Diabetic typically responds to early podiatrist evaluation, conservative treatments like supportive footwear and targeted stretching, and—when needed—custom orthotics. Most patients see improvement within 4-6 weeks of starting a treatment plan. Severe or persistent symptoms warrant in-person assessment to rule out structural issues. Contact our Howell or Bloomfield Hills office for a same-week evaluation.
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Read the Full Guide →Medicare-Covered Diabetic Shoes at Balance Foot & Ankle
One pair of therapeutic shoes and three pairs of inserts per calendar year — covered under your Medicare Part B benefit.
If you have diabetes plus one qualifying condition (neuropathy, circulation issues, foot deformity, prior ulcer, partial amputation, calluses), Medicare Part B covers one pair of therapeutic shoes and three pairs of custom inserts each calendar year. We handle the entire prescription + fitting + documentation process at both Balance Foot & Ankle offices. Call (810) 206-1402 to schedule your annual benefit visit.
Ready to Schedule?
Call now or book online. Howell and Bloomfield Hills offices. Most insurance accepted.
What Medicare Covers
Medicare Part B covers diabetic therapeutic footwear under HCPCS codes A5500 (shoes) and A5512/A5513 (inserts). The benefit includes one pair of extra-depth therapeutic shoes plus three pairs of custom multi-density inserts per calendar year. Your deductible and 20% coinsurance apply, but most supplemental plans cover the coinsurance. The calendar-year benefit resets every January 1 — unused benefit doesn't roll over, so schedule before year-end if you qualify.
Who Qualifies
You qualify if you have diabetes plus at least one of: peripheral neuropathy with callus, poor circulation, foot deformity (bunion, hammertoe, Charcot), prior foot ulceration, prior partial amputation, or pre-ulcerative calluses. Your primary care physician must also certify you're under their care for diabetes and that the shoes are medically necessary. We coordinate this paperwork — you don't need to chase it down.
How the Visit Works
First visit is a diabetic foot exam and comprehensive fitting — about 30 minutes. We measure both feet (most diabetics have asymmetric feet after years of altered gait), evaluate pressure points, and select the appropriate shoe from our approved catalog. Custom inserts are cast or digitally scanned in the same visit. Your shoes ship to our office in 2-3 weeks; we fit them when they arrive and make any adjustments before you leave.
Why These Shoes Matter
About 85% of diabetic amputations begin with a small foot ulcer, and half of those ulcers aren't felt due to neuropathy. Properly fitted therapeutic shoes with custom multi-density inserts reduce peak plantar pressures by 30-50% at common ulceration sites. This is limb preservation, not cosmetic footwear — and it's the single most effective thing Medicare does for diabetic foot health.
What We Stock
Our approved catalog includes Orthofeet, Dr. Comfort, Apex, and Propet — the four most established diabetic shoe lines. Styles range from athletic-profile walkers to dress oxfords, wide widths up to 6E, sandals, and winter boots. If you have a specific style preference, tell us at the visit — most lines have 10+ options within the approved benefit.
Products Not Enough? See Michigan's Top Foot Doctors.
Same-week appointments in Howell and Bloomfield Hills. Most insurance accepted. 3,000+ surgeries performed. Patient-first practice — we listen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a prescription for Medicare diabetic shoes?
Yes. Your primary care physician provides the prescription certifying you're under their care for diabetes and that the shoes are medically necessary. We coordinate this with your PCP's office if you don't already have one. No extra visits for you.
What does it actually cost me?
After your Medicare deductible is met, 20% coinsurance applies. Most Medigap supplemental plans cover this coinsurance, making shoes $0 out-of-pocket. Medicare Advantage plans vary — we verify coverage before fitting.
Can I use my benefit at Amazon?
No. Medicare requires a certified supplier (like Balance Foot & Ankle) to dispense A5500 shoes. Amazon sells diabetic-style shoes but none are Medicare-billable. If you pay cash on Amazon, you can't then use your annual benefit.
Will the shoes be stylish?
More than you expect. Modern diabetic shoes (Orthofeet Coral, Dr. Comfort Spirit, Apex Athletic) look like normal walking shoes. We have dress styles for work and sandals for summer. Patients are often surprised by the selection.
How often do I need new shoes?
Annually. The benefit refreshes every January 1. Many diabetic feet change enough year-over-year (weight, edema, deformity progression) that annual re-fitting is medically appropriate — not just a benefit to use.
Do you offer same-week appointments?
Yes. Diabetic shoe fittings are typically available within a week at both our Howell and Bloomfield Hills offices. Call (810) 206-1402 to schedule.
Sources & References
- Medicare.gov. Therapeutic Shoes & Inserts for Diabetics (HCPCS A5500-A5513). 2024.
- American Diabetes Association. Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes — Foot Care. 2024.
- Journal of Foot & Ankle Research. Therapeutic Footwear Effects on Plantar Pressure in Neuropathic Feet. 2022.
- Diabetes Care. Amputation Prevention Through Footwear Prescription. 2023.
Related Guides
If you have diabetes and Medicare, your annual shoe benefit is real money dedicated to preventing amputation. Don't let it expire unused. Call (810) 206-1402 to schedule a same-week diabetic shoe visit at either Balance Foot & Ankle office.
Products Not Enough? See Michigan's Top Foot Doctors.
Same-week appointments in Howell and Bloomfield Hills. Most insurance accepted. 3,000+ surgeries performed. Patient-first practice — we listen.
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Diabetic — Frequently Asked Questions
When should I see a podiatrist for diabetic?
If symptoms persist beyond 2 weeks of self-care, interfere with daily activity, or worsen suddenly, schedule a podiatrist evaluation. Early intervention typically shortens recovery and prevents chronic compensation patterns.
Will I need imaging or surgery?
Most diabetic cases resolve with conservative care—custom orthotics, supportive shoe changes, anti-inflammatory protocols, and targeted physical therapy. Imaging (X-ray, ultrasound, MRI) is reserved for cases that fail conservative treatment or when structural pathology is suspected. Surgery is rarely the first option.
Does insurance cover diabetic treatment in Michigan?
Most major Michigan insurance plans (BCBS, BCN, Priority Health, HAP, Medicare, Medicaid HMOs, United, Aetna, Cigna) cover medically necessary podiatric care. Custom orthotics may have separate DME coverage rules. Our team verifies your specific benefits before your visit.