Common use of Value Added Services Clause in Contracts

Value Added Services. MCOs may propose additional services for coverage. These are referred to as "Value-added Services." Value-added Services may be actual Health Care Services, benefits, or positive incentives that HHSC determines will promote healthy lifestyles and improved health outcomes among Members. Value-added Services that promote healthy lifestyles should target specific weight loss, smoking cessation, or other programs approved by HHSC. Temporary phones, cell phones, additional transportation benefits, and extra home health services may be Value-added Services, if approved by HHSC. Best practice approaches to delivering Covered Services are not considered Value-added Services. The MCO generally must offer Value-added Services to all MCO Program Members in a Service Area. For Medicaid Acute Care services, the MCO may distinguish between the Dual Eligible and non-Dual Eligible populations. The MCO is not required to offer the same Value-added Services to CHIP Perinate Members as traditional CHIP Members and CHIP Perinate Newborn Members. Value-added Services do not need to be consistent across more than one (1) MCO Program or across more than one (1) Service Area. Value-added Services that are approved by HHSC during the contracting process will be included in the Contract's scope of services. Any Value-added Services that a MCO elects to provide must be provided at no additional cost to HHSC. The costs of Value-added Services are not reportable as allowable medical or administrative expenses, and therefore are not factored into the rate setting process. In addition, the MCO must not pass on the cost of the Value-added Services to Members or Providers. The MCO may offer discounts on non-covered benefits to Members as Value-added Services, provided that the MCO complies with Texas Insurance Code § 1451.155 and § 1451.2065. The MCO must ensure that Providers do not charge Members for any other cost-sharing for a Value-added Service (including copayments or deductibles). The MCO must specify the conditions and parameters regarding the delivery of the Value-added Services in the MCO's Marketing Materials and Member Handbook, and must clearly describe any limitations or conditions specific to the Value-added Services. During the Operations Phase, Value-added Services can be added or removed only by written amendment of the Contract. MCOs will be given the opportunity to add or enhance Value-added Services twice per State Fiscal Year, with changes to be effective September 1 and March 1. MCOs will also be given the opportunity to delete or reduce Value-added Services once per State Fiscal Year, with changes to be effective September 1. HHSC may allow additional modifications to Value-added Services if Covered Services are amended by HHSC during a State Fiscal Year. This approach allows HHSC to coordinate biannual revisions to HHSC's MCO Comparison Charts for Members. A MCO's request to add, enhance, delete, or reduce a Value-added Service must be submitted to HHSC by April 1 of each year to be effective September 1 for the following contract period. The MCOs cannot reduce or delete any Value-added Services until September 1 of the next SFY. A second request to add or enhance Value-added Services must be submitted to HHSC by October 1 each year to be effective March 1. (See Uniform Managed Care Manual Chapter 4.5 "Physical and Behavioral Health Value-Added Services Template.") A MCO's request to add a Value-added Service must: a. define and describe the proposed Value-added Service; b. specify the Service Areas and MCO Programs for the proposed Value-added Service; c. identify the category or group of Members eligible to receive the Value-added Service if it is a type of service that is not appropriate for all mandatory Members; d. note any limits or restrictions that apply to the Value-added Service; e. identify the Providers responsible for providing the Value-added Service; f. Describe how the MCO will identify the Value-added Service in administrative data (Encounter Data); g. propose how and when the MCO will notify Providers and Members about the availability of such Value-added Service; h. describe how a Member may obtain or access the Value-added Service; and i. include a statement that the MCO will provide such Value-added Service for at least 12 months from the September 1 effective date. A MCO cannot include a Value-added Service in any material distributed to Members or prospective Members until the Parties have amended the Contract to include that Value-added Service. If a Value-added Service is deleted by amendment, the MCO must notify each Member that the service is no longer available through the MCO. The MCO must also revise all materials distributed to prospective Members to reflect the change in Value-added Services.

