HR News – November/December 2006

HR news archives

Systemwide

NEWS UPDATE!
Long-Term Care enrollment deadline extended

The enrollment deadline for the new John Hancock Long-Term Care (LTC) plan has been extended to Jan. 12, 2007.

Active employees may move their coverage from CNA to John Hancock, increase their LTC coverage amount under the new plan or enroll in LTC coverage for the first time by Jan. 12 without providing evidence of good health. Currently covered retirees and family members of employees and retirees may switch their coverage from CNA to John Hancock at the same or a lower coverage amount by Jan. 12 without providing evidence of good health.

If you have not yet enrolled in the John Hancock plan, your enrollment will become effective on the first of the month after John Hancock receives your enrollment. This means that your John Hancock coverage may be effective Feb. 1 rather than Jan. 1. If you are currently enrolled in the CNA plan, you must continue to pay your CNA premiums until your John Hancock coverage becomes effective.

After your Jan. 1 paycheck, CNA premiums will no longer be deducted from payroll.  If you have not yet been approved for John Hancock coverage, you will receive a bill from CNA in late January and must pay the bill to continue coverage.

See the article below for more information on enrolling in the John Hancock Long-Term Care plan.

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Long-Term Care deadline fast approaching

The A&M System’s Long-Term Care (LTC) carrier will change Jan. 1, 2007, from CNA to the John Hancock Life Insurance Company. The enrollment period for this new plan is underway.

During this enrollment period, if you currently have coverage under the CNA plan, you can:

  • keep your current coverage with CNA,
  • replace your current coverage with coverage under the new plan through John Hancock, or
  • keep your CNA coverage and enroll in the new plan. 

If you are an eligible, actively-at-work employee, you may elect any of the new options without providing evidence of good health during this open enrollment period, regardless of whether you are currently enrolled in the CNA plan.

Other current enrollees, including family members and retirees, may transfer to John Hancock without providing evidence of good health if they replace their coverage with a coverage level that is less than or equal to their current level. Evidence of good health will be required to: 

  • increase the daily maximum benefit,
  • enroll in the automatic inflation protection option, or
  • enroll in John Hancock and keep coverage with CNA.

Retirees and family members not currently enrolled in LTC coverage must provide evidence of good health to enroll in the new plan. Eligible family members include spouses, parents, parents-in-law, grandparents, grandparents-in-law, siblings and adult children. Family members must be age 18 or older and, except for spouses of eligible, active employees, must reside in the U.S. (50 states and DC) to be eligible to apply. 

If you are currently covered under the CNA plan, you should have received a packet outlining your options and costs and including a form you must complete and return to transfer to the John Hancock plan. Currently covered family members should have received their own packages and can make their own enrollment decisions.

All those not currently enrolled may request packets by contacting John Hancock at the phone number or web site listed below or simply enroll online at the John Hancock web site.

If you are an active employee, you will be able to pay premiums only for the John Hancock plan for yourself and your spouse through payroll deduction. If you stay with CNA, you will be billed directly or may set up a bank draft for premiums.

In explaining the move to John Hancock, Ellen Gerescher, employee benefits manager, System Human Resources Office, said, “We have been with the same carrier, CNA, for 16 years.  When we rebid the plan, which we are required to do as a state agency at least every six years, we found that John Hancock provided a plan with some enhanced benefits for a lower cost.  Although some current enrollees will see a premium increase, we felt that the benefits offered were worth the cost for the majority of those enrolled.”

Some of these enhancements include:

  • You can choose from higher daily maximum benefit (DMB) options: up to $300 per day.
  • Your lifetime maximum benefit will be higher: 2,190 days (6 years) instead of 2,000 days.
  • You will have a higher reimbursement level for home care: 75% of the DMB instead of 50%.
  • Services do not have to be incurred during the qualification period before benefits can be paid.
  • Benefits for hospice care are payable during the qualification period.
  • Part or all of the premiums you paid, minus benefits received, are refunded to your estate if you die before age 75.
  • You can choose to buy automatic inflation protection that will increase your daily maximum benefit each year with no increase in premium.
  • Your lifetime maximum benefit amount may be restored after you have received benefits if you go for two years or more without meeting the requirements for benefit payments.

