How to Get Medicare Reimbursed for Orthopedic Shoes in 2026

Does Medicare Cover Your Therapeutic Shoes?

Collage showing a woman presenting a medical necessity document, shoe displays, foot care charts, and park scene to explain Medicare-covered orthopedic shoes.

The answer is often YES — and here’s how to find out. If you have Medicare and a qualifying condition like diabetes, neuropathy, arthritis, or balance issues — you may qualify for therapeutic shoes at little or no cost to you.

Medicare May Cover Up to 80% of Your Therapeutic Footwear

Here’s how to get started in 3 simple steps.

✅ Step 1 — Check If You Qualify

You may qualify if you have ANY of these conditions:

Diabetes

Peripheral neuropathy (numbness or tingling in feet)

Poor circulation

Foot deformities (bunions, hammertoes)

Balance or mobility issues

History of foot ulcers or infections

Three-step Medicare shoe process: doctor diagnosis, shoe fitting by supplier, then order and claim submission (diagrams and icons show steps).

✅ Step 2 — Talk To Your Doctor

Ask your doctor to fill out the Medicare Therapeutic Shoe Form. Your doctor signs it confirming you need therapeutic footwear. Print it and bring it to your next appointment — or ask your doctor’s office to complete it directly.

📋 the Medicare Form for your Doctor