Value Added Services. MCOs may propose additional services for coverage. These are referred to as "“Value-added Services." ” Value-added Services may be actual Health Care Services, benefits, or positive incentives that HHSC determines will promote healthy lifestyles and improved health outcomes among Members. Value-added Services that promote healthy lifestyles should target specific weight loss, smoking cessation, or other programs approved by HHSC. Temporary phones, cell phones, additional transportation benefits, and extra home health services may be Value-added Services, if approved by HHSC. Best practice approaches to delivering Covered Services are not considered Value-added Services. The MCO generally must offer Value-added Services to all MCO Program Members in a Service Area. For Medicaid Acute Care services, the MCO may distinguish between the Dual Eligible and non-Dual Eligible populations. The MCO is not required to offer the same Value-added Services to CHIP Perinate Members as traditional CHIP Members and CHIP Perinate Newborn Members. Value-added Services do not need to be consistent across more than one (1) MCO Program or across more than one (1) Service Area. Value-added Services that are approved by HHSC during the contracting process will be included in the Contract's ’s scope of services. Any Value-added Services that a MCO elects to provide must be provided at no additional cost to HHSC. The costs of Value-added Services are not reportable as allowable medical or administrative expenses, and therefore are not factored into the rate setting process. In addition, the MCO must not pass on the cost of the Value-added Services to Members or Providers. The MCO may offer discounts on non-covered benefits to Members as Value-added Services, provided that the MCO complies with Texas Insurance Code § 1451.155 and § 1451.2065. The MCO must ensure that Providers do not charge Members for any other cost-sharing for a Value-added Service (including copayments or deductibles). The MCO must specify the conditions and parameters regarding the delivery of the Value-added Added Services in the MCO's ’s Marketing Materials and Member Handbook, and must clearly describe any limitations or conditions specific to the Value-added Services. During the Operations Phase, Value-added Services can be added or removed only by written amendment of the Contract. MCOs will be given the opportunity to add or enhance Value-added Services twice per State Fiscal Year, with changes to be effective September 1 and March 1. MCOs will also be given the opportunity to delete or reduce Value-added Services once per State Fiscal Year, with changes to be effective September 1. HHSC may allow additional modifications to Value-added Services if Covered Services are amended by HHSC during a State Fiscal Year. This approach allows HHSC to coordinate biannual revisions to HHSC's ’s MCO Comparison Charts for Members. A MCO's ’s request to add, enhance, delete, or reduce a Value-added Service must be submitted to HHSC by April 1 of each year to be effective September 1 for the following contract period. The MCOs cannot reduce or delete any Value-added Services until September 1 of the next SFY. A second request to add or enhance Value-added Services must be submitted to HHSC by October 1 each year to be effective March 1. (See Uniform Managed Care Manual Chapter 4.5 "“Physical and Behavioral Health Value-Added Services Template."”) A MCO's ’s request to add a Value-added Service must: a. define and describe the proposed Value-added Service; b. specify the Service Areas and MCO Programs for the proposed Value-added Service; c. identify the category or group of Members eligible to receive the Value-added Service if it is a type of service that is not appropriate for all mandatory Members; d. note any limits or restrictions that apply to the Value-added Service; e. identify the Providers responsible for providing the Value-added Service; f. Describe how the MCO will identify the Value-added Service in administrative data (Encounter Data); g. propose how and when the MCO will notify Providers and Members about the availability of such Value-added Service; h. describe how a Member may obtain or access the Value-added Service; and i. include a statement that the MCO will provide such Value-added Service for at least 12 months from the September 1 effective date. A MCO cannot include a Value-added Service in any material distributed to Members or prospective Members until the Parties have amended the Contract to include that Value-added Service. If a Value-added Service is deleted by amendment, the MCO must notify each Member that the service is no longer available through the MCO. The MCO must also revise all materials distributed to prospective Members to reflect the change in Value-added Services.

