ICYMI: Rural health clinic in IA-03 to close after Rep. Nunn voted for historic cuts to Medicaid

Last week, MercyOne announced it will close its family and internal medicine facility in Ottumwa, part of Iowa’s third Congressional District, represented by Congressman Nunn.

This announcement in Nunn’s district comes after he voted for cuts to Medicaid and other federal health care programs that directly threaten the financial stability of rural hospitals and clinics. Such cuts reduce critical funding that these facilities rely on to serve their communities, often making them vulnerable to closure.

Dr. Mègan Griffin-Forsythe, one of the providers at the clinic posted on social media that the closure “is a giant disservice to the residents of this community and surrounding areas, as there are now going to be very minimal options for primary care." 

Residents of Ottumwa have also spoken out and shared their concerns, some may have to drive an hour away to see a primary care provider. 

"It makes me really sad. I like coming here. I don't want to travel to Centerville. It's very important. I don't have a lot of other options. Our options just keep shrinking," Vicki Hoard said.

Another disappointed Ottumwa resident, Richard Driver said, "Well, I think it's a bad deal because I have to find another doctor, and I might have to travel all the way to Burlington, and I'm not up for that."