Medicare Diabetic Shoe Program: Therapeutic Footwear Coverage for Diabetic Feet

Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon — Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Township, MI. Last updated April 2026.

What the Medicare Diabetic Shoe Program Covers

The Medicare Therapeutic Shoe Program is a Medicare Part B benefit that provides coverage for diabetic footwear and custom insoles for qualifying patients with diabetes. The program covers one pair of depth-inlay shoes and three pairs of custom-molded insoles per calendar year — or one pair of custom-molded shoes and two additional pairs of insoles if standard depth shoes cannot accommodate foot deformities. The program exists because properly fitted therapeutic footwear significantly reduces the risk of diabetic foot ulcers, infections, and amputations in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

At Balance Foot & Ankle, we participate in the Medicare Diabetic Shoe Program and help qualifying patients access this benefit every year. Our physicians provide the required prescribing documentation, and we work with certified pedorthists to fit shoes and fabricate custom insoles that meet each patient is individual foot shape and pathology.

Who Qualifies for Medicare Diabetic Shoes

To qualify for the Medicare Diabetic Shoe Program, a patient must have diabetes with at least one of the following: peripheral neuropathy with evidence of callus formation, a history of pre-ulcerative calluses, a history of previous foot ulceration, foot deformity, previous partial or complete foot amputation, or poor circulation. The patient must be under the care of a physician managing the diabetes, and the prescribing physician must certify that the patient meets medical necessity criteria. Most patients with established diabetic peripheral neuropathy meet these requirements.

Why Therapeutic Footwear Prevents Diabetic Complications

Standard retail footwear is not designed to accommodate the foot deformities, pressure redistribution needs, and custom insoles required by patients with diabetic neuropathy. Depth shoes have additional interior depth that accommodates hammertoe and bunion deformities and allows custom insoles to be worn without cramping the foot. Custom-molded insoles are fabricated from a plaster or foam impression of the patient is actual foot, distributing weight evenly across the plantar surface and eliminating the pressure concentrations that predict ulcer formation over bony prominences.

Research demonstrates that therapeutic footwear combined with regular podiatric care reduces plantar ulcer recurrence rates by up to 50 percent in high-risk diabetic patients. Given that a single diabetic foot ulcer episode averages over $13,000 in direct medical costs and carries a significant risk of hospitalization and amputation, the Medicare program represents a highly cost-effective preventive investment. Contact Balance Foot & Ankle to determine if you or a family member qualifies for the diabetic shoe program this calendar year.

Recommended Diabetic Foot Care Products

While the Medicare program covers therapeutic shoes and insoles, these additional products help our diabetic patients maintain healthy feet between visits.

Eucerin Advanced Repair Foot Cream — Dry, cracked skin is a common entry point for infection in diabetic feet. This fragrance-free cream with ceramides restores the skin barrier without irritating neuropathic skin. Check price on Amazon

PowerStep Pinnacle Insoles — For patients who need daily arch support outside their therapeutic shoes, these provide structured cushioning that reduces plantar pressure. Check price on Amazon

SB SOX Compression Socks — Mild graduated compression supports circulation in patients with diabetes-related vascular concerns. We recommend wearing these during extended standing or travel. Check price on Amazon

In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle

If home care isn’t resolving your diabetic foot concern, a visit with a board-certified podiatrist is the fastest path to accurate diagnosis and a personalized plan. At Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists, Dr. Tom Biernacki, Dr. Carl Jay, and Dr. Daria Gutkin offer same-day and next-day appointments at both our Howell and Bloomfield Township offices. We perform on-site diagnostic ultrasound, digital X-ray, conservative care, advanced regenerative treatments, and minimally invasive surgery when indicated.

Call (810) 206-1402 or request an appointment online. Most insurance plans accepted, including Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, and United Healthcare.

Frequently Asked Questions About Medicare Diabetic Shoes

How do I qualify for Medicare diabetic shoes?

You need a diabetes diagnosis plus at least one qualifying condition: diabetic neuropathy, history of foot ulceration, foot deformity, previous amputation, poor circulation, or pre-ulcerative callus. Your treating physician certifies the need, and a podiatrist performs the fitting and prescribes the specific footwear.