Value Added Services. MCOs may propose additional services for coverage. These are referred to as "Value-added Services." Value-added Services may be actual Health Care Services, benefits, or positive incentives that HHSC determines will promote healthy lifestyles and improved health outcomes among Members. Value-added Services that promote healthy lifestyles should target specific weight loss, smoking cessation, or other programs approved by HHSC. Temporary phones, cell phones, additional transportation benefits, and extra home health services may be Value-added Services, if approved by HHSC. Best practice approaches to delivering Covered Services are not considered Value-added Services. The MCO generally must offer Value-added Services to all MCO Program Members in a Service Area. For Medicaid Acute Care services, the MCO may distinguish between the Dual Eligible and non-Dual Eligible populations. The MCO is not required to offer the same Value-added Services to CHIP Perinate Members as traditional CHIP Members and CHIP Perinate Newborn Members. Value-added Services do not need to be consistent across more than one (1) MCO Program or across more than one (1) Service Area. Value-added Services that are approved by HHSC during the contracting process will be included in the Contract's scope of services. Any Value-added Services that a MCO elects to provide must be provided at no additional cost to HHSC. The costs of Value-added Services are not reportable as allowable medical or administrative expenses, and therefore are not factored into the rate setting process. In addition, the MCO must not pass on the cost of the Value-added Services to Members or Providers. The MCO may offer discounts on non-covered benefits to Members as Value-added Services, provided that the MCO complies with Texas Insurance Code § 1451.155 and § 1451.2065. The MCO must ensure that Providers do not charge Members for any other cost-sharing for a Value-added Service (including copayments or deductibles). The MCO must specify the conditions and parameters regarding the delivery of the Value-added Services in the MCO's Marketing Materials and Member Handbook, and must clearly describe any limitations or conditions specific to the Value-added Services. During the Operations Phase, Value-added Services can be added or removed only by written amendment of the Contract. MCOs will be given the opportunity to add or enhance Value-added Services twice per State Fiscal Year, with changes to be effective September 1 and March 1. MCOs will also be given the opportunity to delete or reduce Value-added Services once per State Fiscal Year, with changes to be effective September 1. HHSC may allow additional modifications to Value-added Services if Covered Services are amended by HHSC during a State Fiscal Year. This approach allows HHSC to coordinate biannual revisions to HHSC's MCO Comparison Charts for Members. A MCO's request to add, enhance, delete, or reduce a Value-added Service must be submitted to HHSC by April 1 of each year to be effective September 1 for the following contract period. The MCOs cannot reduce or delete any Value-added Services until September 1 of the next SFY. A second request to add or enhance Value-added Services must be submitted to HHSC by October 1 each year to be effective March 1. (See Uniform Managed Care Manual Chapter 4.5 "Physical and Behavioral Health Value-Added Services Template.") A MCO's request to add a Value-added Service must: a. define and describe the proposed Value-added Service; b. specify the Service Areas and MCO Programs for the proposed Value-added Service; c. identify the category or group of Members eligible to receive the Value-added Service if it is a type of service that is not appropriate for all mandatory Members; d. note any limits or restrictions that apply to the Value-added Service; e. identify the Providers responsible for providing the Value-added Service; f. Describe how the MCO will identify the Value-added Service in administrative data (Encounter Data); g. propose how and when the MCO will notify Providers and Members about the availability of such Value-added Service; h. describe how a Member may obtain or access the Value-added Service; and i. include a statement that the MCO will provide such Value-added Service for at least 12 months from the September 1 effective date. A MCO cannot include a Value-added Service in any material distributed to Members or prospective Members until the Parties have amended the Contract to include that Value-added Service. If a Value-added Service is deleted by amendment, the MCO must notify each Member that the service is no longer available through the MCO. The MCO must also revise all materials distributed to prospective Members to reflect the change in Value-added Services.

