(KMAland) — With rural Iowans already facing limited health care options, MercyOne closed its clinic in Ottumwa last week, delivering another blow to rural residents who need both routine and emergency medical care.
It’s the latest in a series of rural hospital closures resulting from Medicaid cuts, a trend that dates back to 2010.
Mary Stewart, a retired teacher, has lived in Ottumwa for 45 years. In that time, she sais she’s seen a massive decline in health care options in southeast Iowa…