Will Medicare pay for any part of getting new custom made orthotics?
I have custom made orthotics for many years, in fact, I must have them to wear any kind of shoes. Now that I am past 65 and am enrolled in Medicare part B and also have a Medicare supplement, will Medicare pay for any part of the cost of getting new ones which I really need?
Expert Answer
Medicare only cover therapeutic shoes or inserts for people with diabetes who have severe diabetic foot disease.
To qualify: 1. The doctor who treats your diabetes must certify your need for therapeutic shoes or inserts. 2. A podiatrist or other qualified doctor must prescribe the shoes and inserts. 3. A doctor or other qualifiedindividual like a pedorthist, orthotist, or prosthetist must fit and provide the shoes.
If you pass the test so far, you need to pay 20% of the cost after meeting your annual Part B deductible. Medicare helps pay for one pair of therapeutic shoes and inserts per calendar year. Shoe modifications may be substituted for inserts.
You should check with your Medicare supplement insurance carrier to find out what their coverage is for orthotics.