If you have questions or want to request an enrollment kit:

  • Call John Hancock at (800) 498-9100 (M-F - 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Central Time).
  • Visit the A&M System LTC web site at http://tamus.jhancock.com. Use tamus as the username and mybenefit (all lowercase) as the password.

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HR briefs

Social Security numbers not needed for BlueCross BlueShield claims

To protect you from potential identity theft, the A&M System uses unique identifying numbers (either the A&M System-generated UINs or carrier-created identifying numbers) rather than Social Security numbers (SSNs) for communication internally and with insurance carriers. The unique numbers are also used for claim processing. 

The System Human Resources Office received reports from concerned employees that some physician offices still request that A&M Care plan participants provide their SSNs for claim processing. While this may be related to internal office procedures or Medicare claim filing, it does circumvent the System’s efforts to protect our employees from potential identity theft.

In response, the System enlisted the assistance of BlueCross BlueShield (BCBS) to inform physicians in its network that they do not need and should not request an employee’s SSN to process a claim—the BCBS patient ID should be sufficient.

“We are very concerned about protecting your privacy and expect our insurance program partners to operate in the same spirit,” said Steve Hassel, associate vice chancellor for Human Resources. “When we notified our BCBS account manager that some physicians in the BCBS network were still asking for SSNs for claim processing, they were responsive in developing and distributing the appropriate communications to their provider network.”   

If your provider asks for your SSN, you may want to remind the provider that BCBS does not need this information to process claims. If the situation continues, you may wish to notify your Human Resources office.

Medicare premium and deductible increases take effect Jan. 1

Medicare premiums and deductibles for 2007 have been announced by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

The department has released a fact sheet showing the new rates.

New in 2007, approximately 4 percent of Medicare Part B enrollees, those with incomes above $80,000 ($160,000 for a couple), will pay higher Part B premiums. These premiums will be $105.80, $124.40, $142.90 or $161.40, depending on income. Only those with incomes over $200,000 ($400,000 for couples) will pay the highest premium rate. This is less than 1 percent of enrollees.

The standard Part B monthly premium, paid by most enrollees, will increase by $5 to $93.50. The annual Part B deductible will rise from $124 to $131.

Part A premiums and deductibles will also increase, but by slightly smaller percentages. Only 1 percent of retirees pay Part A premiums.

Premium/Deductible Comparison
  2006 2007
Part A Deductible $952 $992
Part B Standard Premium $88.50 $93.50
Part B Deductible $124 $131

How does your HMO compare?

Have you ever wondered how your HMO’s quality of care compares to that of other Texas HMOs? If so, take a look at the Office of Public Insurance Counsel’s (OPIC’s) ninth annual HMO report.

The report, Comparing Texas HMOs 2006, features the results of a consumer satisfaction survey of HMO members. It also includes an analysis of complaint data collected by the Texas Department of Insurance and information on Independent Review Organization appeals.

OPIC’s report shows that consumer satisfaction with providers and their handling of claims increased from previous years. Also, the number of complaints submitted by patients continues to decline. Current analysis indicates that 86% of all complaints are filed by health care providers while 14% are filed by or on behalf of patients.

In addition, the HMOs offered by the A&M System fare well in the report.

“Continuing the trend from the last two years, this year enrollees are more satisfied with their health plans and filed significantly fewer complaints,” said Rod Bordelon, public insurance counsel and executive director of OPIC. “Laws and regulations enforcing prompt payment of claims has reduced complaints and increased satisfaction overall.”

For more quality-of-care information, go to the OPIC web site.

New on the web

The following documents have recently been posted on the System Human Resources Office web site:

Sign up soon to receive your W-2 online

If you haven’t already done so, now is a good time to sign up to receive your W-2 online. By doing this, you’ll receive your W-2 before those receiving a paper copy.

You have until Jan. 14, 2007, to sign up to receive your 2006 W-2 online. Once you sign up for the online option, that choice remains in effect for future years unless you request a change back to a paper form.

