Promoting Access to Diabetic Shoes

Summary#

This bill amends section 1861(s)(12) of the Social Security Act to allow nurse practitioners and physician assistants to satisfy the documentation requirement under Medicare for coverage of certain shoes for individuals with diabetes. The text inserts the phrase ", nurse practitioner, or physician assistant" after each occurrence of "physician" in the cited subparagraphs.

What it means for you#

• If you are a Medicare beneficiary with diabetes who may qualify for therapeutic or protective shoes, the required documentation could be provided by a nurse practitioner or a physician assistant as well as by a physician.
• If you are a nurse practitioner or a physician assistant, the bill would permit you to complete the Medicare documentation needed for these shoes.
• If you are a physician, the bill does not remove your ability to provide the documentation.

Expenses#

No publicly available information. The bill text and provided metadata do not include cost estimates, funding details, or projected federal spending effects.

Proponents' View#

Supporters introduced the measure as the "Promoting Access to Diabetic Shoes Act." Sponsors listed include Senators Collins and Shaheen and additional co-sponsors. The change is presented to expand who may satisfy Medicare documentation requirements, which proponents describe as promoting access to diabetic shoes for eligible individuals.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.