Value Added Services. MCOs HMOs may propose additional services for coverage. These are referred to as "“Value-added Services." ” Value-added Services may must be actual Health Care Serviceshealth care services or benefits rather than gifts, benefitsincentives, educational classes or positive incentives that HHSC determines will promote healthy lifestyles and improved health outcomes among Members. Value-added Services that promote healthy lifestyles should target specific weight loss, smoking cessation, or other programs approved by HHSCassessments. Temporary phones, cell phones, additional transportation benefits, and extra home health services may be Value-added Services, if approved by HHSC. Best practice approaches to delivering Covered Services are not considered Value-added Services. The MCO generally must offer Responsible Office: HHSC Office of General Counsel (OGC) Subject: Attachment B-1 – HHSC Joint Medicaid/CHIP HMO RFP, Section 8 Version 1.0 If offered, Value-added Services must be offered to all MCO mandatory HMO Members within the applicable HMO Program Members in a and Service Area. For Medicaid Acute Care services, the MCO may distinguish between the Dual Eligible and non-Dual Eligible populations. The MCO is not required to offer the same Value-added Services to CHIP Perinate Members as traditional CHIP Members and CHIP Perinate Newborn Members. Value-added Services do not need to be consistent across more than one (1) MCO HMO Program or across more than one (1) Service Area. Value-added Services that are approved by HHSC during the contracting process will be included in the Contract's ’s scope of services. Any The HMO must provide Value-added Services that a MCO elects to provide must be provided at no additional cost to HHSC. The costs of Value-added Services are not reportable as allowable medical or administrative expenses, and therefore are not factored into the rate setting process. In addition, the MCO HMO must not pass on the cost of the Value-added Services to Members or Providers. The MCO may offer discounts on non-covered benefits to Members as Value-added Services, provided that the MCO complies with Texas Insurance Code § 1451.155 and § 1451.2065. The MCO must ensure that Providers do not charge Members for any other cost-sharing for a Value-added Service (including copayments or deductibles). The MCO HMO must specify the conditions and parameters regarding the delivery of the Value-added Services in the MCO's HMO’s Marketing Materials and Member Handbook, and must clearly describe any limitations or conditions specific to the Value-added Services. During the Operations Phase, Value-added Services can be added or removed only by written amendment of the Contract. MCOs will be given the opportunity to add or enhance Value-added Services twice Contract one time per State Fiscal Year, with changes fiscal year to be effective September 1 and March 1. MCOs will also be given of the opportunity to delete or reduce Value-added Services once per State Fiscal Yearfiscal year, with changes to be effective September 1. HHSC may allow additional modifications to Value-added Services if Covered Services except when services are amended by HHSC during a State Fiscal Yearthe fiscal year. This approach allows will allow HHSC to coordinate biannual with annual revisions to HHSC's MCO ’s HMO Comparison Charts for Members. A MCO's HMO’s request to add, enhance, delete, add or reduce delete a Value-added Service must be submitted to HHSC by April May 1 of each year to be effective September 1 for the following contract period. The MCOs cannot reduce or delete any Value-added Services until September 1 of the next SFY. A second request to add or enhance Value-added Services must be submitted to HHSC by October 1 each year to be effective March 1. (See Uniform Managed Care Manual Chapter 4.5 "Physical and Behavioral Health Attachment B-3, Value-Added Services Template.") Services). A MCO's HMO’s request to add a Value-added Service must: a. define and describe the proposed Value-added Service; b. specify the Service Areas and MCO Programs for the proposed Value-added Service; c. identify the category or group of Members eligible to receive the Value-added Service if it is a type of service that is not appropriate for all mandatory Members; d. note any limits or restrictions that apply to the Value-added Service; e. identify the Providers responsible for providing the Value-added Service; f. Describe how the MCO will identify the Value-added Service in administrative data (Encounter Data); g. propose how and when the MCO will notify Providers and Members about the availability of such Value-added Service; h. describe how a Member may obtain or access the Value-added Service; and i. include a statement that the MCO will provide such Value-added Service for at least 12 months from the September 1 effective date. A MCO cannot include a Value-added Service in any material distributed to Members or prospective Members until the Parties have amended the Contract to include that Value-added Service. If a Value-added Service is deleted by amendment, the MCO must notify each Member that the service is no longer available through the MCO. The MCO must also revise all materials distributed to prospective Members to reflect the change in Value-added Services.

