HI.

Yes, I'm aware of the information that was stated in these two links. As a matter of fact, I'm going through it myself because I'm a diabetic and I also have neuropathy (although I was extremely lucky and got a handle on it because I take Methylcobalimin every single morning.

In MY case, I am entitled to orthopedic shoes,(I'm not in Alan's category, so I don't need custom molded anything), but diabetic shoes (let's just call them fancy sneakers with big toe boxes), well they are costly. But the HMO will only contribute $88 towards my shoes and my shoes cost much more than $88.00. Other HMO's pay as little as $40 towards the cost of the shoes.

That's why many shoe companies refuse to take the $88.00 and the $40.00 (unless the patient provides the rest of the money).

I'm on Social Security Disability and I grow my own food in my kitchen. If they think I can come up with a co-pay of $100 or more, they are kidding themselves. I mean, what's the use of having insurance if they don't cover SHOES for goodness sake.

Thank god, I don't need custom orthotics like Alan does. I DID need them over 5 years ago because I had a double heel spur (but surprisingly, I have had no problem with this condition for YEARS)

Okay, I just found out who takes care of all these things.

THE CMS
Centers for Medicare Services.

Here's the website

http://www.cms.hhs.gov/

Now THERE'S A LOT OF INFO AND LINKS AND THINGS TO CLICK ON, and there is even a contact link, but after doing that, I have no idea what to do next. I want to contact the people who make the policy, who make the guidelines, and request that they CHANGE the status on not allowing non-diabetics to get shoes and orthotics.

So any of you creative people out there, click on this website, scroll around and if you find a place that I send an email or call (about changing policy), kindly let me know.

I couldn't find it.

Thanks, Melody