Bachenheimer Joins Invacare

September 16, 2003 ELYRIA, Ohio - Cara C. Bachenheimer is joining Invacare Corporation as vice president of government relations, the company announced Friday. Bachenheimer is well known throughout the home medical equipment industry as an attorney, lobbyist and expert on legislative and regulatory matters related to Medicare, Medicaid and other third-party payment programs. "We are extremely gratified that Cara has accepted our offer to join Invacare and to lead our government relations and lobbying efforts," said Mal Mixon, chairman and chief executive officer. "Cara is highly respected throughout the HME industry as the foremost expert on legislative and legal matters that affect the industry. This experience will benefit the industry as a whole, and providers specifically, as she works on complex issues that can dramatically impact our business." David T. Williams, who has served as director of government relations for Invacare for the past 11 years, has announced it is necessary for him to reduce his workload. "Stepping down at this critical time in our industry's history is not something I welcome," said Williams. "However, I must accept the reality that I am no longer physically able to provide the kind of time and energy that this important position requires. Multiple Sclerosis is a nasty master. I am very grateful that Mal and Cara have found a way for me to remain part of the Invacare team in a limited consulting role. I am confident that Invacare's industry-leading government relations program will rise to even greater levels of accomplishment under Cara's direction." Commenting on Williams' decision, Mixon said, "Dave Williams has been a leader in the HME industry for many, many years and has made significant contributions in our legislative and lobbying efforts. We are grateful for the leadership role he has taken over the years and the many positive accomplishments he has made for not only Invacare Corporation, but the entire HME industry." Commenting on her decision to join Invacare, Bachenheimer said, "I am tremendously excited at the prospect of working with the industry's largest political player. As the industry's leading voice in Washington, D.C., Invacare has demonstrated its complete commitment to the political process," said Bachenheimer. "Moreover, because home care provides cost-effective solutions that enhance consumers' quality of life, everyone in our industry must be one hundred percent dedicated to constantly educating policymakers about all the good things that we do," Bachenheimer added. Bachenheimer joins Invacare from the law firm of Epstein Becker & Green, P.C., where she has been a partner in the National Law Practice in the Washington D.C. office. She has practiced in the firm's Third Party Payment Practice Group, and specializes in legislative and regulatory matters arising under Medicare, Medicaid, and other third party payment programs. She also has practiced in the firm's Health Care Fraud Practice Group. She counsels clients on Medicare and other healthcare compliance issues, and lobbies Congress and regulatory agencies on her client's behalf. Bachenheimer focuses her practice on regulatory, federal legislative, government relations and HIPAA matters for ancillary service providers. She also assists drug and device manufacturers in navigating complex coding, coverage and reimbursement challenges faced by new technologies. Bachenheimer has over 10 years experience in national coalition and association management covering all functions, including government relations. She previously served as vice president, member services for the American Association for Homecare (AAHC), the national trade association for home health care providers. Prior to that position, she spent 10 years with the Health Industry Distributors Association (HIDA) where she held the positions of vice president, membership services; executive director, homecare and long term care; and director, government relations. Bachenheimer received her law degree from Georgetown University and her undergraduate degree from Trinity College in Connecticut. She is a member of the American Bar Association, American Health Lawyers Association and Women in Government Relations.