Value Added Services. MCOs may propose additional services for coverage. These are referred to as "“Value-added Services." ” Value-added Services may be actual Health Care Services, benefits, or positive incentives that HHSC determines will promote healthy lifestyles and improved health outcomes among Members. Value-added Services that promote healthy lifestyles should target specific weight loss, smoking cessation, or other programs approved by HHSC. Temporary phones, cell phones, additional transportation benefits, and extra home health services may be Value-added Services, if approved by HHSC. Best practice approaches to delivering Covered Services are not considered Value-added Services. The MCO generally must offer Value-added Services to all MCO Program Members in a Service Area. For Medicaid Acute Care services, the MCO may distinguish between the Dual Eligible and non-Dual Eligible populations. The MCO is not required to offer the same Value-added Services to CHIP Perinate Members as traditional CHIP Members and CHIP Perinate Newborn Members. Value-added Services do not need to be consistent across more than one (1) MCO Program or across more than one (1) Service Area. Value-added Services that are approved by HHSC during the contracting process will be included in the Contract's scope of services. Any Value-added Services that a MCO elects to provide must be provided at no additional cost to HHSC. The costs of Value-added Services are not reportable as allowable medical or administrative expenses, and therefore are not factored into the rate setting process. In addition, the MCO must not pass on the cost of the Value-added Services to Members or Providers. The MCO may offer discounts on non-covered benefits to Members as Value-added Services, provided that the MCO complies with Texas Insurance Code § 1451.155 and § 1451.2065. The MCO must ensure that Providers do not charge Members for any other cost-sharing for a Value-added Service (including copayments or deductibles). The MCO must specify the conditions and parameters regarding the delivery of the Value-added Services in the MCO's Marketing Materials and Member Handbook, and must clearly describe any limitations or conditions specific to the Value-added Services. During the Operations Phase, Value-added Services can be added or removed only by written amendment of the Contract. MCOs will be given the opportunity to add or enhance Value-added Services twice per State Fiscal Year, with changes to be effective September 1 and March 1. MCOs will also be given the opportunity to delete or reduce Value-added Services once per State Fiscal Year, with changes to be effective September 1. HHSC may allow additional modifications to Value-added Services if Covered Services are amended by HHSC during a State Fiscal Year. This approach allows HHSC to coordinate biannual revisions to HHSC's MCO Comparison Charts for Members. A MCO's request to add, enhance, delete, or reduce a Value-added Service must be submitted to HHSC by April 1 of each year to be effective September 1 for the following contract period. The MCOs cannot reduce or delete any Value-added Services until September 1 of the next SFY. A second request to add or enhance Value-added Services must be submitted to HHSC by October 1 each year to be effective March 1. (See Uniform Managed Care Manual Chapter 4.5 "“Physical and Behavioral Health Value-Added Services Template."”) A MCO's ’s request to add a Value-added Service must: a. define and describe the proposed Value-added Service; b. specify the Service Areas and MCO Programs for the proposed Value-added Service; c. identify the category or group of Members eligible to receive the Value-added Service if it is a type of service that is not appropriate for all mandatory Members; d. note any limits or restrictions that apply to the Value-added Service; e. identify the Providers responsible for providing the Value-added Service; f. Describe how the MCO will identify the Value-added Service in administrative data (Encounter Data); g. propose how and when the MCO will notify Providers and Members about the availability of such Value-added Service; h. describe how a Member may obtain or access the Value-added Service; and i. include a statement that the MCO will provide such Value-added Service for at least 12 months from the September 1 effective date. A MCO cannot include a Value-added Service in any material distributed to Members or prospective Members until the Parties have amended the Contract to include that Value-added Service. If a Value-added Service is deleted by amendment, the MCO must notify each Member that the service is no longer available through the MCO. The MCO must also revise all materials distributed to prospective Members to reflect the change in Value-added Services.