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Retirement briefs

Loans and hardship withdrawals are not allowed under ORP

Rules for loans and hardship withdrawals differ for each type of retirement plan.

Texas state law prohibits distributions, including loans and hardship withdrawals, under the Optional Retirement Program (ORP) until a participant retires, dies, reaches age 70½ or terminates employment with all Texas public institutions of higher education.

The Tax-Deferred Account (TDA) program and the Texa$aver Deferred Compensation Plan (DCP) do allow loans and hardship withdrawals regardless of the participant's employment status. However, not all TDA vendors offer loans. For more information, contact your vendor representative.

Guidelines provided regarding ORP/TDA vendor solicitations

Optional Retirement Program and Tax-Deferred Account vendor representatives are allowed to make sales presentations regarding investment products to individual employees on A&M System premises only at an employee's request and subject to the approval of the employee's supervisor.

Vendor representatives may not visit, call or send mail or e-mail messages soliciting A&M System employees at their offices except at the employees’ request.

If you encounter a problem with a company or vendor representative who has violated these solicitation rules, please contact your Human Resources office.

TDA/DCP contribution limits to increase Jan. 1

Effective Jan. 1, 2007, your maximum contribution limits under the Tax-Deferred Account Program (TDA) and the Texa$aver Deferred Compensation Plan (DCP) will increase from $15,000 to $15,500 for each plan.

The catch-up contribution limit for each plan for those who are 50 and older will remain $5,000.

A chart listing the calendar-year contribution limits through 2007 is available online. Your maximum TDA and/or DCP contribution limits for 2006 and 2007 are included on your 2006–07 Total Compensation Statement, which is available on HR Connect.

If you wish to change your monthly TDA contribution for the 2007 calendar year, complete the TDA Salary Reduction Agreement/Change of Vendor Form and submit it to your Human Resources or Payroll office. Please contact your Human Resources or Payroll office for deadline dates to ensure that your change will take effect on the first pay date of 2007.

If you wish to change your monthly DCP contribution, contact CitiStreet, the DCP plan administrator, at (800) 634-5091.

Some inactive ORP vendors do not receive funds electronically

State law requires that Optional Retirement Program (ORP) contributions be sent to ORP vendors within three business days of the funds' legal availability (pay date) and that ORP participants be notified each year of vendors that are unable to receive these contributions by electronic funds transfer.

All currently active vendors receive funds electronically on the first business day of each month and are required to credit the contributions to participants' accounts within one day of receipt. The following is a list of inactive vendors who do not currently receive ORP contributions electronically:

  • Conseco Life Insurance
  • Jackson National Life
  • FiServ Investments
  • Aim Investments
  • John Hancock Life
  • Merrill Lynch Insurance
  • MetLife Investors Group
  • Midland National Life Insurance
  • Prudential Insurance
  • State Farm Life Insurance
  • Sun Life/MFS
  • Transamerica Life
  • United Services Funds

Social Security wage base increases for 2007

The Social Security wage base will increase to $97,500 for 2007, up from $94,200 in 2006.

The wage base is the most earnings on which an employee and his/her employer must pay Social Security taxes during a calendar year. Medicare taxes must be paid on all earnings.

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Overview of the Optional Retirement Program

If you’ve elected to participate in the Optional Retirement Program (ORP), you need to understand how the plan works so you can better manage your retirement funds.

You and the A&M System contribute to your ORP account each month. You choose how to invest that money through one of the authorized vendors who offer annuity and mutual fund investment options.

You can change your vendor as frequently as desired, and you are responsible for the gains or losses in your account. The A&M System has no fiduciary responsibility.

Vendors

The A&M System Board of Regents has authorized life insurance and annuity companies, administrators of custodial accounts, banks and investment companies qualified to do business in Texas to provide investment services to A&M System employees. These vendors offer annuities and mutual funds as authorized under Section 403(b) of the Federal Internal Revenue Code.

Companies wishing to qualify as active ORP vendors must meet certain minimum requirements outlined in The Texas A&M University System Vendor Specifications for ORP. A list of vendors is available from your Human Resources or Payroll office and online.

