Kingsville WellMed Clinic Closes: Patients Left Scrambling After Unexpected Shutdown

Kingsville, Texas – Patients in Kingsville were left scrambling for healthcare options after WellMed closed a local clinic on March 20, citing recent shifts in Medicare funding. The abrupt closure has raised concerns among residents about access to consistent care, particularly for those with Medicare.

WellMed confirmed the closure in a statement to 3NEWS, attributing the decision to “recent cuts in health care funding, including significant adjustments to Medicare reimbursement models.” The company stated it was forced to make “tough decisions and changes to our business” as a result.

Patients reported being caught off guard by the closure, with some expressing confusion about how to continue receiving care. WellMed stated that patients were being redirected to nearby clinics, and that a new partner clinic in Kingsville was planned to open to maintain continuity of care. Patients of Dr. Carolyn Franklin were specifically directed to Dr. Miguel Elizondo at Elizondo Medical Group.

WellMed, which focuses on providing care for older adults, offers personalized primary care services for individuals with Medicare, according to information on its website. The company stated it worked to support patients during the transition by offering assistance with medications and options for virtual, phone, or in-home visits. Employees affected by the closure were offered job placement resources and opportunities to transfer within the organization.

The closure comes as WellMed accepts both Original Medicare and certain Medicare Advantage plans, and encourages individuals turning 65 or choosing a new Medicare plan to consider options that include WellMed, according to the company. Although, plan acceptance varies by location and county, and patients are advised to contact specific clinic locations for a complete list of accepted plans.

WellMed at Kingsville previously operated at 1601 S Hwy 77 Unit 7, Kingsville, TX 78363, and could be reached at 361-592-8531. The clinic offered services in both English, and Vietnamese. A second WellMed location in Kingsville, at 1131 E General Cavazos Blvd, Ste I, is likewise listed as currently closed.

Patients with questions or concerns were directed to contact WellMed at 361-991-8000.