses
- Peripheral neuropathy with evidence of callus formation
- Foot deformity
- Poor circulation
- Note: S.4070 (Diabetes Foot Health Access and Modernization Act, introduced March 12, 2026) would expand eligibility if enacted — bill is still in committee as of May 2026.
What it costs
- After the deductible, you pay 20% coinsurance.
- Medicare covers one pair of therapeutic shoes per calendar year, plus three pairs of inserts (or two extra pairs of inserts and a pair of custom-molded shoes if you can't wear depth-inlay shoes).
- The fitting must be done by a qualified prescriber (podiatrist, orthotist, prosthetist, or pedorthist).
- The supplier must be Medicare-enrolled and bill the shoes correctly under the Therapeutic Shoes for Persons with Diabetes (TSD) benefit.
Check if you qualify
Step 1 of 2Takes about 60 seconds. We'll show you what your plan covers and connect you with a supplier if you qualify for Diabetic shoes.
Prior authorization timeline
No prior authorization, but documentation is critical — Form CMS-849 must be on file.
Frequently asked
How often can I get a new pair of diabetic shoes through Medicare?
Once per calendar year. Inserts: three pairs per year (or two pairs plus a pair of custom-molded shoes if depth-inlay shoes aren't appropriate).
Has S.4070 (the Diabetes Foot Health Access and Modernization Act) become law?
Not yet. As of May 1, 2026, S.4070 was introduced in the Senate on March 12, 2026 and is in committee. It is NOT law. Existing CMS rules (Section 1861(s)(12) of the SSA, requiring six qualifying foot conditions and MD/DO certification) still apply. If S.4070 is enacted, it would simplify documentation via attestation, expand prescriber recognition to include podiatrists under Medicaid, and modernize qualifying-condition language. We'll update this page when the bill's status changes.
Does my regular podiatrist count as the certifying physician?
The certifying physician (Form CMS-849) must be the doctor managing your diabetes — usually your primary care provider or endocrinologist. The prescribing/fitting professional can be a podiatrist, orthotist, prosthetist, or pedorthist.