Vesting in ORP

You own the employer contributions (are vested) after you have participated in a Texas ORP for one year and one day. Your participation can be in one or more ORP plans operating in one or more Texas public institutions of higher education as long as the total time of participation in the ORP program is one year and one day. If your participation ends and you have less than a year of service, you will receive only your contributions, adjusted for investment gains or losses.

Participation in ORP begins on the first day of the first pay period in which ORP contributions are deducted from your pay. If you are a faculty member with a nine-month appointment, you will receive ORP vesting credit for the three summer months if you teach both the preceding spring semester and the following fall semester.

The vesting period is continuous. For example, if you terminate employment and years later become employed again by an institution of higher education in Texas, you either re-enter the vesting period at the point at which you left or, if already vested, you remain vested regardless of whether previous contributions were withdrawn. If you return to employment and are vested in ORP, you must enroll in ORP on the date of employment.

Retirement

If you are vested in ORP, your retirement benefit is based on contributions from you and the A&M System and the investment earnings or losses on these contributions. ORP does not have criteria for retirement. However, you are eligible for retiree insurance benefits when you satisfy the criteria outlined in the last section of this article.

Distribution of funds

Texas law prohibits you from receiving funds from your ORP account until you terminate employment from all Texas public institutions of higher education, retire or reach age 70½. Your beneficiaries can receive funds from your ORP account only after you die.

If you leave A&M System employment and withdraw your funds, your withdrawal may be subject to income tax, plus penalties, and you may not be eligible for A&M System retiree insurance benefits at a future date.

Your choice of benefit payment options after you retire depends on the payment options offered by the vendor(s) you chose. You should consult your tax advisor before withdrawing any funds.

No loans or hardship withdrawals are permitted under ORP while you are a participant.

Employment after ORP retirement

As an ORP retiree of the A&M System or another institution of higher education in Texas, you may return to work at any time without a break in service and at any percent effort with unrestricted earnings. However, you are not eligible to continue contributing to ORP upon returning to work, except as follows.

If you are rehired as a working retiree, you may not continue contributing to ORP if your retirement date is on or after June 1, 1997, based on Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board restrictions. If you retired before June 1, 1997, you must contribute to ORP when rehired to work at least 50% effort for at least 4½ months in a fiscal year.

If you return to work, you remain a retiree for group insurance benefits. This means your optional benefit coverage amounts will be at the retiree levels.

The sick leave that you forfeited at retirement will be restored if you return to work for an A&M System member or state agency within 12 months after the end of the month in which you retired. If you return to work for the same A&M System member, you also must have at least a 30-calendar-day break in service for sick leave to be restored.

Eligibility for retiree insurance benefits

If you were in a benefits-eligible position with the A&M System on Aug. 31, 2003, you are eligible for A&M System benefits and the employer insurance contribution as a retiree if your ORP service credit includes at least three years with the A&M System, your last state employer was the A&M System, you have an intact ORP account, and you meet one of the following age and service requirements:

  • age 55 or older and at least five years of ORP service credit,
  • age plus years of ORP service credit equals at least 80 and at least five years of ORP service credit, or
  • any age and at least 30 years of ORP service credit.

If you were hired into an A&M System benefits-eligible position after Aug. 31, 2003, you are eligible for A&M System benefits and the employer insurance contribution as a retiree if your ORP service credit includes at least 10 years of A&M System service, your last state employer was the A&M System, you have an intact ORP account, and you meet one of the following age and service requirements:

  • age 65 or older and at least 10 years of ORP service credit; or
  • age plus years of ORP service credit equals at least 80 and you have at least 10 years of ORP service credit.

An intact ORP account is a 403(b) account containing funds that can be tied to your Texas ORP account. The 403(b) account must meet the vendor’s minimum balance requirement. An IRA is not a 403(b) account and does not meet the intact account requirement.

Service credit used for determining ORP retirement eligibility is calculated the same way service credit is calculated for the Teacher Retirement System (TRS), which is different from the way service credit is calculated for vacation and longevity pay. You earn a year of retirement service credit when you work at least 50% time for at least four and a half months during a fiscal year in a TRS- or ORP-eligible position.

