$244 later ....
Well, Medicare covers a pair of diabetic shoes, but only at participating providers. It turns out the FOOT SOLUTIONS located right next door does not work with HMOs and I got a Medicare Advantage plan to help me cover extras BUT it is an HMO. I checked and the closest participating store was filled and no longer taking any new clients for the balance of this year. (I learned this well over a month. ago)
I toyed with the idea of ordering online but being unsure of quality decided to just spend the money and know I had a new, good fit. Thought about Wal Mart and their inserts (which have worked in the past. ) So after my foot dr appt I wandered over to the shoe store. I had hoped I may find a pair there since I was chatting with another woman who did the same as me... waited too long and needed to get updated to be able to move better and get back to exercising. I did find a pair but really could use the extra wide. They are going to order them and it will take 2 weeks. There is a 30 day trial so I am thinking if I do decide I do not want to spend that money I can take them back. I am hoping they fit like a dream, if not maybe not worth the trouble.
I am going to call my insurance broker and see if there is anything she thinks anyone can do to even put toward the cost. If not, this is a one time investment (and a big chunk of my already dwindling income. )
Replies
God, girl. footsies need pampering. Never mind the cost. They will help you big time. My late mother paid that much too. They will last too. hugs.
Thanks. I told the girls at the store for that much money they better have their wand that day! Tootsies better feel "pampered" after that. heehee
hey I bought some shoes years ago from friends that sold shoes under the name of Comfort Shoe Shop I paid big bucks and got two pair....I did it because I needed good shoes for work....I did not get the orthotics that went with them though.....I did not need that....I just needed comfortable shoes that looked good.....they did last but not as long as I would have liked.....
you sold a house....I know it is life savings that will never be replenished but you can afford those shoes....but you cannot replace a gangreen toe that they have to cut off because the shoes did not pamper your feet....so good on you.....hugs
Thanks to you both for reenforcing how I was trying to rationalize my own thoughts on the matter. I have scrimped and saved and spent little time or money on myself or things I need (sometimes want, but this IS a necessity.)
I typically wear Drew Shoes but they are not doing narrow widths as much. And they made their last a wee bit too high in the heel for my poor toes. But look at them. Yes, expensive but are excellent shoes.
I have Vionic slippers and girlfriend, they are fabulous. Their normal foot pads and arch supports are fabulous. I know the Dillards sells them here and they have a lot online. When I can walk more, I want to go to Dillards in the closest mall and try them on.
My son wears SAS brand (San Antonio Shoes). I used to could wear those but now they are too flexible for my toes.
The problem with Medicare Advantage plans is they deny deny deny. They get to keep all the money not spent on a person's health care. This is how they are set up with the government, especially in the affordable care act. Although they were around before the ACA. Original Medicare has to pay and pay all year whatever someone's health care costs are (and they have their own deductible and copays). So the Congress thought they could falsely sell Medicare Advantage plans and save money. Those plans get a certain amount of money per person and they get to keep their profits. If you can switch back to Original Medicare, that would be my suggestion. There is no perfect health insurance but the best plans are more expensive in my experience.