Ottumwa Clinic Closure Leaves Rural Families Struggling Amid Republican Medicaid Cuts

Nunn and Miller-Meeks’ Policies Threaten Access to Care in Rural Iowa

OTTUMWA, IA — Effective today, Mercy One medical clinic in Ottumwa is closing its doors, leaving hundreds of patients and 30 staff members seeking new healthcare options and employment. The closure underscores the growing crisis facing rural Iowa communities, where access to care is increasingly threatened by the largest cuts to Medicaid in history, supported by Congressional Republicans, including Rep. Zach Nunn and Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks.

Ironically, Rep. Nunn recently noted, “In rural Iowa, the nearest hospital isn’t just a building, it’s a lifeline.” Yet, under his watch and that of Miller-Meeks, these record cuts to Medicaid have contributed to financial pressures that force clinics like Mercy One’s in Ottumwa to shut their doors, leaving families with fewer choices for essential care. Rural Iowa is seeing a pattern of closures and service reductions, forcing residents to travel long distances for even basic medical services. In a statement, MercyOne cited federal cuts as the reason for layoffs at yet another hospital, saying that, “It is not possible to simply absorb such a significant financial impact.”

"Hundreds of thousands of Iowans rely on Medicaid, including families just like us," said Jonna, a mother of two whose children rely on Medicaid for essential care. Jonna was recently featured in Fairness for Iowa ads sharing her story and holding Rep. Marianette Miller-Meeks accountable. "Both my kids have had chronic health conditions since birth and Medicaid covers what private insurance doesn’t. Without that help, they wouldn’t be able to get the care they need.”

Ottumwa residents shared their frustration: "It makes me really sad. I like coming here. I don't want to travel to Centerville," said Vicki Hoard. "It's very important. I don't have a lot of other options. Our options just keep shrinking." Richard Driver added, "I have to find another doctor, and I might have to travel all the way to Burlington… it really bums me out."

"We are already stretched thin in rural Iowa. When lawmakers cut Medicaid, clinics close; it’s that simple,” said Dr. Amy Bingaman, an Iowa OB/gyn who practices in multiple rural Iowa communities. “The strain shows up quickly: longer travel times, delayed care, and worse health outcomes. Rural communities simply cannot absorb these losses."

As communities like Ottumwa grapple with shrinking healthcare options, advocates are calling on Congress to restore Medicaid funding and prioritize policies that support rural hospitals and clinics, ensuring Iowans have access to affordable, local care. Over 80 residents of Wapello County attended a forum on Tuesday, February 17th, in Ottumwa to discuss their concerns over the growing clinic closures. Peter, a retired physician in attendance, said that Republicans in Congress need to be held accountable for their actions to cut health care.  

“All of Iowa’s congressional delegation voted for the Republican Tax Law, which is a disaster,” Peter said. “It will cause harm to Iowans, it has caused the final financial blow to our MercyOne clinic along with layoffs in Des Moines. The parent organization is going to lose $1.5 billion in the next few years, so they are making cuts. That’s not good health care, that’s not good policy, it’s not even good politics. We need to hold our elected leaders accountable for these actions.”