For example, if you began working in an ORP-eligible position in January 2006, you received a full year of service credit for the 2006 fiscal year. If you had begun work in July 2006, you would not have earned any service credit for the 2006 fiscal year.

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Any questions?

I’m looking for a network dentist under the new A&M Dental plan, and it seems as if Delta Dental has fewer dentists than CIGNA. Why would we change to a plan with fewer dentists?

Delta Dental actually has more dentists in its two networks than CIGNA had in its single network. In fact, the increased number of network dentists was one of the reasons that Delta Dental was chosen to provide benefits to A&M System employees.

The Delta Dental PPO network dentists offer the greatest discounts. The Delta Dental Premier network dentists offer smaller discounts, but prices are guaranteed to be no more than the reasonable and customary cost. That means you won’t have to pay extra costs as you might at a non-network dentist.

When you search the Delta Dental online directory, the two provider lists are separate. You have to search the PPO network list and the Premier network list separately to find all of the participating dentists. We have discussed this with Delta Dental, and they are reviewing the issue.

Some dentists appear on both lists because some employers use only one network. A&M System employees receive the greater PPO discount from these dentists.

For more information on using your dental benefits, see the online brochure Getting the most from your Delta Dental plan (PDF).

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Stressed by the holidays? Incorporate these helpful tips into your daily routine.

Life can be stressful, especially at this busy time of year. Several tell-tale signs that you are under high levels of stress include irritability, changes in appetite, sleep problems, fatigue and the inability to find pleasure in activities and relationships you usually enjoy.

Help alleviate stress in your life with these tips from the Texas A&M Health Science Center:

  • Stop for several mini-breaks during your work day. Look out the window and stretch.
  • Learn to say no. Set limits for yourself and stick to them.
  • Exercise to relieve tension, improve fitness and lose weight.
  • Get some sleep. When you are rested, you are stronger and better able to handle daily stresses.
  • Give yourself a massage. Rub your shoulders, neck, feet, hands and scalp.
  • Eat healthy, substantial meals, and don’t starve yourself or eat too much. Eating well helps keep your energy level high.
  • Reduce or eliminate caffeine, a stimulant that can aggravate your stress level.
  • Go on vacation. Take some time to get away from your usual routine, even if it’s just for one day.
  • Laugh more! Use humor to reduce stress.
  • Simplify your life by eliminating nonessential activities.

This information is provided as a service by the Texas A&M Health Science Center. For specific questions, contact your physician or other health provider.

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Making a New Year's resolution to lose weight? Ask questions before purchasing exercise equipment.

With the new year approaching, you may be thinking about how you can take better care of yourself by exercising more.

Jerod Wilson, director of strength and conditioning for the Department of Recreational Sports at Texas A&M University, provides some practical advice for purchasing exercise equipment to help you meet your goals.

“Although buying expensive exercise equipment is not absolutely necessary to start a physical fitness routine, purchasing high quality equipment may help you take the first step toward achieving your health and fitness goals,” Wilson said. “To ensure you’re purchasing equipment that will provide the most benefit, you need to ask yourself the following questions. Your answers will help you determine what equipment would be best for you.” 

Where will I be most likely to exercise?

Generally, you’ll be more likely to exercise in those areas of your home where you already spend a lot of time and feel comfortable. Whether the area is in the living room in front of the TV or in a dedicated exercise room, you need to feel comfortable and want to be in that room.

How much space do I have?

This question is key when considering the size and type of equipment that would be most practical for your lifestyle and daily routine. Not all exercise equipment requires a lot of space, but some does. A treadmill in the living room may work well for some, but for others, it may make the room so cramped that it becomes a catch-all for laundry, school books and toys rather than being used for exercise.

What type of equipment would give me the best workout?

For the majority of the population, the most beneficial exercise routine is one that integrates several aspects of physical fitness including strength/resistance training, flexibility work and cardiovascular training. To achieve such a balanced workout, you’ll want a variety of equipment. Consider several smaller, portable pieces of equipment for strength/resistance and flexibility training and one larger piece of equipment for cardiovascular training. Sound overwhelming? It’s easier to achieve than you might think.

