Quick Answer
Yes, Medicare Part B covers therapeutic shoes and inserts for beneficiaries with diabetes who meet specific eligibility requirements. Medicare covers one pair of custom-molded shoes with inserts or one pair of extra-depth shoes per calendar year, plus additional inserts. Your doctor must verify the shoes are medically necessary, and you must use a Medicare-enrolled supplier. You pay 20% coinsurance after your Part B deductible.
Coverage Comparison by Plan Type
| Plan Type | Coverage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Medicare Part B | Covered | Covers therapeutic shoes, inserts, and modifications when medically necessary for diabetes |
| Medicare Advantage (Part C) | Covered | Must cover same benefits as Original Medicare; cost-sharing varies by plan |
| Medicare Supplement (Medigap) | Partial | Covers Part B coinsurance (20%) for diabetic shoes, reducing out-of-pocket costs |
| Medicare Part D | Not Applicable | Part D covers prescription drugs; shoes are covered under Part B |
Understanding Your Coverage Options
Original Medicare (Part B)
Covers therapeutic shoes and inserts for diabetic patientsMedicare Part B covers both the fitting and the footwear for therapeutic diabetic shoes. The Therapeutic Shoe Bill (TSB) provides Part B reimbursement for therapeutic shoes, inserts, and modifications for beneficiaries with diabetes who meet specific eligibility requirements. Coverage includes one pair of custom-molded shoes with inserts or one pair of extra-depth shoes per calendar year.
Medicare also covers inserts separately: two extra pairs of inserts per calendar year for custom-molded shoes, or three pairs of inserts per calendar year for extra-depth shoes - for a total of up to five pairs of inserts per year. Medicare can also cover modifications to your shoes in place of inserts.
To qualify, your doctor must verify that the shoes are medically necessary. You must have diabetes and meet at least one additional condition: foot deformity, nerve damage caused by diabetes, foot ulcers, amputation of part or all of the foot, poor blood circulation, or a history of pre-ulcerative calluses. The doctor who treats your diabetes must certify your need, and a podiatrist or other qualified provider must prescribe the shoes.
What It Covers
- One pair of custom-molded shoes with inserts per calendar year
- One pair of extra-depth shoes per calendar year
- Two extra pairs of inserts per year (custom-molded shoes)
- Three pairs of inserts per year (extra-depth shoes)
- Shoe modifications in place of inserts
- Professional fitting by a podiatrist or qualified provider
What It Doesn't Cover
- Regular shoes or non-therapeutic footwear
- Shoes from suppliers who do not accept Medicare assignment
- More than one pair of therapeutic shoes per calendar year
- Shoes for patients who do not meet the eligibility requirements
You pay 20% coinsurance after the $283 annual Part B deductible (2026). Diabetic shoes typically cost $50–$200 per pair before Medicare's share.
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Covered - same benefits as Original MedicareMedicare Advantage plans must cover all services that Original Medicare covers, including therapeutic diabetic shoes and inserts. Since Medicare Part B covers diabetic shoes, Medicare Advantage plans will also cover them as long as you meet the same eligibility requirements.
However, Medicare Advantage plans use provider networks. You must verify that your podiatrist and shoe supplier are in-network before purchasing diabetic shoes. If your plan's network doesn't include your provider, you may not have coverage for the shoes or the fitting visit.
What It Covers
- All diabetic shoe benefits covered by Original Medicare
- Some plans may offer additional foot care benefits
What It Doesn't Cover
- Out-of-network providers or suppliers (unless your plan allows out-of-network benefits)
- Shoes purchased without meeting eligibility requirements
Verify Your Supplier is In-network
Medicare Advantage plans require you to use in-network providers and suppliers. Before purchasing diabetic shoes, confirm that both your podiatrist and the shoe supplier are in your plan's network to avoid paying the full cost out of pocket.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
Covers Part B coinsurance for diabetic shoesMedicare Supplement (Medigap) plans cover the out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare leaves behind. For diabetic shoes covered under Part B, Medigap can cover the 20% coinsurance. With Medigap Plan G, your only cost for diabetic shoes is the annual $283 Part B deductible.
Medigap plans are a valuable asset for covering the extra costs of diabetic shoes and other diabetes-related supplies. Because Medigap covers the balance of what Medicare pays, your out-of-pocket expenses for therapeutic footwear can be minimal.
What It Covers
- Part B coinsurance (20%) for covered diabetic shoes and inserts
- Part B coinsurance for podiatrist fitting visits
What It Doesn't Cover
- Shoes or inserts not covered by Original Medicare
- Non-therapeutic footwear
With Medigap Plan G, your only cost for diabetic shoes is the $283 annual Part B deductible.
Diabetic Shoe Costs under Medicare (2026)
| Item | Medicare Coverage | Your Cost (No Supplement) | Your Cost (With Plan G) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Custom-molded shoes with inserts (1 pair/year) | 80% after deductible | 20% + $283 deductible | $283 deductible only |
| Extra-depth shoes (1 pair/year) | 80% after deductible | 20% + $283 deductible | $283 deductible only |
| Inserts (up to 5 pairs/year) | 80% after deductible | 20% + $283 deductible | $283 deductible only |
| Shoe modifications (in place of inserts) | 80% after deductible | 20% + $283 deductible | $283 deductible only |
| Podiatrist fitting visit | 80% after deductible | 20% + $283 deductible | $283 deductible only |
✦ Eligibility Requirements for Diabetic Shoe Coverage
The Therapeutic Shoe Bill (TSB) Requirements
Congress passed the Therapeutic Shoe Bill to provide Part B reimbursement for therapeutic shoes, inserts, and modifications for Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes. To qualify under the TSB, you must have diabetes, documentation from a qualified physician, and at least one of the following conditions: amputation of all or part of either foot, foot deformity, poor blood circulation, history of ulcers, history of pre-ulcerative calluses, or diabetic neuropathy with evidence of callus formation.
Your diabetes doctor must certify your need for therapeutic shoes, and a podiatrist or other qualified provider must prescribe them. The supplier must accept Medicare assignment.
Where to Buy Medicare-Approved Diabetic Shoes
You can purchase diabetic shoes from your podiatrist, medical supply carriers, or online suppliers - but the supplier must accept Medicare assignment. If you purchase from a supplier who does not accept Medicare, Medicare will not cover any of the cost. Your healthcare provider can give you a list of local approved suppliers, or you can search for Medicare-enrolled suppliers on Medicare.gov.
✦ Frequently Asked Questions
David Haass
AuthorDavid Haass is the Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder of Elite Insurance Partners and MedicareFAQ.com. He is a member and regular contributor to Forbes Finance Council.
Ashlee Zareczny
ReviewerAshlee Zareczny is a licensed Medicare agent in all 50 states dedicated to educating those eligible for Medicare. She trains agents on CMS compliance guidelines.