Does Medicare cover it? A to Z
Does Medicare cover diabetic shoes?
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Short answer
Covered: Part B
Yes, Medicare Part B covers therapeutic shoes and inserts if you have diabetes and severe diabetes-related foot disease, and the doctor who treats your diabetes certifies that you need them.
Each calendar year, Medicare Part B covers either one pair of custom-molded shoes plus 2 more pairs of inserts, or one pair of extra-depth shoes plus 3 pairs of inserts.
In 2026, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for diabetic shoes covered by Medicare Part B after the $283 Part B deductible, if your supplier accepts assignment.
| Fact | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Covered by | Part B | Medicare.gov |
| Who qualifies | People with diabetes and severe diabetes-related foot disease | Medicare.gov |
| Each calendar year | One pair of custom-molded shoes and 2 more pairs of inserts, or one pair of extra-depth shoes and 3 pairs of inserts | Medicare.gov |
| Certification | The doctor who treats your diabetes must certify your need | Medicare.gov |
| Ordered and fitted by | Ordered by a podiatrist or other qualified doctor; supplied by a podiatrist, orthotist, prosthetist, pedorthist or other qualified individual | Medicare.gov |
| What you pay | 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the $283 Part B deductible | Medicare.gov; CMS |
What diabetic shoes does Medicare cover?
Medicare Part B covers therapeutic shoes and inserts, which are custom footwear that support and protect your feet if you have certain medical conditions, like a foot ulcer or deformity. Coverage includes the furnishing and fitting of one of these:
- A pair of custom-molded shoes (including inserts), if you can't wear depth-inlay shoes because of a foot deformity, and 2 more pairs of inserts
- A pair of extra-depth shoes and 3 pairs of inserts
Who qualifies for diabetic shoes under Medicare?
Medicare Part B covers therapeutic shoes or inserts if you have diabetes and severe diabetes-related foot disease. The doctor treating your diabetes must certify that you meet these conditions:
- You have diabetes.
- You have at least one of these in one or both feet: a deformed foot, calluses that could lead to foot ulcers, nerve damage from diabetes with signs of problems with calluses, partial or complete foot amputation, past foot ulcers, or poor circulation.
- You're being treated under a comprehensive diabetes care plan and need therapeutic shoes or inserts because of diabetes.
Who has to order and fit the shoes?
A podiatrist (foot doctor) or other qualified doctor must order the shoes or inserts, and you must get them from a podiatrist, orthotist, prosthetist, pedorthist or another qualified individual. Medicare only covers therapeutic shoes if your doctors and suppliers are enrolled in Medicare; if they aren't enrolled, Medicare won't pay the claims they submit.
What do I pay for diabetic shoes with Medicare?
After you meet the Part B deductible ($283 in 2026), you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount, if your supplier accepts assignment. A participating supplier must accept assignment, so it can charge you only the coinsurance and Part B deductible. If a supplier isn't participating and doesn't accept assignment, there's no limit on the amount it can charge you, so ask before you get the shoes.
Does Medicare cover orthopedic shoes?
No, Original Medicare doesn't cover orthopedic shoes, meaning shoes for people whose feet are impaired but intact. Medicare covers therapeutic shoes and inserts only for people with diabetes who meet the conditions above. See what Medicare says about orthopedic shoes.
Does Medicare Advantage or Medigap change this?
Medicare Advantage plans must cover all medically necessary services that Original Medicare covers, but out-of-pocket costs vary by plan, and a plan may require you to use providers in its network or get prior authorization. A Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance) policy helps pay your share of costs in Original Medicare, like your 20% coinsurance and deductibles.
Good to know
More questions people ask
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Does Medicare cover diabetic shoes if I don't have foot problems?
Related questions
- Medicare.gov: Therapeutic shoes & inserts
- Medicare.gov: Medicare Coverage of Diabetes Supplies, Services & Prevention Programs
- Medicare.gov: Compare Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage
Figures are Medicare’s, set nationally, and were checked against these pages on October 2026. For your own situation, contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY 1-877-486-2048).
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This page was last updated: October 2026.