An inflatable stability ball, also referred to as a physioball or Swiss ball, is not only very portable and space efficient, it also provides a variety of exercise options that include resistance as well as flexibility training. And, it requires very little space. To get the maximum benefit, the ball you choose should be the right size for your height. Generally, individuals from 4’10” to 5’9” should use a 55 cm ball. Those from 5’9” to 6’3” should use a 65 cm ball. Those taller than 6’3” should use a 75 cm ball. You will know if the ball is the right size for you if when inflated you sit on the ball and your legs are bent at 90 degrees.

Dumbbells are also portable and can be used for several resistance training exercises. To give you the most options and opportunity to advance to heavier weights, it’s generally best to purchase three to five pairs of dumbbells in five- to 10-pound increments or a set of Power Block dumbbells that have a single, solid handle with multiple weights that can be added to or removed from the handle. These Power Block dumbbells are more expensive, but are very space efficient and allow the user to progress over time.

Resistance bands are also portable and allow the user to perform a multitude of resistance and flexibility exercises.

Treadmills provide excellent cardiovascular training. The treadmill should include multiple speeds and grade/incline settings so you’ll have the option of advancing to more challenging levels.

Elliptical trainers also provide excellent cardiovascular exercise through relatively low impact total body movement.

Total-body cross trainers provide excellent cardiovascular exercise as well and are similar to elliptical trainers, but allow for the utilization of the arms along with the legs for a total body cardiovascular workout.   

Where should I purchase the equipment and what about cost?

Athletic stores, discount stores and some department stores typically carry exercise equipment. Purchasing used equipment from either an individual or store would likely be less expensive than purchasing new, but you run a greater risk since you likely won’t know its use and maintenance history.   

Cost varies, but the portable equipment such as stability balls, dumbbells and resistance bands are considerably less expensive than the large cardiovascular training equipment.

What about warranties?

Be sure the higher-priced equipment, even if purchased used from an individual or store, includes at least a one-year warranty on all parts. A two- or three-year warranty on all parts would be even better.

The less expensive, portable equipment will likely have minimal warranties, if any.

What type of instruction should I expect when I purchase the equipment?

Basic instruction is generally included on or in equipment packaging. Sales people also may be able to provide some guidance. For more extensive instruction in the proper use of exercise equipment, consider consulting a certified personal trainer, strength and conditioning specialist, or exercise professional. Most recreation centers and gyms should have adequately trained professionals on staff.

The information for this article was provided as a courtesy from the Department of Recreational Sports, Texas A&M University.

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Want to conserve calories during the holidays? "Slim down" your favorite recipes!

Ever wonder how you might “slim down” your favorite recipes?

“Adjusting amounts and types of ingredients can make a difference,” said Dr. Mary Kinney Bielamowicz, Regents Fellow, professor and extension nutrition specialist, Texas Cooperative Extension with the Department of Nutrition and Food Science.

In her report, “Altering Recipes for Good Health,” she expands on how to modify recipes for better health.

Recipes specify the ingredients, proportions and methods necessary to produce a quality product. Any change made in a recipe will produce a slightly different product, which you may or may not like.

For example, a cake made with less fat will not have the same flavor or texture as the high-fat version. Cookies with less sugar or fat will still be acceptable but might not look or taste the same as those made by the original recipe. Substituting skim milk for whole milk in puddings, soups and sauces will result in products that are less rich and creamy, but have less fat and calories.

Ingredients that can be altered

“Most people either fail to notice much difference or accept the differences that result when the following kinds of changes are made,” Bielamowicz said.

