/a • o A/C. 5/38 /SR.4 9 English Page 7 (Mr. Foran) were in fact weighted averages based on the number of staff in the General Service and Professional categories in the seven headquarters locations dealt with in the study. Replying to the request for clarification from the representative of France, he explained that, under the proposed system, the average contributions paid by the staff in New York could not drop below the 1.9 per cent and 3.8 per cent ceilings, because ICSC would regularly review the rates applied in the seven headquarters locations. He also explained that, for the time being, the new formula proposed by ICSC would be applicable only to New York. 17. Mr. KELLER (United States of America) reviewed some of the points raised by different representatives. With regard to the large number of health insurance plans offered by the United States Federal Administration, he explained that it was not necessary to apply every aspect of the model to the United Nations) that would be pointless in view of the difference of scale between the two employers. ICSC should merely be asked to use the wide range of proposed plans as a guideline in order possibly to offer the United Nations staff a choice. He considered as groundless the fear that the cost of health insurance or dental plans would rise inordinately if staff members had the option of joining. Those plans were already being applied in a large number of administrations and companies, and individual affiliation would not change the statistical criteria on which their cost was calculated. 18. Moreover, he felt that his delegation's suggestions fully responded to the concerns expressed by the representative of Canada, since they were directed towards relieving the staff's burden by enabling staff members to choose a health 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing the implementation of a new health insurance system for staff members of the United Nations, with a focus on providing a choice of plans and ensuring that the costs are reasonable. The language used is formal and technical, suggesting a discussion between government representatives or international organizations. The context is likely related to employment benefits and staff welfare.

**Category**
Employment, Health