Does insurance pay for diabetic footwear?
The Therapeutic Shoe Bill Act was set up by Congress to help people with diabetes, that have Medicare Part B, receive partial reimbursement for one pair of footwear and three pairs of inserts per calendar year for people with qualifying conditions. These conditions might be partial or total foot amputation, foot ulceration, or pre-ulcerative calluses, peripheral neuropathy with evidence of callus formation, foot deformity, or poor circulation. The doctor managing the diabetic condition will qualify the patient by signing a Certifying Statement. If the managing doctor feels he or she does not have a good understanding of therapeutic shoes and inserts, they will have the patient get a prescription from a podiatrist, or other medical professional. According to Medicare Supplier Standards, the footwear and inserts are to be dispensed by a qualified supplier such as a Certified Pedorthist. He or she will take the time to insure a proper fit and make appropriate adjustments to the footwear a
