Does Medicare cover it? A to Z
Does Medicare cover orthopedic shoes?
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Short answer
Covered in some cases: Part B
Medicare Part B covers orthopedic shoes only if they're a necessary part of a leg brace.
For covered orthopedic shoes in 2026, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the $283 Medicare Part B deductible, if your supplier accepts assignment.
Medicare Part B separately covers therapeutic shoes and inserts for people who have diabetes and severe diabetes-related foot disease.
| Fact | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Orthopedic shoes | Covered by Part B only when they're a necessary part of a leg brace | Medicare.gov |
| What you pay | 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the $283 Part B deductible, if your supplier accepts assignment | Medicare.gov |
| Provider rule | Your doctors and suppliers must be enrolled in Medicare | Medicare.gov |
| Leg braces | Covered when medically necessary and ordered by a doctor or other health care provider | Medicare.gov |
| Therapeutic shoes and inserts | Covered for diabetes with severe diabetes-related foot disease | Medicare.gov |
| How often (therapeutic shoes) | One pair of custom-molded or extra-depth shoes each calendar year, plus 2 or 3 pairs of inserts | Medicare.gov |
When does Medicare cover orthopedic shoes?
Medicare Part B covers orthopedic shoes if they're a necessary part of a leg brace. Part B covers leg braces, rigid or semi-rigid devices that support a weak or deformed body part or stop an injured one from moving, when they're medically necessary and a doctor or other health care provider orders them. See Does Medicare cover knee, back and neck braces?.
Medicare.gov's orthopedic shoes page describes no other case in which Medicare pays for orthopedic shoes, so ask your doctor what Medicare will cover before you buy.
What do I pay for orthopedic shoes?
After you meet the Part B deductible ($283 in 2026), you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount if your supplier accepts assignment. Medicare will only cover your orthopedic shoes if your doctors and suppliers are enrolled in Medicare.
A supplier that accepts assignment agrees to charge you only the Medicare deductible and coinsurance. A supplier that doesn't accept assignment can charge more than the Medicare-approved amount, and Medicare.gov notes that the usual cap on that extra charge doesn't apply to some supplies and durable medical equipment, so your costs could be higher.
Does Medicare cover shoes for people with diabetes?
Yes. Medicare Part B covers therapeutic shoes and inserts, custom footwear that supports and protects your feet, if you have diabetes and severe diabetes-related foot disease. The doctor who treats your diabetes must certify your need, and a podiatrist (foot doctor) or other qualified doctor must order the shoes or inserts. You must get them from one of these:
- A podiatrist
- An orthotist
- A prosthetist
- A pedorthist
- Another qualified individual
How often will Medicare pay for therapeutic shoes?
Each calendar year, Medicare Part B covers the furnishing and fitting of one of these, and in certain cases may cover separate inserts or shoe modifications instead of inserts. See Does Medicare cover diabetic shoes?.
- 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
Does Medicare Advantage or Medigap change this?
Medicare Advantage plans cover almost all medically necessary services Original Medicare covers, and some offer extra benefits; network rules and costs vary by plan, so check with the plan before you buy shoes. See What is the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage?.
With Original Medicare, a Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance) policy may help cover some of your costs for prosthetic and orthotic items, including therapeutic shoes, according to Medicare's equipment booklet.
Good to know
More questions people ask
Does Medicare cover orthopedic shoes without a leg brace?
Does Medicare cover shoe inserts?
Who has to order therapeutic shoes for Medicare to pay?
Does Medicare cover a leg brace?
Related questions
- Medicare.gov: Orthopedic shoes
- Medicare.gov: Braces (arm, leg, back & neck)
- Medicare.gov: Therapeutic shoes & inserts
- Medicare.gov: Does your provider accept Medicare as full payment?
- Medicare.gov: Medicare Coverage of Durable Medical Equipment & Other Devices (booklet)
- Medicare.gov: Your health plan options
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.