Short answer: Medicare Part B covers medically necessary podiatry for foot injuries and diseases. Coverage of orthotics is limited. Routine foot care, ordinary shoes, and inserts used mainly for comfort are generally not covered.
Original Medicare coverage
Part B covers medically necessary foot examinations and treatment for conditions such as injuries, bunion deformities, hammer toe, or heel spurs. It generally does not cover cutting corns or calluses, trimming nails, or other routine hygiene and maintenance.
Part B covers some diabetes-related foot care for a person with diabetic peripheral neuropathy and loss of protective sensation. It may also cover therapeutic shoes and inserts for a person with diabetes and severe diabetes-related foot disease. Orthopedic shoes are covered when they are a necessary part of a covered leg brace.
Eligibility and limits
For therapeutic shoes, the doctor treating the diabetes must certify the need. A podiatrist or other qualified provider must order the shoes or inserts, and a qualified professional must furnish and fit them. Medicare generally allows one pair of custom-molded shoes with inserts and two additional pairs of inserts, or one pair of extra-depth shoes and three pairs of inserts, per calendar year.
Diabetes-related foot exams are generally covered every six months when eligibility requirements are met and the person has not seen a foot care professional for another reason during that period.
Costs
After the Part B deductible, the beneficiary generally pays 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount for covered treatment and items. A hospital outpatient copayment may also apply. Noncovered routine care, shoes, or inserts are paid in full by the beneficiary.
Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage plans cover Medicare-covered foot care and orthotics but may require network providers, suppliers, referrals, or authorization. Some plans offer extra routine foot-care benefits.
What to do next
- Ask whether the service is routine care or treatment of a documented condition.
- Ask for the orthotic or shoe billing code.
- Confirm that the provider and supplier are enrolled in Medicare.
- Verify the annual quantity before ordering replacement shoes or inserts.
Sources
- Medicare.gov: Foot care
- Medicare.gov: Foot care for diabetes
- Medicare.gov: Therapeutic shoes and inserts
- Medicare.gov: Orthopedic shoes
Last reviewed: August 2026. Medicare rules and plan benefits can change.