Does Medicare Cover Diabetic Shoes & Inserts in 2026?

Quick answer: Yes — but only with severe diabetes-related foot disease. If you qualify, Part B covers one of these per calendar year: one pair of depth-inlay shoes plus 3 pairs of inserts, or one pair of custom-molded shoes (inserts included) plus 2 more pairs of inserts. You pay 20% after the Part B deductible.

Does Original Medicare cover diabetic shoes?

Yes — one pair a year, if you qualify

Original Medicare rule · verify your plan at Medicare.gov

Medicare Part B covers therapeutic shoes and inserts if you have diabetes and severe diabetes-related foot disease. Two different doctors are involved: the doctor treating your diabetes must certify that you need them, and a podiatrist or other qualified doctor must order them. Each calendar year Medicare covers one of the following: one pair of depth-inlay shoes and 3 pairs of inserts, or — if a foot deformity means you can't wear depth-inlay shoes — one pair of custom-molded shoes (inserts included) and 2 additional pairs of inserts. In certain cases Medicare covers separate inserts or shoe modifications instead of inserts. Your doctors and suppliers must be enrolled in Medicare; a participating supplier has to accept assignment, which means it can charge you only the coinsurance and the Part B deductible on the Medicare-approved amount.

Medicare Advantage: what some plans add

Medicare Advantage plans cover therapeutic shoes under the same medical criteria, but set their own copay and network. Some plans also add a general footwear or over-the-counter allowance that's separate from this benefit — useful, but don't confuse the two when you're planning the year.

Who this matters to

People with diabetes who have severe diabetes-related foot disease. If you have diabetes without that complication, this specific benefit doesn't apply — but Medicare's separate diabetic foot-care benefit may still cover exams and treatment.

What does Medicare cost you in 2026?

See the current Part A, Part B, and Part D numbers — premiums, deductibles, and the new drug cap — in one place. Free, no signup.

See 2026 Medicare Costs →

Frequently asked questions

How often will Medicare pay for diabetic shoes?

Once per calendar year, if you qualify. That's either one pair of depth-inlay shoes with 3 pairs of inserts, or one pair of custom-molded shoes (inserts included) with 2 more pairs of inserts when a foot deformity keeps you from wearing depth-inlay shoes.

What do I need to qualify for diabetic shoes?

You need diabetes and severe diabetes-related foot disease. The doctor treating your diabetes has to certify that you need the shoes or inserts, and a podiatrist or other qualified doctor has to order them. Both your doctors and your supplier must be enrolled in Medicare.

Related Medicare coverage & tools

Does Medicare cover a patient lift?

Yes — 20% after the Part B deductible.

Does Medicare cover a commode chair?

Yes — when you can't use a regular toilet.

Does Medicare cover dental?

Dental, vision & hearing under Original Medicare vs Advantage.

Medigap Plans Explained

How supplement plans cover the 20% Original Medicare leaves you.

Comparing plans this year?

Coverage gaps in Original Medicare — like diabetic shoes — are exactly what a Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan is meant to fill. Our free Enrollment Finder shows the window you can switch in, and the guide library walks through the trade-offs. This page is free to share with anyone weighing their options.

Open the Enrollment Finder →

Official sources

This answer is based on U.S. government Medicare coverage rules: