Revision 19-3; Effective November 25, 2019 

Value-added services (VAS) are extra benefits offered by managed care organizations (MCOs) beyond Medicaid-covered services. VAS may include routine dental, vision, podiatry, health and wellness services. VAS may be actual health care services, benefits or positive incentives Texas Health and Human Services Commission determines to promote healthy lifestyles, improving health outcomes among its members. Each MCO offers a different set of VAS and the MCO can change the VAS it offers every six months.
 
MCOs must cover all benefits in Medicaid managed care programs, such as STAR+PLUS, STAR Kids and STAR Health. The MCO utilizes VAS to distinguish itself from another MCO. In addition, members may use VAS to help choose which MCO has the added benefits best suited for their needs. 

VAS are not considered non-waiver resources and therefore, waiver program providers do not consider VAS offered by the MCO when considering third-party resources. VAS is an added benefit available to individuals from the MCO providing their acute care services.