  • Reduce sugar by one-third. For example, if a recipe calls for 1 cup sugar, use ⅔ cup instead. This works best in canned and frozen fruits and in making puddings and custards. In cookies and cakes, try using ½ cup sugar per cup of flour. For quick breads and muffins, use 1 tablespoon sugar per cup of flour. To enhance the flavor when sugar is reduced, add vanilla, cinnamon or nutmeg.
  • Reduce fat by one-third. For example, if a recipe calls for ½ cup fat, use ⅓ cup instead. This works best in gravies, sauces, puddings and some cookies. For cakes and quick breads, use 2 tablespoons fat per cup of flour.
  • Omit salt or reduce by one-half. For example, if a recipe calls for ½ teaspoon salt, use ¼ teaspoon instead. This may be more acceptable if you gradually reduce the amount each time you make the recipe. Herbs, spices or salt-free seasoning mixes also can be used as flavor enhancers. Do not eliminate salt from yeast bread or rolls; it is essential for flavor and helps texture.
  • Substitute one-fourth to one-half of all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. For example, if a recipe calls for 3 cups all-purpose flour, use 1½ cups whole wheat flour and 1½ cups all-purpose flour instead.
  • Substitute up to one-fourth of all-purpose flour with oat bran or oatmeal that has been ground to flour consistency in a food processor or blender. For example, if a recipe calls for 3 cups all-purpose flour, use ¾ cup oat bran or ground oatmeal and 2¼ cups all-purpose flour instead.
  • Substitute up to one-fourth of all-purpose flour with ready-to-eat bran cereal that has been ground to flour consistency in a food processor or blender. For example, if a recipe calls for 2 cups all-purpose flour, use ½ cup bran flour and 1½ cups all-purpose flour.

Other substitution ideas

INSTEAD OF TRY OR EVEN BETTER, TRY
Butter 60/40 margarine (butter blend) Margarine or reduced-calorie margarine
Sour cream Lite sour cream Mock sour cream
To make 1 cup of mock sour cream, blend 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese, 2 tablespoons skim milk and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or vinegar. Using non-fat sour cream instead is not recommended as it will make an extremely thick, paste-like substance. If used, use only the manufacturer’s recipes that have been tested.
2 whole eggs 1 whole egg plus 2 egg whites 4 egg whites, commercial egg substitute or homemade egg substitute
Whole milk 2% milk Skim milk
Cream Evaporated milk Evaporated skim milk
Cream cheese Lite cream cheese Yogurt cheese
Whipped cream or non-dairy whipped topping Nonfat whipped topping  
Cheddar, Colby, Swiss cheese Part-skim mozzarella, reduced-fat natural cheese, farmer cheese or low-fat processed cheese  
Cottage cheese Low-fat cottage cheese Nonfat ricotta or cottage cheese
Baking chocolate
(1 ounce)		 3 tablespoons powdered cocoa plus 1 tablespoon cooking oil  
Mayonnaise Lite mayonnaise Half cholesterol-free mayonnaise and half nonfat yogurt
Salad dressing Reduced-fat dressing Fat-free dressing
Chicken with skin Remove skin after cooking Remove skin before cooking
Regular ground beef Lean ground beef Extra lean ground beef or lean ground turkey

By making a few substitutions and changes, you can still prepare your favorite recipes and reduce your intake of calories, fat and cholesterol.

Ingredients that cannot be altered

Recipes for preserved products such as pickles, salsa, jellies or candies should not be changed at all.

While recipes for most baked products can be altered, certain ingredients are not interchangeable. For example, oil cannot be substituted for margarine or shortening when baking cookies because doing so would make the cookies look and taste greasy. Why? Because oil is 100% fat, and margarine is an emulsion containing 80% fat and 20% water. Substituting 1 cup of oil for 1 cup of margarine would add more fat than the recipe intended.

Likewise, since a well-textured cookie depends on thorough creaming of fat and sugar, oil cannot be substituted for solid shortening since oil cannot be creamed.

So what about substituting a lite margarine for solid shortening when baking?

“This is possible, but it cannot be a direct substitution,” Bielamowicz said.

Since lite or diet margarines have more water, the amount of liquid in the recipe also must be reduced. Rather than substituting reduced-fat margarines, try using less regular margarine. You won’t have to alter the amount of liquid, and you will save calories.

This information is provided as a service by Texas Cooperative Extension. For more information, contact your dietician or Texas Cooperative Extension.

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