Excellus BlueCross BlueShield · Effective Jul 16, 2026Medium impact
Foot Orthotics 1.01.41
Excellus BlueCross BlueShield policy 1.01.41 considers foot orthotics medically appropriate only when the patient has symptoms of the foot condition, has failed to respond to appropriate conservative treatment such as physical therapy, injections, strapping or anti-inflammatory medications, and has a listed condition. Orthotics should not be considered first line therapy. Only one orthotic per foot is considered medically necessary, and duplicate orthotics or separate orthotics for each pair of shoes are considered not medically necessary. Over-the-counter orthotics are ineligible for coverage under any circumstance. The policy guidelines also state that orthotics for corns, calluses, hammertoes, flat feet, pronation, fallen arches, weak feet, chronic foot strain or symptomatic complaints of the feet are ineligible for coverage. Coverage for foot orthotics is contract dependent. The current effective date is July 16, 2026, and the annual review states policy intent is unchanged.