Diabetes Foot Health Access and Modernization Act of 2026
Sponsored By: Senator Young, Todd [R-IN]
Introduced
Summary
This bill would expand access to foot care for people with diabetes. It would treat doctors of podiatric medicine as physicians for Medicaid rules and broaden Medicare coverage to include extra-depth and custom-molded shoes with inserts for eligible beneficiaries.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Podiatrists count as Medicaid physicians
If enacted, this bill would treat doctors of podiatric medicine as physicians for Medicaid coverage and payment starting January 1, 2026. That would let podiatrists bill and be paid as physicians under State Medicaid plans. States that need to pass new State laws would not be treated as out of compliance while they finish those laws; the extension lasts until the first day of the first calendar quarter after the close of the first regular session of that State legislature that begins after enactment (each year counts as a session in 2-year sessions).
Medicare would cover diabetic shoes
If enacted, this bill would let Medicare cover extra‑depth shoes with inserts or custom molded shoes with inserts for people with diabetes for items furnished on or after January 1, 2028. A physician would have to document qualifying foot problems (for example, peripheral neuropathy, history of pre‑ulcerative calluses or ulceration, foot deformity, prior lower‑limb amputation, or poor circulation), attest the person has diabetes, is under a diabetes care plan, and needs the shoes. The shoes must be fitted and furnished by a physician or another qualified supplier (such as a pedorthist or orthotist) as defined by the Secretary. The bill would also add these shoes to the physician self‑referral exception list, which could make it easier for doctors to furnish the shoes directly.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Young, Todd [R-IN]
IN • R
Cosponsors
Raphael Warnock
GA • D
Sponsored 3/12/2026
Sen. Justice, James C. [R-WV]
WV • R
Sponsored 5/11/2026
Amy Klobuchar
MN • D
Sponsored 5/11/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov