What does Preamble of Diabetes Foot Health Access and Modernization Act of 2026 do?

This bill, formally titled 'To amend title XIX of the Social Security Act to cover physician services delivered by podiatric physicians to ensure access by Medicaid beneficiaries to appropriate quality foot and ankle care, to amend title XVIII of such Act to modify the requirements for diabetic shoes to be included under Medicare, and for other purposes,' aims to modify existing legislation. The bill proposes amendments to title XIX of the Social Security Act to cover physician services provided by podiatric physicians for Medicaid beneficiaries. It also proposes amendments to title XVIII of the Social Security Act to modify requirements for diabetic shoes under Medicare.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Diabetes Foot Health Access and Modernization Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the Diabetes Foot Health Access and Modernization Act of 2026

What does RECOGNIZING DOCTORS OF PODIATRIC MEDICINE AS PHYSICIANS UNDER of Diabetes Foot Health Access and Modernization Act of 2026 do?

This section amends Section 1905(a)(5)(A) of the Social Security Act to modify the definition of 'physician' within the Medicaid program. The amendment changes the reference from 'section 1861(r)(1)' to 'paragraphs (1) and (3) of section 1861(r)' regarding physician definitions. The changes made by this section will generally apply to services furnished on or after January 1, 2026. States requiring legislative action to comply with the amendment will have an extended timeframe. The extended timeframe allows states to avoid non-compliance until the first calendar quarter after the close of the first regular session of the state legislature following enactment of this Act.

What does CLARIFYING MEDICARE DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS FOR THERAPEUTIC of Diabetes Foot Health Access and Modernization Act of 2026 do?

This section amends the Social Security Act to clarify Medicare documentation requirements for therapeutic shoes for persons with diabetes. The amendment requires a physician to document certain conditions, such as peripheral neuropathy, and attest to the individual's diabetes diagnosis and need for the shoes. The shoes must be fitted and furnished by a qualified individual, such as a pedorthist or orthotist. A conforming amendment is made to Section 1877(h)(6) of the Social Security Act to include extra-depth shoes with inserts or custom molded shoes with inserts. The amendment applies to items and services furnished on or after January 1, 2028.

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Diabetes Foot Health Access and Modernization Act of 2026

Last updated: 3/12/2026 · Introduced: 3/12/2026

Author: John Joyce (R-PA)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill expands Medicaid coverage to include physician services provided by podiatric physicians for beneficiaries.
It modifies Medicare requirements to ensure therapeutic shoes for individuals with diabetes are appropriately documented and fitted by qualified professionals.
The bill updates Medicare to include extra-depth shoes with inserts or custom molded shoes with inserts for diabetic patients.

119th Congressin committeeS. 4070(In Committee)Official page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 2 more.

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