ABOUT WSHD

The Winnie-Stowell Hospital District (WSHD) is a political subdivision of the State of Texas. The district was established in 2005 after being voted on by the Citizens of the District.

The boundaries for the District are the same as the Chambers County Emergency Service District No. 1 and the East Chambers Independent School District. Eligibility for healthcare services provided by the District is dependent upon residence within the District and other qualifications.

Winnie-Stowell Hospital District Overview

The Winnie-Stowell Hospital District (the “District”) is a political subdivision of the State of Texas, formed in 2005 under Chapter 286 of the Texas Health & Safety Code, following voter approval. Its boundaries align with Chambers County Emergency Service District No. 1 and East Chambers ISD.

The District is governed by a five-member elected Board of Directors, each serving staggered four-year terms. Together, they lead efforts to improve healthcare access and quality for all residents—especially the indigent—by:

• Promoting cost-effective healthcare services;
• Ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations;
• Supporting service expansion and infrastructure improvements;
• Leading with fiscal responsibility and strategic planning.

Since the District does not own a healthcare facility to serve the Indigent, Chapter 61 of the Texas Health and Safety Code (the “Indigent Health Care and Treatment Act”) allows the District to enter into contract(s) relating to or arranging for the provision of such healthcare services.  Therefore, after the Winnie Community Hospital was purchased in a bankruptcy auction by a private organization in 2014, the Hospital and the District have entered into annual agreements to compensate the Hospital for providing healthcare to the District’s Indigent population.

While the District does not operate its own hospital, it has proactively secured healthcare access for its residents through partnerships, grant programs, and strategic investments. Key milestones include:

• Hospital Access Preservation: In 2013–2014, the District led efforts to keep the local hospital open and maintain its Critical Access designation—ensuring higher Medicare reimbursements and preserving vital rural health infrastructure.
• Riceland Hospital Enhancements: The District has supported improvements to the facility formerly known as Winnie Community Hospital (now Riceland Hospital) to enhance access and care quality for residents.
• FQHC Development: Beginning in 2020, the District funded a feasibility study for a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), leading to the establishment of Coastal Gateway Health Clinic, which officially became an FQHC Look-Alike on May 1, 2025.
• Indigent Care Access: The District created an Indigent Health Care Director position and established the Indigent Care Assistance Program (ICAP), which sets eligibility guidelines and ensures care for qualifying residents.
• Community Grant Program: The District funds local health-related initiatives, including infrastructure upgrades, school nurse staffing, mental health services, and emergency medical services.
• Transparency Initiatives: A public-facing website was developed to support accountability and community engagement.

QIPP Participation and Nursing Facility Ownership

To expand its impact and generate sustainable revenue, the District began acquiring nursing facilities in 2014 and enrolling them in the Upper Payment Limit (UPL) Program—now the Quality Incentive Payment Program (QIPP). As of April 28, 2025, the District owns 77 facilities, all enrolled to participate in QIPP.

Through QIPP, the District:

• Generates Substantial Revenue by leveraging local funds to draw down federal Medicaid dollars, supporting services for the indigent and offsetting underfunded healthcare programs.
• Gains Oversight of Care Delivery in affiliated nursing facilities, aligning with its mission to improve public health and support quality long-term care.
• Strengthens Community Leadership by ensuring that QIPP funds are reinvested into resident care, staff development, and facility improvement—enhancing its visibility and impact.

The Benefits of QIPP for all Parties

Community Partner Program (CPP)

In addition to its QIPP leadership, the District is proud to be recognized as a Level 3 Community Partner through the HHSC Community Partner Program—a collaboration between HHSC and organizations across Texas to support residents in accessing healthcare and social benefits. As a Level 3 partner, the District assists community members in navigating the Your Texas Benefits platform to apply for Medicaid, CHIP, Healthy Texas Women (HTW), SNAP, TANF, and other critical programs.

This role further supports the District’s mission of serving its most vulnerable residents and promoting equitable access to resources.

If you have further inquiries, you may contact our office and speak with Victoria Carlo, the District Administrator.