Does Medicare Advantage cover podiatry in Michigan?

Yes, Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans cover medically necessary podiatry services, often with lower out-of-pocket costs than Original Medicare. Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell and Bloomfield Hills accepts multiple Medicare Advantage plans. Call (810) 206-1402 to verify your specific plan's podiatry benefits.

What podiatry services does Medicare Advantage cover?

Medicare Advantage covers diabetic foot exams, treatment for foot conditions caused by systemic disease, medically necessary nail care, wound care, custom orthotics for covered diagnoses, and foot surgery. Some Medicare Advantage plans also offer additional podiatry benefits beyond Original Medicare. Call Balance Foot & Ankle at (810) 206-1402.

Does Medicare Advantage cover routine foot care that Original Medicare doesn't?

Some Medicare Advantage plans offer expanded podiatry benefits including routine nail care and foot exams not covered by Original Medicare Part B. Coverage varies significantly by plan. Balance Foot & Ankle recommends calling (810) 206-1402 so we can help verify your specific Medicare Advantage plan benefits.

Do I need a referral for podiatry with Medicare Advantage?

Medicare Advantage referral requirements depend on whether your plan is an HMO or PPO. HMO plans typically require PCP referrals for specialist visits; PPO plans often allow direct access. Call Balance Foot & Ankle at (810) 206-1402 and we can help determine your specific plan's requirements.

Which Medicare Advantage plans does Balance Foot & Ankle accept?

Balance Foot & Ankle accepts multiple Medicare Advantage plans including Humana, BCBS/Medicare Plus Blue, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, and others. Call (810) 206-1402 to verify your plan. We have convenient locations at 4330 E Grand River in Howell and 43494 Woodward Ave #208 in Bloomfield Hills.

When should I see a podiatrist?

For persistent foot/ankle pain, difficulty walking, numbness, non-healing wounds, skin changes, or deformities. Dr. Biernacki offers same-day appointments. Call 810-206-1402.

Does Dr. Biernacki accept insurance?

Balance Foot & Ankle accepts most major plans including BCBS, Aetna, United, Cigna & Medicare. Call 810-206-1402 to verify coverage. Affordable self-pay options available.

What to expect at your first podiatry visit?

Comprehensive evaluation including history, exam, biomechanical assessment, and in-office X-rays. Same-day diagnosis and treatment when possible. Most visits take 30-45 minutes.

What podiatry services does Medicare Advantage cover?

Medicare Advantage plans typically cover all Original Medicare podiatry benefits plus additional services like routine foot care for qualifying conditions, custom orthotics, therapeutic shoes, and sometimes preventive foot screenings. Specific coverage varies by plan.

Is Medicare Advantage better than Original Medicare for foot care?

Medicare Advantage often provides broader podiatry coverage, including routine nail care and preventive services not covered by Original Medicare. However, you must use in-network providers. Our practice accepts most major MA plans in the region.

Do I need a referral to see a podiatrist with Medicare Advantage?

Most Medicare Advantage HMO plans require a referral from your primary care physician, while PPO plans typically allow self-referral to podiatrists. Check your specific plan details or call our office — we can help verify your referral requirements.

✅ Medically reviewed by Dr. Thomas Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist · Last updated April 6, 2026

Medicare Advantage Podiatry Benefits — How They Differ from Original Medicare

If you have a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, you may have better podiatry coverage than Original Medicare alone — but the details depend entirely on which plan you’re enrolled in. This guide helps you understand how Medicare Advantage plans handle podiatry and what questions to ask your plan.

Medicare Advantage vs. Original Medicare: The Key Difference

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) covers podiatry when “medically necessary” — meaning a diagnosable condition requiring treatment. Medicare Advantage plans are required to cover everything Original Medicare covers, but many go further by also covering:

Routine foot care (nail trimming, callus removal) for beneficiaries WITHOUT qualifying systemic conditions
Additional podiatry visits per year beyond what Original Medicare allows
Lower specialist copays than the 20% coinsurance of Original Medicare
Additional covered services like routine foot screenings

Major Michigan Medicare Advantage Plans and Podiatry Coverage

BCBS Medicare Plus Blue PPO: One of the most popular MA plans in Michigan. Covers all medically necessary podiatric care plus often includes enhanced routine foot care benefits. Specialist copay typically $30-$45.

Humana Gold Plus / HMO: Covers medically necessary podiatry; some plans include routine foot care. Requires in-network provider. We are in-network with most Humana plans.

Aetna Medicare Advantage: Covers medically necessary care; many plans include routine foot care coverage. Specialist copay typically $20-$40.

United Healthcare AARP Medicare Advantage: Covers medically necessary and often routine foot care. Wide network; we are typically in-network.

Molina Medicare Advantage: Serves low-income Medicare beneficiaries; covers medically necessary podiatry.

HAP Medicare Advantage: Michigan-based plan with strong local network coverage including Balance Foot & Ankle.

