Medicare does cover the cost of shoes for diabetics only. The individual must have Medicare Part B (Medical ) coverage. Medicare allows one pair of diabetic shoes and three sets of inserts per calendar year. If the individual resides in a long term care facility they must be a resident for at least one hundred and one days and cannot be there for physical therapy only. The individual must have a prescription with diagnosis plus a medical necessity form to be filled out by the doctor who is treating them for their diabetes. Medicare does not cover shoe modifications such as lifts or wedges.

Medicaid will cover the cost of one pair of shoes every six months if the individual has a physical foot problem such as hammertoes, bunions, ulcerations or foot deformity. Medicaid covers shoe modifications such as lifts and wedges. The individual cannot have any other HMO insurance such as Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Amerihealth, etc. (Medicaid will not pay if the individual has any other secondary insurance). A prescription must include all modifications with a diagnosis.

If you go to a shoe store that specializes in prescription shoes they can supply you with a medical necessity form (which you would take to your doctor to complete) and bill Medicare or Medicaid for you.