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Medicare Part B will cover most, but not all, podiatry services.
Medicare Part B does not cover routine foot care.
If you are diabetic, Medicare will cover podiatry services related to diabetic neuropathy in the feet
A Medicare Advantage plan may cover many of the podiatry services that Original Medicare will not.
As you age, you may begin to experience issues with mobility. In many cases, those mobility issues start with problems that begin developing in your feet. Some of the biggest issues that may develop with your feet as you age include:
For individuals who are relatively healthy, some of these conditions, such as corns, bunions, and calluses, cause little to no issue and pose no threat. For others who are not, neglecting issues in the feet can lead to bigger health issues. If you’re a Medicare recipient, this may lead to you wondering, “Does Medicare cover podiatry?”
Today, we’re going to take a look at Medicare podiatry coverage and how it can help you maintain overall good health. We’ll also look at podiatry care and foot care options outside of Original Medicare (Part A and Part B).
Certain podiatry services are covered under Original Medicare by Medicare Part B. In many cases, in order to have podiatry services covered by Medicare Part B, you’ll need to have been diagnosed with certain conditions, such as diabetes. If you haven’t been diagnosed with a certain condition, you may need another qualifying reason to be able to use Medicare for podiatry services.
Typically, Medicare will cover the following types of podiatry services:
There is vast Medicare podiatry coverage for diabetes-related foot issues. If you have diabetes-related nerve damage, such as diabetic neuropathy, or injuries on your feet that diabetes can make worse, you may have better Medicare podiatry coverage than someone without diabetes. For instance, if a podiatrist recommends therapeutic shoes or inserts to help alleviate severe diabetic foot disease, Medicare Part B may cover those supplies.
*In order for Medicare Part B to cover treatments for these issues, they must have been deemed “medically necessary”. Otherwise, they may fall under routine foot care, which is not covered by Original Medicare.
In order to keep your feet from falling prey to serious conditions and issues, preventive care and maintenance is key. You may think that Original Medicare will help you cover the cost of routine preventive care for your feet. However, it does not.
A key concept to remember in regards to Original Medicare is that if a treatment is not seen as medically necessary, it likely won’t be covered. While routine foot care is key to helping you maintain good health, routine foot care services aren’t deemed to be medically necessary. Routine foot care services that are not covered by Original Medicare include:
Does Medicare cover podiatry? Yes, but it does not cover all podiatry services. As we’ve mentioned above, it does not cover routine foot care services, and it may not even cover orthopedic shoes or other crucial supplies, even if you’ve been diagnosed with certain conditions or diseases.
If you find your Medicare podiatry coverage to be lacking, a Medicare Advantage plan may prove helpful when you need coverage for foot care. Medicare Advantage plans will typically cover supplies, treatments, and services that Original Medicare will not.
It is important to note that the type of coverage provided by a Medicare Advantage plan depends on certain factors:
Not all Medicare Advantage plans offer the same coverage. To learn more about what Medicare Advantage plans may or may not cover in your area in relation to general podiatry and Medicare podiatry coverage for diabetes, be sure to search for and compare plans in your area before making a choice. For instance, you can enter your zip code into our free search tool and find a number of Medicare Advantage plans in your area that may provide the coverage you’re looking for.
Many seniors with foot issues wonder on a daily basis, “Does Medicare cover podiatry?” When you see that it does, you may be surprised to discover that it does not cover what you need. This may lead you to put off vital medical services for your feet that could help your mobility at the very least, or even save your life.
You can always find some type of assistance if you find Original Medicare podiatry coverage to be lacking. Remember, Medicare Advantage plans can come through for you where Original Medicare may not. If you’d like to learn more about Medicare Advantage coverage options in your area, reach out to us today. We’ll be happy to help!