What to Ask Your Medicare Advantage Plan

Before your first podiatry visit, call the member services number on your card and ask:

Is Balance Foot & Ankle in my network?
Do I need a referral from my PCP to see a podiatrist?
What is my copay for a specialist visit?
Does my plan cover routine foot care (nail trimming, callus removal) without a qualifying condition?
How many podiatry visits are covered per year?
Is there prior authorization required for orthotics or advanced treatments?

Alternatively, call us — we’ll check your benefits for you at no charge.

✅ Free Insurance Verification
Not sure what your plan covers? Our team verifies your insurance before every visit — no surprise bills, no confusion.
📞 (810) 206-1402 | Howell: 4330 E Grand River Ave | Bloomfield Hills: 43494 Woodward Ave #208
We accept Medicare, Medicare Advantage, BCBS, Aetna, United Healthcare, Cigna, Humana, HAP, Molina, Meridian, Priority Health, Oscar, McLaren, Workers’ Comp, VA, and most Michigan insurance plans.

⚡ Advanced Technology at Balance Foot & Ankle
✅ MLS Dual-Wavelength Laser — FDA-cleared
✅ EPAT Shockwave Therapy — 80%+ success rate
✅ Magnetotransduction (EMTT) — Deep electromagnetic healing
✅ 3D-Scanned Custom Orthotics
✅ Toenail Fungus Laser
✅ In-Office X-Ray & Ultrasound
✅ Diabetic Shoe Program — Medicare-covered
📞 (810) 206-1402 | Howell & Bloomfield Hills

📞 Call (810) 206-1402 to verify your Medicare Advantage podiatry benefits before your visit.

Professional Podiatric Care in Michigan: Balance Foot & Ankle’s Comprehensive Services

At Balance Foot & Ankle, Michigan patients receive comprehensive podiatric care across the full spectrum of foot and ankle conditions. Our fellowship-trained podiatrists provide conservative and surgical treatment for all foot and ankle pathology — from plantar fasciitis, bunions, and nail disorders to complex reconstructive surgery, diabetic foot care, and sports injuries. Our clinical approach prioritizes accurate diagnosis, evidence-based treatment selection, and honest communication with patients about realistic outcomes.

We serve patients in Livingston and Oakland counties from two convenient Michigan locations: our Howell office at 4330 E Grand River (serving Brighton, Hartland, Pinckney, Howell, and all of Livingston County) and our Bloomfield Hills office at 43494 Woodward Ave #208 (serving Troy, Birmingham, West Bloomfield, Farmington Hills, and all of Oakland County). Both offices offer in-office X-ray, same-week new patient appointments, and a full range of diagnostic and treatment services. We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Medicare, and most Michigan insurance plans. Call Balance Foot & Ankle at (810) 206-1402 to schedule your appointment.

Michigan patients from throughout the region — Livingston County communities including Howell, Brighton, Hartland, Pinckney, and Fowlerville, and Oakland County communities including Bloomfield Hills, Troy, Birmingham, West Bloomfield, Farmington Hills, Pontiac, and Rochester — can access expert podiatric care at Balance Foot & Ankle. Our clinical team is committed to providing the highest standard of foot and ankle care available in Southeast Michigan, from routine preventive care to complex surgical intervention. Call (810) 206-1402 to schedule — we look forward to serving you at our Howell or Bloomfield Hills location.

Related Treatment Guides

Michigan patients experiencing foot or ankle problems can schedule an appointment at Balance Foot & Ankle — with locations in Howell (4330 E Grand River) and Bloomfield Hills (43494 Woodward Ave #208). Call (810) 206-1402 for same-week availability.

Medical References & Sources

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📍 Located in Michigan?

Our board-certified podiatrists treat this condition at two convenient locations. Same-day appointments often available.

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Maximize Your Medicare Advantage Podiatry Benefits

Medicare Advantage plans often include expanded podiatry coverage beyond Original Medicare. Our team helps you understand and use every benefit available under your plan.

Book With Your MA Plan →

Clinical References

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Medicare Advantage Plans cover all Medicare services. CMS.gov. 2025.
Boulton AJM, Armstrong DG, Kirsner RS, et al. Diagnosis and management of diabetic foot complications. Diabetes Care. 2018;41(Suppl 1):S154-S161.
Bus SA, Lavery LA, Monteiro-Soares M, et al. Guidelines on the prevention of foot ulcers in persons with diabetes (IWGDF 2019 update). Diabetes Metab Res Rev. 2020;36(S1):e3269.

Insurance Accepted

BCBS · Medicare · Aetna · Cigna · United Healthcare · HAP · Priority Health · Humana · View All →

Howell Office

3980 E Grand River Ave, Suite 140

Howell, MI 48843

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Bloomfield Hills Office

43700 Woodward Ave, Suite 207

Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302

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Your Board-Certified Podiatrists

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

Board-Certified · FACFAS

Dr. Carl Jay, DPM

Board-Certified Podiatrist

Dr. Daria Gutkin, DPM

Podiatrist

Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?

Same-week appointments available at both locations.

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(810) 206-1402