Promoting Access to Diabetic Shoes Act
The Promoting Access to Diabetic Shoes Act is a narrowly targeted Senate bill that would amend title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to allow nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) to satisfy the documentation requirement needed for Medicare coverage of certain shoes for people with diabetes. In current law, the documentation for coverage is tied to physicians; this bill inserts NPs and PAs into those documentation roles. If enacted, the change would make it easier for individuals with diabetes to obtain Medicare-covered diabetic footwear by broadening which clinicians can provide the necessary paperwork or attestations. The bill does not change the level of coverage, eligibility rules, or payment rates for diabetic shoes. It simply expands who can fulfill the documentation requirement to qualify for coverage, potentially reducing barriers and delays for beneficiaries who need these shoes.
Key Points
- 1What it does: Expands the set of clinicians who can satisfy Medicare’s documentation requirement for coverage of certain shoes for individuals with diabetes to include nurse practitioners and physician assistants, in addition to physicians.
- 2Where the change occurs: Amends Section 1861(s)(12) of the Social Security Act, adding NP and PA references to subparagraphs A and C.
- 3Scope of effect: Applies specifically to Medicare coverage determinations for “certain shoes” for people with diabetes; does not alter coverage thresholds, eligibility criteria, or payment policy beyond who can provide documentation.
- 4Implementation details: The statutory text specifies insertion of “nurse practitioner, or physician assistant” after “physician” in relevant places, but does not specify an effective date or other operational requirements beyond the amendment.
- 5Funding and broader policy: The bill does not include new funding, cost provisions, or broader changes to diabetes care or shoe coverage; it is a focused administrative expansion.