Therapeutic Shoes Bill
The Medicare Therapeutic Shoe Bill was enacted by Congress in order to provide proper footwear and inserts for people with diabetes who qualify under Medicare Part B. The program was designed to prevent lower limb ulcers, amputations, and other complications in people who suffer from the disease. This protective footwear can help in the fight to prevent the 54,000 diabetic amputations that occur each year. Eligible patients qualify for one pair of shoes, and up to three pairs of inserts and/or shoe modifications for each calendar year.
Crary Shoes has designed specific programs to meet this bill, which ensure that the patient receives excellent foot protection without much out of pocket cost. Medicare will reimburse for 80 percent of the amount allowed, and the patient is responsible for the other 20 percent. However, many supplemental insurance companies will cover this 20 percent, leaving the patient to pay nothing.
In order to qualify for the program, certain criteria must be met. First, the doctor, an MD or DO, treating the diabetes must fill out the Statement of Certifying Physician. Second, you need a prescription for the necessary footwear from the doctor who is treating the foot condition. This is generally a Podiatrist, but can also be your MD or DO.
Once you have both of these documents, you will want to contact your insurance to make sure you are eligible for these benefits. As a courtesy to you, Crary Shoes will bill your insurance as long as we are contracted with them.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.