Value Added Services. MCOs may propose additional services for coverage. These are referred to as "“Value-added Services." ” Value-added Services may be actual Health Care Services, benefits, or positive incentives that HHSC determines will promote healthy lifestyles and improved health outcomes among Members. Value-added Services that promote healthy lifestyles should target specific weight loss, smoking cessation, or other programs approved by HHSC. Temporary phones, cell phones, additional transportation benefits, and extra home health services may be Value-added Services, if approved by HHSC. Best practice approaches to delivering Covered Services are not considered Value-added Services. The MCO generally must offer Value-added Services to all MCO Program Members in a Service Area. For Medicaid Acute Care services, the MCO may distinguish between the Dual Eligible and non-Dual Eligible populations. The MCO is not required to offer the same Value-added Services to CHIP Perinate Members as traditional CHIP Members and CHIP Perinate Newborn Members. Value-added Services do not need to be consistent across more than one (1) MCO Program or across more than one (1) Service Area. Value-added Services that are approved by HHSC during the contracting process will be included in the Contract's ’s scope of services. Any Value-added Services that a MCO elects to provide must be provided at no additional cost to HHSC. The costs of Value-added Services are not reportable as allowable medical or administrative expenses, and therefore are not factored into the rate setting process. In addition, the MCO must not pass on the cost of the Value-added Services to Members or Providers. The MCO may offer discounts on non-covered benefits to Members as Value-added Services, provided that the MCO complies with Texas Insurance Code § 1451.155 and § 1451.2065. The MCO must ensure that Providers do not charge Members for any other cost-sharing for a Value-added Service (including copayments or deductibles). The MCO must specify the conditions and parameters regarding the delivery of the Value-added Added Services in the MCO's ’s Marketing Materials and Member Handbook, and must clearly describe any limitations or conditions specific to the Value-added Services. During the Operations Phase, Value-added Services can be added or removed only by written amendment of the Contract. MCOs will be given the opportunity to add or enhance Value-added Services twice per State Fiscal Year, with changes to be effective September 1 and March 1. MCOs will also be given the opportunity to delete or reduce Value-added Services once per State Fiscal Year, with changes to be effective September 1. HHSC may allow additional modifications to Value-added Services if Covered Services are amended by HHSC during a State Fiscal Year. This approach allows HHSC to coordinate biannual revisions to HHSC's ’s MCO Comparison Charts for Members. A MCO's ’s request to add, enhance, delete, or reduce a Value-added Service must be submitted to HHSC by April 1 of each year to be effective September 1 for the following contract period. The MCOs cannot reduce or delete any Value-added Services until September 1 of the next SFY. A second request to add or enhance Value-added Services must be submitted to HHSC by October 1 each year to be effective March 1. (See Uniform Managed Care Manual Chapter 4.5 "“Physical and Behavioral Health Value-Added Services Template."”) A MCO's ’s request to add a Value-added Service must: a. define and describe the proposed Value-added Service; b. specify the Service Areas and MCO Programs for the proposed Value-added Service; c. identify the category or group of Members eligible to receive the Value-added Service if it is a type of service that is not appropriate for all mandatory Members; d. note any limits or restrictions that apply to the Value-added Service; e. identify the Providers responsible for providing the Value-added Service; f. Describe how the MCO will identify the Value-added Service in administrative data (Encounter Data); g. propose how and when the MCO will notify Providers and Members about the availability of such Value-added Service; h. describe how a Member may obtain or access the Value-added Service; and i. include a statement that the MCO will provide such Value-added Service for at least 12 months from the September 1 effective date. A MCO cannot include a Value-added Service in any material distributed to Members or prospective Members until the Parties have amended the Contract to include that Value-added Service. If a Value-added Service is deleted by amendment, the MCO must notify each Member that the service is no longer available through the MCO. The MCO must also revise all materials distributed to prospective Members to reflect the change in Value-added Services.

