Insurance coverage for the Gait Plate Device varies significantly depending on your insurance plan and whether the device is deemed medically necessary by your insurance provider. Many major insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid (in some states), do cover custom orthotics like the Gait Plate Device when prescribed by a pediatric orthopedist or podiatrist with a documented medical diagnosis of in-toeing or tibial torsion. However, coverage is not guaranteed and depends on several factors: your specific plan’s coverage for orthotics, whether pre-authorization is obtained before purchase, and if the prescription meets your insurance company’s medical necessity criteria. Some insurance plans cover 50-80% of orthotic costs after meeting your deductible, while others may have fixed allowances. We recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to verify coverage before purchasing. Additionally, we can assist with submitting insurance claims and appeals if coverage is initially denied. Many families find that payment plans or FSA/HSA accounts can help manage out-of-pocket costs if insurance coverage is limited.

The Gait Plate Device is designed to work best with properly fitting shoes that have adequate depth and width to accommodate the orthotic. While it can technically fit in some regular shoes, optimal effectiveness requires shoes that meet specific criteria. The shoe should have a removable insole to allow room for the device, a firm heel counter for stability, and sufficient length and width (typically about a half size to full size larger than the child’s regular shoe size). We recommend using athletic shoes, sneakers, or orthopedic shoes rather than tight-fitting shoes like dress shoes or sandals. Popular choices include brands like New Balance, ASICS, and Stride Rite, which tend to have wider toe boxes and deeper heels. The shoe should not be so loose that it causes friction or blisters, but tight enough that the device stays in place during walking and running. Many families find that having 2-3 pairs of appropriate shoes allows for rotation and helps extend the life of the device. If you’re unsure whether a specific shoe will work well with the Gait Plate Device, we’re happy to provide recommendations or guidance based on your child’s foot type and needs.