Promoting Access to Diabetic Shoes Act

Promoting Access to Diabetic Shoes Act

This bill allows a nurse practitioner or physician assistant to fulfill documentation requirements for coverage, under Medicare, of special shoes for diabetic individuals. Under current law, such requirements may be satisfied only by a physician.

Bill 117 HR 4870, also known as the Promoting Access to Diabetic Shoes Act, aims to improve access to diabetic shoes for individuals with diabetes. The bill recognizes the importance of proper footwear for individuals with diabetes, as foot complications are common among this population.

The bill outlines several key provisions, including:

1. Requiring Medicare to cover diabetic shoes for individuals with diabetes who are at risk of developing foot complications. This coverage would include both the shoes themselves and any necessary modifications or inserts. 2. Establishing quality standards for diabetic shoes to ensure that individuals receive high-quality footwear that meets their specific needs. 3. Providing education and training for healthcare providers on the importance of proper footwear for individuals with diabetes, as well as how to properly assess and prescribe diabetic shoes. Overall, the Promoting Access to Diabetic Shoes Act seeks to improve the health and well-being of individuals with diabetes by ensuring they have access to the necessary footwear to prevent foot complications. The bill has received bipartisan support in Congress and is currently under consideration in committee.