Diabetes Foot Health Access Act

Summary#

This bill makes two main changes to federal health programs.

First, it amends Medicaid rules to treat doctors of podiatric medicine as physicians for certain covered services. The bill changes a statutory reference so podiatric physicians are included, and that change generally applies to services furnished on or after January 1, 2026. States that need to change state law get extra time to update their Medicaid plans.

Second, it changes Medicare rules about therapeutic shoes for people with diabetes. The bill revises the Medicare definition to require that a physician (as defined in statute) document that a person has peripheral neuropathy or related foot problems, attest the person has diabetes and a related plan of care, and attest the person needs the shoes. The shoes must be fitted and furnished by a physician or another qualified person (for example, a pedorthist or orthotist) as the Secretary of Health and Human Services defines. That change applies to items and services furnished on or after January 1, 2028. The bill also updates a related anti-kickback statute cross-reference to include extra-depth and custom-molded shoes with inserts.

What it means for you#

• If you are a Medicaid beneficiary, podiatric physicians are explicitly recognized as physicians for certain covered services under the amended rule, which may affect who can provide and bill for foot and ankle care under Medicaid starting January 1, 2026. States that need to change their laws may have extra time to comply.
• If you have diabetes and need therapeutic shoes, Medicare will require a physician to document specific findings (peripheral neuropathy or related issues), confirm a diabetes diagnosis and a comprehensive plan of care, and state that the shoes are needed. Shoes must be fitted and furnished by a physician or a qualified individual defined by the Secretary. These Medicare changes take effect January 1, 2028.
• If you are a podiatric physician, pedorthist, orthotist, or other provider, the bill sets documentation and furnishing requirements you must meet for Medicare-covered therapeutic shoes and clarifies your status under Medicaid.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

The bill text states its purpose is to ensure access by Medicaid beneficiaries to appropriate, quality foot and ankle care and to modify Medicare requirements for diabetic shoes. The sponsors list is included in the bill metadata.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.