Does Medicare Cover Podiatry and Orthotics?

Maintaining foot health is crucial, especially as we age. Podiatry is the area of medicine that specializes in diagnosing and treating foot, ankle, and lower extremity conditions. Orthotics are custom-made devices (podiatry orthotics) designed to support and alleviate discomfort in these areas of the body. Understanding Medicare’s coverage for these services can help you make informed healthcare decisions.

What Podiatry Services Does Medicare Cover?

Original Medicare includes Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance). Medicare Part A typically covers hospital services. Most podiatry services are covered under Medicare Part B, as they are usually provided in outpatient settings. Part B covers medically necessary podiatry care. This includes:

• Diabetic foot exams for diabetes-related nerve damage.¹
• Treatment of foot injuries or conditions, such as hammertoe, bunion deformities, and heel spurs.¹

Routine foot care, such as cutting toenails or removing corns and calluses, is generally not covered unless you’re under specific treatment plans for certain conditions.

Does Medicare Cover Orthotics?

Yes, Medicare Part B covers orthotics if they’re deemed medically necessary by a physician. For individuals with diabetes and severe foot disease, coverage includes either:

• One pair of custom-molded shoes and inserts per calendar year, or
• One pair of extra-depth shoes per calendar year.

Additionally, Medicare covers up to two additional pairs of inserts for custom-molded shoes and up to three pairs for extra-depth shoes each calendar year if prescribed by a physician.² For more about the special considerations for diabetes-related foot health, visit our Diabetes Coverage article.

Does Medicare Cover Orthopedic Shoes?

Generally, Medicare doesn’t cover orthopedic shoes unless they’re an integral part of a leg brace. In such cases, Medicare Part B may cover these shoes if they’re deemed medically necessary and are included as part of the leg brace. Otherwise, you are responsible for the full cost of these shoes.³

How Much Do Podiatry and Orthotics Cost with Medicare?

If you qualify for coverage, you’re typically responsible for 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for covered services after meeting your Part B deductible. This includes both podiatry services and orthotic devices.

Podiatry and Orthotics Costs Under Other Parts of Medicare

While Medicare primarily covers podiatry and orthotics through Part B, Medicare also consists of additional parts. Here’s what to know about podiatry and orthotics coverage under these other parts:

• Medicare Advantage (Part C): Many Medicare Advantage plans offer additional benefits, which may include coverage for routine foot care and orthotics not covered by Original Medicare. Coverage details can vary.
• Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage): While Part D generally doesn’t cover orthotics or podiatry services, it may help cover the costs of medications prescribed for podiatric treatment.
• Medicare Supplement Insurance: Medicare Supplement Insurance may help cover some of the cost-sharing for Medicare-approved podiatry services or orthotic supplies.

Knowing the specifics of your Medicare coverage is essential to understanding your costs associated with podiatry services and orthotics.

How to Find a Podiatrist That Accepts Medicare

To locate a podiatrist who accepts Medicare you can use Medicare’s Care Compare tool:

1. Access Care Compare: Visit the Medicare Care Compare website.
2. Select Provider Type: On the homepage, choose the “Doctors & Clinicians” option.
3. Enter Search Criteria: Input your ZIP code and specify “Podiatry” as the specialty to find podiatrists in your area who accept Medicare.

This tool provides information about healthcare providers, including their contact details and whether they accept Medicare, which can help you avoid unexpected charges.⁴ If you have questions, we can help you learn more about what Medicare covers.

Medicare Podiatry and Orthotics Coverage FAQs

Q1. Does Medicare cover routine foot care?

Medicare generally does not cover routine care, such as cutting or removing corns and calluses, trimming, cutting, or clipping nails, and hygienic maintenance. However, exceptions are made if you have certain medical conditions like diabetes.

Q2. Does Medicare cover plantar fasciitis?

Medicare may cover treatments for plantar fasciitis if they are deemed medically necessary by your healthcare provider. Coverage can include physical therapy, injections, orthotic devices, and plantar fasciitis embolization.

Q3. Is foot surgery covered by Medicare?

Yes, Medicare covers foot surgeries that are considered medically necessary to treat foot injuries or diseases. This includes procedures performed by podiatrists, such as correcting deformities or treating severe foot conditions.¹

Understanding what Medicare covers—and what it doesn’t—can help you make more informed decisions about your foot health. If you have questions about your current Medicare coverage or how to manage out-of-pocket costs for podiatry and orthotic services, consider reviewing your plan documents or speaking with a licensed insurance professional. Being informed is the first step toward maintaining your mobility and overall wellness.

Sources

¹ Medicare.gov. Web page: Foot care. Retrieved April 1, 2025, from https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/foot-care.

² Medicare.gov. Web page: Therapeutic shoes & inserts. Retrieved April 1, 2025, from https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/therapeutic-shoes-inserts.

³ Medicare.gov. Web page: Orthopedic shoes. Retrieved April 1, 2025, from https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/orthopedic-shoes.

⁴ Medicare.gov. Web page: Find healthcare providers: Compare care near you. Retrieved April 1, 2025, from https://www.medicare.gov/care-compare/.

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