Value Added Services. MCOs may propose additional services for coverage. These are referred to as "“Value-added Services." ” Value-added Services may be actual Health Care Services, benefits, or positive incentives that HHSC determines will promote healthy lifestyles and improved health outcomes among Members. Value-added Services that promote healthy lifestyles should target specific weight loss, smoking cessation, or other programs approved by HHSC. Temporary phones, cell phones, additional transportation benefits, and extra home health services may be Value-added Services, if approved by HHSC. Best practice approaches to delivering Covered Services are not considered Value-added Services. The MCO generally must offer Value-added Services to all MCO Program Members in a Service Area. For Medicaid Acute Care services, the MCO may distinguish between the Dual Eligible and non-Dual Eligible populations. The MCO is not required to offer the same Value-added Services to CHIP Perinate Members as traditional CHIP Members and CHIP Perinate Newborn Members. Value-added Services do not need to be consistent across more than one (1) MCO Program or across more than one (1) Service Area. Value-added Services that are approved by HHSC during the contracting process will be included in the Contract's scope of services. Any Value-added Services that a MCO elects to provide must be provided at no additional cost to HHSC. The costs of Value-added Services are not reportable as allowable medical or administrative expenses, and therefore are not factored into the rate setting process. In addition, the MCO must not pass on the cost of the Value-added Services to Members or Providers. The MCO may offer discounts on non-covered benefits to Members as Value-added Services, provided that the MCO complies with Texas Insurance Code § 1451.155 and § 1451.2065. The MCO must ensure that Providers do not charge Members for any other cost-sharing for a Value-added Service (including copayments or deductibles). The MCO must specify the conditions and parameters regarding the delivery of the Value-added Services in the MCO's Marketing Materials and Member Handbook, and must clearly describe any limitations or conditions specific to the Value-added Services. During the Operations Phase, Value-added Services can be added or removed only by written amendment of the Contract. MCOs will be given the opportunity to add or enhance Value-added Services twice per State Fiscal Year, with changes to be effective September 1 and March 1. MCOs will also be given the opportunity to delete or reduce Value-added Services once per State Fiscal Year, with changes to be effective September 1. HHSC may allow additional modifications to Value-added Services if Covered Services are amended by HHSC during a State Fiscal Year. This approach allows HHSC to coordinate biannual revisions to HHSC's MCO Comparison Charts for Members. A MCO's request to add, enhance, delete, or reduce a Value-added Service must be submitted to HHSC by April 1 of each year to be effective September 1 for the following contract period. The MCOs cannot reduce or delete any Value-added Services until September 1 of the next SFY. A second request to add or enhance Value-added Services must be submitted to HHSC by October 1 each year to be effective March 1. (See Uniform Managed Care Manual Chapter 4.5 "“Physical and Behavioral Health Value-Added Services Template."”) A MCO's ’s request to add a Value-added Service must: a. define and describe the proposed Value-added Service; b. specify the Service Areas and MCO Programs for the proposed Value-added Service; c. identify the category or group of Members eligible to receive the Value-added Service if it is a type of service that is not appropriate for all mandatory Members; d. note any limits or restrictions that apply to the Value-added Service; e. identify the Providers responsible for providing the Value-added Service; f. Describe how the MCO will identify the Value-added Service in administrative data (Encounter Data); g. propose how and when the MCO will notify Providers and Members about the availability of such Value-added Service; h. describe how a Member may obtain or access the Value-added Service; and i. include a statement that the MCO will provide such Value-added Service for at least 12 months from the September 1 effective date. A MCO cannot include a Value-added Service in any material distributed to Members or prospective Members until the Parties have amended the Contract to include that Value-added Service. If a Value-added Service is deleted by amendment, the MCO must notify each Member that the service is no longer available through the MCO. The MCO must also revise all materials distributed to prospective Members to reflect the change in Value-added Services.