Quick answer: If you have diabetes, Medicare and most insurers cover one pair of therapeutic (“diabetic”) shoes plus three pairs of custom inserts every calendar year when you qualify — because properly fitted footwear is one of the most effective ways to prevent diabetic foot ulcers and amputations. At Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell and Bloomfield Township, we handle the whole process: qualification, fitting, and dispensing. Call (810) 206-1402.
★ 4.9-star rated by Michigan patients on Google · Medicare-credentialed for therapeutic footwear · Same-week appointments
Get fitted for your covered diabetic shoes
We verify your Medicare benefit first · same-week appointments at both Michigan offices
📅 Book Online — Howell
📅 Book Online — Bloomfield
📞 (810) 206-1402
★ 4.9 from 1,123+ Google reviews · Most insurance accepted
Medicare Diabetic Shoes in Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI
Therapeutic shoes aren’t a luxury for people with diabetes — they’re preventive medicine. Reduced sensation and altered pressure put diabetic feet at risk, and the right shoes and custom inserts offload that pressure before it becomes a wound. Best of all, the benefit is usually covered.
What the Medicare therapeutic shoe benefit covers
For qualifying patients, Medicare Part B (and most commercial plans) cover, each calendar year:
- One pair of therapeutic shoes (extra-depth, seamless interior), and
- Three pairs of custom inserts molded to offload your specific pressure points.
These are billed under the diabetic shoe program (HCPCS codes such as A5500 for the shoes and A5512/A5513 for inserts). We verify your coverage before anything is ordered.
Do you qualify?
You generally qualify if you have diabetes and at least one related foot condition — such as neuropathy, poor circulation, foot deformity, calluses that could lead to ulcers, or a history of foot ulcer or amputation. It also requires that the physician managing your diabetes documents the need; we coordinate that paperwork with your doctor.
How the process works
- Evaluation & qualification — we assess your feet and confirm coverage; your managing physician signs the required statement.
- Fitting — we measure and fit therapeutic shoes and take impressions for your custom inserts.
- Dispensing — we make sure the fit is right and show you how to wear and inspect them.
Why fit matters (and why not to “just buy them online”)
A diabetic shoe only protects you if it actually fits your foot and accepts inserts molded to your pressure points. A professionally fitted pair with custom inserts does what an off-the-shelf shoe can’t — and the covered benefit means it usually costs you little to nothing. (See diabetic foot care.)
Why patients choose Balance Foot & Ankle
Dr. Tom Biernacki, Dr. Carl Jay, and Dr. Daria Gutkin are board-certified, Medicare-credentialed for therapeutic footwear, and rated 4.9 stars by Michigan patients on Google. We handle the qualification and paperwork so the benefit is simple to use.
Visit us — two Michigan offices
Balance Foot & Ankle — Howell
4330 E Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843
Livingston County · (810) 206-1402
Mon–Fri 9:00 AM–4:30 PM · Free on-site parking
Balance Foot & Ankle — Bloomfield
43494 Woodward Ave #208, Bloomfield Township, MI 48302
Oakland County · (810) 206-1402
Mon–Fri 9:00 AM–4:30 PM · Serving Bloomfield Township, Birmingham, Troy & West Bloomfield
Check your diabetic shoe benefit →
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a prescription for Medicare diabetic shoes?
Yes — the physician managing your diabetes must document that you need therapeutic shoes, and a podiatrist prescribes and fits them. We coordinate this paperwork for you.
What does it actually cost me?
For qualifying patients, Medicare covers 80% after your deductible, and secondary insurance often covers the rest — so many patients pay little to nothing. We verify your specific coverage first.
Can I use the benefit to buy shoes at Amazon?
No. The benefit requires a qualified supplier to fit and dispense the shoes and custom inserts and to bill correctly — that fitting is what makes them protective.
Will the shoes be stylish?
Modern therapeutic shoes look like regular athletic or casual shoes — far from the bulky “orthopedic” look of the past. We carry options most people are happy to wear.
How often do I get new shoes?
The benefit renews each calendar year for qualifying patients: one pair of shoes and three pairs of inserts annually.
Do you offer same-week appointments?
Yes — same-week appointments are available at both offices.
Related: Diabetic shoes help prevent ulcers; if you already have a wound, see our diabetic wound care.
More questions patients ask
Can I use the benefit to buy diabetic shoes at Amazon?
No. The benefit requires a qualified supplier to fit, dispense, and bill for the shoes and custom inserts; that fitting is what makes them protective.
Will the diabetic shoes be stylish?
Modern therapeutic shoes look like regular athletic or casual shoes, not the bulky orthopedic look of the past.
How often do I get new diabetic shoes?
The benefit renews each calendar year for qualifying patients: one pair of shoes and three pairs of inserts annually.
Still have a question about coverage or cost? Book online and we will check your benefits before your visit: Book in Howell · Book in Bloomfield Township. Prefer to talk it through first? Call (810) 206-1402.