A medical-surgical unit and an electrophysiology unit are part of a $27.7 million expansion to the St. David's Round Rock Medical Center, announced May 7 by the St. David's HealthCare system. 

The overview: The recently-added fourth floor of St. David's Round Rock Medical Center will be occupied by the future unit and lab, as the hospital system plans for long-term care in fast-growing Williamson County.

The details: With 34 beds, the $16.7 million medical-surgical unit will increase the hospital's total capacity from 209 beds to 243 beds upon completion, according to a news release from St. David's. This unit will provide care for patients with acute and post-surgical needs. 

The expansion includes a second electrophysiology unit, doubling the hospital's capacity to diagnose and treat heart rhythm disorders. The unit will cost $6.7 million and requires $4.3 million in facility upgrades. 

Electrophysiology is a specialty focusing on the heart's electrical system, according to the news release.

The Central Texas Community Foundation relocated its operations from downtown Round Rock to a suite on Round Rock West Drive in early May.

What you need to know: The nonprofit organization moved from 302 Lampasas St., Round Rock, to the office park on Round Rock West Drive and reopened May 4. 

About the organization: The Central Texas Community Foundation is a tax-exempt public charity that since its inception has granted over $32 million into the local community.

• 600 Round Rock West Drive, Ste. 102, Round Rock

As health care costs continue rising in Texas and across the nation, state lawmakers are working to understand the factors that make health care unaffordable and what can be done to rein in prices.

The big picture: About 5.2 million Texans, or 16.7% of the state’s population, did not have health insurance in 2024, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

For years, advocates have called on Texas lawmakers to pass laws to drive down health care costs and improve access to health insurance. During a two-day hearing April 30 and May 1, a Texas House committee examined why health care costs are rising. Lawmakers will discuss potential policy solutions later this year, committee chair Rep. James Frank, R-Wichita Falls, said.

What's happening: Yale University professor Zack Cooper said that since 2000, U.S. health care spending has grown three times faster than inflation. The average health insurance premium for a family of four is $27,000 per year, he said.

“Every family is basically buying a new Toyota Corolla worth of health insurance," Cooper told lawmakers.