The 411 on Medicare Diabetic Shoes: Do You Qualify?
Almost 16 million Americans have diabetes, and 25 percent of these individuals develop related foot issues. Because of this, the government has approved coverage of Medicare diabetic shoes for those who qualify. With a prescription from a qualified doctor, you can find the right shoes at a number of diabetic shoes stores.
Qualifications
In order to qualify for Medicare diabetic shoes, the patient must have diabetes and at least one of the following:
- History of prior ulceration on either foot
- Deformity of either foot
- Prior amputation of either foot
- Poor circulation in either foot
- Peripheral neuropathy with callus formation on either foot
- History of pre-ulcerative calluses on either foot
In order for diabetic shoes Medicare to be eligible for coverage, a qualified physician must fill out a prescription. This includes an orthotist, a podiatrist, a prosthetist, a pedorthist, or other qualified individual.
Eligible Shoe Suppliers
Therapeutic shoes will only be covered for shoes purchased at diabetic shoes stores that are enrolled in Medicare. If you go to someone who is not enrolled, Medicare will not pay for the shoes, so make sure you inquire before you order them.
If the supplier is a participating provider with Medicare, you will be responsible for 20% of the approved amount after your deductible has been met. A non-participating provider has no limit as to what they can charge.
