Does TRICARE cover diabetic shoes?
Yes, for people with diabetes. One pair of shoes a year, plus inserts.
Does TRICARE cover diabetic shoes?
Yes. TRICARE says it "covers inserts and custom molded or extra-depth shoes for people with diabetes." Each calendar year that means one pair of custom molded shoes and two pairs of inserts, or one pair of extra-depth shoes and three pairs of inserts.
Diabetes can dull the feeling in the feet, so a rub can turn into a sore before anyone notices. TRICARE covers special shoes and inserts for people with diabetes, within a yearly limit.
Steps
- Talk with the doctor. The doctor or foot doctor checks the feet and decides whether custom molded or extra-depth shoes fit best.
- Get the order. The order should name the shoes and inserts and say they're for diabetes.
- Know the yearly limit. Each calendar year: one pair of custom molded shoes and two pairs of inserts, or one pair of extra-depth shoes and three pairs of inserts.
- Changes to the shoes. TRICARE lets you swap one pair of inserts for a change to the shoes, like a rocker bottom, a metatarsal bar, a wedge or an offset heel.
- A proper fitting. A fitting matters more than shoe size. Bring the socks you usually wear.
- Without diabetes. TRICARE's foot care page lists shoe inserts, arch supports and orthopedic shoes (unless attached to a brace) among things it doesn't cover.
Checklist
- Feet checked by the doctor
- Order names the shoes and inserts, for diabetes
- Know which pair counts for this calendar year
- Fitting booked, usual socks ready
- Called intake or sent a request
Good shoes help, but they don't replace looking at your feet every day.
In TRICARE's words
TRICARE covers inserts and custom molded or extra-depth shoes for people with diabetes.
One pair of custom molded shoes (including inserts that come with the shoes) and two pairs of multidensity inserts, or
One pair of extra-depth shoes (not including inserts that come with the shoes) and three pairs of multidensity inserts.
You can substitute one of your inserts to modify your custom molded or extra-depth shoes.
Orthopedic shoes (unless attached to a brace)
Equipment in this guide
Follow the instructions from your doctor and the equipment maker.