How often can I get new diabetic shoes through Medicare?

Medicare covers one pair of depth-inlay shoes and three pairs of custom insoles per calendar year. If you need custom-molded shoes due to significant deformity, the benefit covers one pair of custom shoes and two pairs of insoles instead. The benefit resets every January 1st.

Does Balance Foot & Ankle accept Medicare for diabetic shoes?

Yes — we are a Medicare-participating provider and handle the entire process from certification to fitting at our Howell and Bloomfield Township locations. Our team manages the documentation and works directly with Medicare so you receive your therapeutic footwear with minimal out-of-pocket cost.

The Bottom Line on the Medicare Diabetic Shoe Program

The Medicare Diabetic Shoe Program is one of the most underused benefits available to patients with diabetes. In our clinic in Howell and Bloomfield Township, Michigan, we see patients every week who qualify but have never been told about this program. Properly fitted therapeutic footwear with custom insoles is one of the most effective ways to prevent diabetic foot ulcers — the leading cause of non-traumatic lower limb amputation. If you have diabetes and any foot symptoms, ask your doctor for a referral or contact our office directly.

Medicare Diabetic Shoe Program at Balance Foot & Ankle

Balance Foot & Ankle is a certified provider for the Medicare Therapeutic Shoe Program. Our podiatrists fit diabetic patients with therapeutic footwear and custom inserts covered by Medicare at our Howell and Bloomfield Township offices.

Learn About Diabetic Foot Care | Book Your Appointment | Call (810) 206-1402

Clinical References

1. Macfarlane DJ, Jensen JL. Factors in diabetic footwear compliance. J Am Podiatr Med Assoc. 1997;87(5):240-244.
2. Reiber GE, et al. Effect of therapeutic footwear on foot reulceration in patients with diabetes: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2002;288(10):1231-1233.
3. Bus SA, et al. Footwear and offloading interventions to prevent and heal foot ulcers and reduce plantar pressure in patients with diabetes: a systematic review. Diabetes Metab Res Rev. 2016;32(S1):99-118.

Differential Diagnosis: What Else Could It Be?

Several conditions share symptoms with Diabetic Neuropathy and are commonly misdiagnosed in the first office visit. Considering these alternatives is part of every Balance Foot & Ankle exam:

• Tarsal tunnel syndrome. Burning radiating into the arch with positive Tinel’s at the medial ankle.
• Peripheral artery disease. Pain with walking that resolves with rest, weak pulses, hair loss on toes.
• Lumbar radiculopathy. Symptoms following a dermatome, often with back pain — MRI of spine, not foot.

If your symptoms don’t fit the textbook pattern, ask your podiatrist which differentials they ruled out — that conversation often shortcuts months of trial-and-error treatment.

Most Common Mistake We See

The most common mistake we see is: Stopping B-vitamin supplementation as soon as symptoms improve. Fix: maintain supplementation for 6-18 months alongside strict glucose control.

Warning Signs That Need Same-Day Care

Dr. Tom’s Top 3 — The Premium Foot Pain Stack (2026)

If you only buy three things for foot pain, get these. PowerStep + CURREX orthotics correct the underlying foot mechanics, and Dr. Hoy’s pain gel delivers fast topical relief. This is the exact stack Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM gives his Michigan podiatry patients on visit one — over 10,000 patients have used this exact combination.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I see a podiatrist?

If symptoms persist past 2 weeks, affect your normal activity, or are accompanied by red-flag symptoms (warmth, redness, swelling, inability to bear weight).

What does treatment cost?

Most diagnostic visits and conservative treatments are covered by Medicare and major insurers. Out-of-pocket costs vary by your specific plan.

ADA: Diabetic Footwear

How quickly can I get an appointment?

Most non-urgent cases see us within 5 business days. Urgent cases (sudden pain, possible fracture) typically same or next business day.

Related Care at Balance Foot & Ankle

Clinical diabetic services at our Howell and Bloomfield Township offices.

Diabetic Foot CarePeripheral NeuropathyDiabetic Wound Care