The American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) and the Accredited Medical Equipment Providers of America (AMEPA) have reached an agreement to merge their organizations. The combined Association will maintain the AAHomecare name and continue to do business at 1707 L Street NW, Suite 350,Washington, D.C., 20036.

As part of the merger agreement, Rob Brant, president of AMEPA, will become director of industry relations at the Association. Brant will focus on growing membership, fostering relationships with state associations, and developing grassroots advocates across the country.

"I am excited to welcome AMEPA's members and Rob Brant to AAHomecare," said Robert Steedley, president of Barnes Healthcare Services of Valdosta, Ga., and chair of the AAHomecare board of directors. "Rob's energy, devotion, and passion for this industry will be a wonderful addition to our team."

AMEPA was formed in 2008 after the debacle of the Medicare bidding program Round One rates and disqualifications were announced. The organization, with its nation-wide membership, primarily worked on developing congressional support for a reasonable alternative to the badly mismanaged program.

"I appreciate the years of support and faith from AMEPA's members and sponsors. We had a single goal of stopping Medicare's flawed bidding program, and we are more committed than ever to achieving that goal with AAHomecare," said Brant. "But as a durable medical equipment company owner, I know that there were more threats to homecare businesses then just the bidding program, and that is why AMEPA is joining forces with AAHomecare. They are the industry's voice in Washington not only for bidding, but also for audits, accreditation, appeals, compliance, and so much more."

"The consolidation underway among DME companies is naturally to be reflected in the merger of various homecare advocacy groups. As their revenue tightens and DME businesses scale back expenditures, membership support for multiple groups advocating for the same homecare issues is increasingly difficult to sustain," said Tyler J. Wilson, president of AAHomecare. "The merger of AAHomecare with AMEPA makes perfect sense because it brings two great organizations together. Growing AAHomecare's membership raises the Association's visibility and effectiveness on Capitol Hill. At the same time, AAHomecare gets the benefit of Rob Brant's talents. He has been an energetic organizer and voice for providers facing demise at the hands of CMS. His skills will be quickly applied in the merged organization."

The merger will be effective August 1.