Medicare Part B covers therapeutic shoes and inserts, often called diabetic shoes, for people with diabetes who have serious foot problems. The benefit renews each year, but it comes with specific eligibility and provider rules. This guide explains who qualifies, what you get, and what you pay.
Who qualifies and what is covered
This benefit is narrow on purpose. Medicare Part B covers therapeutic shoes and inserts only if you have diabetes and severe diabetes-related foot disease. It is meant for people whose diabetes has put their feet at real risk, not for general comfort or routine footwear.
When you qualify, the benefit renews every calendar year. In a given year, Medicare covers the furnishing and fitting of one of the following:
- A pair of custom-molded shoes (or custom-molded inserts), plus 2 additional pairs of inserts, or
- A pair of extra-depth shoes, plus 3 additional pairs of inserts.
So the package depends on which shoe type fits your needs, and the number of insert pairs follows from that choice.
The provider rules that decide whether Medicare pays
More than most benefits, therapeutic shoes depend on getting the paperwork and providers right. Three requirements all have to be met:
- Certification. The doctor who treats your diabetes must certify your need for therapeutic shoes or inserts.
- Prescription. A podiatrist (foot doctor) or other qualified doctor must prescribe the shoes or inserts.
- A qualified supplier. You must get the shoes or inserts from a podiatrist, an orthotist, a prosthetist, a pedorthist, or another qualified individual.
On top of that, your doctors and suppliers must be enrolled in Medicare. Medicare will not pay claims submitted by doctors or suppliers who are not enrolled, so it is worth confirming enrollment before you order anything.
What it costs
For covered therapeutic shoes, the standard Part B rules apply. After you meet the annual Part B deductible, which is $283 in 2026, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount, and Part B covers the other 80%. Supplemental coverage such as a Medigap policy may pick up that 20%.
| What to know | |
|---|---|
| Who qualifies | People with diabetes and severe diabetes-related foot disease |
| What you get each year | Custom-molded shoes (or inserts) plus 2 pairs of inserts, OR extra-depth shoes plus 3 pairs of inserts |
| Provider rules | Diabetes doctor certifies, podiatrist or qualified doctor prescribes, qualified supplier furnishes, all enrolled in Medicare |
| Your cost | 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the $283 Part B deductible |
Frequently asked questions
Yes, if you qualify. Medicare Part B covers therapeutic shoes and inserts for people who have diabetes and severe diabetes-related foot disease. It is a specific benefit tied to serious diabetic foot problems, not coverage for ordinary shoes.
Every calendar year. In a given year you can get either one pair of custom-molded shoes (or inserts) plus 2 additional pairs of inserts, or one pair of extra-depth shoes plus 3 additional pairs of inserts.
Three things: the doctor treating your diabetes must certify your need, a podiatrist or other qualified doctor must prescribe the shoes or inserts, and a qualified supplier must furnish them. Your doctors and suppliers also have to be enrolled in Medicare, or Medicare will not pay.
After you meet the $283 Part B deductible in 2026, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount. A Medigap policy or other supplemental coverage may cover that 20%.
Learn More
- What Is Medicare? Parts A, B, C, and D explained
- What Medicare covers for diabetes
- Does Medicare cover foot care and podiatry?
- Durable medical equipment coverage
If you have diabetes and want help getting therapeutic shoes covered by Medicare, find personalized guidance at brevy.com.
The information on Brevy.com is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional legal, financial, or medical advice. Rules vary by state and program and change frequently. Always verify with the relevant agency or a qualified professional. Brevy is not a law firm, financial advisor, or healthcare provider.