S.1805 - Promoting Access to Diabetic Shoes Act (119th Congress)
Summary
S.1805, the "Promoting Access to Diabetic Shoes Act," aims to amend Title XVIII of the Social Security Act. The amendment would allow nurse practitioners and physician assistants to fulfill the documentation requirements for Medicare coverage of therapeutic shoes for individuals with diabetes. This bill was introduced in the Senate on May 19, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Finance.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill would be to expand the pool of healthcare providers authorized to provide the necessary documentation for diabetic patients to receive Medicare coverage for therapeutic shoes. This could lead to increased access to these shoes, potentially preventing foot-related complications associated with diabetes. It may also reduce the burden on physicians, freeing them up to focus on other aspects of patient care.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to diabetic shoes for Medicare beneficiaries.
- Reduced burden on physicians, allowing them to focus on other patient needs.
- Potential prevention of foot-related complications in diabetic patients.
- Streamlined process for obtaining necessary documentation.
- Improved health outcomes for individuals with diabetes.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased Medicare costs due to increased utilization of diabetic shoes.
- Possible concerns about the qualifications of nurse practitioners and physician assistants to assess the need for diabetic shoes (though they are already qualified to provide other medical services).
- Risk of fraud or abuse if documentation requirements are not carefully monitored.
- Minimal impact on overall healthcare system efficiency.
- May not address other barriers to access, such as transportation or co-pays.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it aims to improve the health outcomes of a specific population (individuals with diabetes). Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States. This bill falls under the 'general welfare' provision, as it relates to healthcare access for a specific group.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).