Does Medicare Cover OrthoFeet Shoes? Eligibility and Limits
Reviewed September 17, 2026. Medicare does not cover a shoe simply because it is sold as orthopedic, diabetic, or therapeutic. Medicare Part B covers therapeutic shoes and inserts only when the beneficiary meets Medicare’s eligibility and provider requirements.
When Medicare covers therapeutic shoes
Medicare.gov states that a beneficiary must have diabetes and severe diabetes-related foot disease. The doctor treating the diabetes must certify the need for therapeutic shoes or inserts. A podiatrist or another qualified doctor must order them, and the shoes must be furnished by a qualified, Medicare-enrolled supplier. Check the current eligibility and provider requirements on Medicare.gov.
A diagnosis such as plantar fasciitis, arthritis, flat feet, or general foot pain does not by itself satisfy Medicare’s therapeutic-shoe benefit described on Medicare.gov. A particular OrthoFeet model is not automatically covered merely because the manufacturer describes it as therapeutic or diabetic footwear.
How many shoes and inserts Medicare covers
For each calendar year, Medicare describes coverage for either:
- One pair of custom-molded shoes, including inserts, plus two additional pairs of inserts; or
- One pair of extra-depth shoes plus three pairs of inserts.
In certain cases, Medicare may cover separate inserts or shoe modifications instead of inserts. Verify the current annual quantities on Medicare.gov.
What the beneficiary pays
After the Part B deductible is met, the beneficiary generally pays 20% of the Medicare-approved amount when the supplier accepts assignment. Medicare warns that a nonparticipating supplier that does not accept assignment may charge more. Review Medicare’s current cost explanation.
Can OrthoFeet shoes be covered?
Coverage depends on the beneficiary, the medical documentation, the ordered item, and the supplier—not the brand name alone. Before ordering an OrthoFeet product, ask the prescribing clinician and supplier to confirm all of the following:
- You meet Medicare’s diabetes and severe diabetes-related foot-disease requirement.
- The doctor treating your diabetes will provide the required certification.
- A podiatrist or other qualified doctor will order the specific item.
- The supplier is enrolled in Medicare and can bill Medicare for that item.
- The supplier accepts assignment, or has explained the possible additional cost.
Use Medicare’s official directory to check suppliers rather than relying on a retailer’s marketing statement. Search Medicare-enrolled medical-equipment suppliers.
Steps to request coverage
- Discuss the foot condition with the doctor managing your diabetes.
- Ask whether you meet Medicare’s therapeutic-shoe eligibility rules.
- Obtain the required certification and order from the appropriate clinicians.
- Choose a qualified Medicare-enrolled supplier.
- Confirm the exact shoe or insert, expected Medicare-approved amount, assignment status, and your estimated cost before delivery.
This page explains Original Medicare’s therapeutic-shoe benefit. A Medicare Advantage plan must cover Medicare-covered services but may use plan-specific networks, authorization procedures, or cost sharing. Check the plan’s current Evidence of Coverage and contact the plan before ordering.