Medicare coverage · Diabetes
Does Medicare cover therapeutic diabetic shoes?
Short answer: Yes — Medicare Part B covers one pair of therapeutic shoes and inserts per calendar year for people with diabetes who have a qualifying foot condition.
Source: medicare.gov · CMS Policy Article A52501.
Coverage information verified against Medicare (CMS) sources · Last updated July 2026. Educational information, not medical advice — talk with your physician about what's right for you.
Who qualifies?
Medicare covers this when your records show all of the following. Your prescriber's documentation is what establishes each point:
- You have diabetes.
- You're under a comprehensive diabetes care plan and need therapeutic shoes because of your diabetes.
- You have at least one qualifying foot condition: prior foot ulcer, callus that could lead to an ulcer, nerve damage (neuropathy), poor circulation, foot deformity, or a prior amputation.
- A qualifying provider certifies the need and a podiatrist or other qualified provider prescribes and fits the shoes.
Not sure if you qualify?
Check your Medicare coverage in one step, or talk to an intake specialist. We verify your benefits and coordinate the order with your prescriber — no cost or commitment to check.
What Medicare covers
- One pair per calendar year: either 1 pair of depth shoes + 3 pairs of inserts, or 1 pair of custom-molded shoes + 2 additional pairs of inserts.
- Medicare Part B generally pays 80% of the Medicare-approved amount after you meet the annual Part B deductible; the remaining share is your responsibility (or a secondary plan's, such as Medicaid or a supplement).
- Coverage is billed to Medicare by an enrolled DMEPOS supplier — like us.
Coverage details and amounts are set by CMS and can change each year. We confirm your current, specific coverage before anything is ordered.
See diabetic shoes we provideCommon questions
How often will Medicare pay for diabetic shoes?+
Once per calendar year — one pair of shoes plus the covered inserts — when you continue to meet the criteria.
What foot conditions qualify?+
At least one of: a past foot ulcer, a pre-ulcer callus, neuropathy with signs of callus, poor circulation, a foot deformity, or a prior partial or complete foot amputation — documented by your provider.
What do I need to get started?+
Your treating provider's order and documentation that you meet the criteria above. Start the eligibility check or call an agent — we confirm your benefits and coordinate the order and paperwork with your prescriber's office. There's no cost or commitment to check.
Have a question?
Three fields, real payer data, plain-English answer. Or talk to a person — we're fast.