Diabetes Foot Health Access and Modernization Act of 2026

The Diabetes Foot Health Access and Modernization Act of 2026 aims to improve medical outcomes for diabetic patients by reducing administrative barriers to specialized foot care. Under current rules, obtaining Medicare-covered therapeutic shoes often requires a complex paper-based certification process involving multiple physicians. This bill proposes to simplify that process by allowing nurse practitioners and physician assistants to document the medical necessity of these shoes, while also moving toward a more streamlined electronic attestation system.

Additionally, the legislation seeks to expand access to podiatrists for Medicaid beneficiaries. It proposes to officially recognize doctors of podiatric medicine as "covered physicians" under the Medicaid program, aligning it with Medicare standards. This change would ensure that Medicaid patients can more easily see foot and ankle specialists for preventative care, which is critical for avoiding serious complications such as ulcers, infections, and lower-limb amputations.

If enacted, the bill would likely reduce the long-term costs of diabetes care by focusing on early intervention and preventative treatments. By making it easier for patients to receive properly fitted therapeutic footwear and professional podiatric services, the bill aims to improve the overall quality of life for the millions of Americans living with diabetes who are at risk for foot-related health issues.