Medicare Pay for Therapeutic Shoes

To take advantage of the benefit, your physician must certify that you are in a plan of diabetes care, have evidence of foot disease, and need therapeutic footwear.

A podiatrist writes the prescription, and a podiatrist or pedorthist provides the shoes. You must buy the footwear from a qualified supplier and file the forms.

(The forms are available from prescription shoe stores, Medicare, or a podiatrist, or your provider may help you get them.)

Usually you have to pay for the shoes, and Medicare reimburses up to 80% of the reasonable charge within limits. Ask about the charge and how much Medicare will pay when you order the shoes.

Although government programs can be time-consuming, prescription footwear can be an important part of preventing foot problems.