choice between various health insurance plans adapted to individual needs, since a person in good health did not necessarily need as broad a coverage as a person with chronic health problems. At the United Nations, however, staff members did not have that freedom of choice since they were offered only one plan providing many benefits which they did not necessarily need. Moreover, at the previous session of the General Assembly, the difficulties caused to staff members of the Secretariat by constantly increasing health insurance contributions had been stressed. His delegation therefore felt that ICSC should consider offering United Nations staff members the possibility of choosing between different plans. Although the administration of such a system could be complicated, it would be particularly appropriate in the case of New York where many insurance companies competed in offering a variety of plans. 5. The cost-sharing formula proposed by ICSC was complicated, and his delegation would prefer a simpler solution similar to the system of the comparator national civil service whereby 60 per cent of the cost of health insurance was borne by the Federal Administration and 40 per cent by the subscribers. That division was equitable and the contribution made by subscribers was sufficiently high to eocourage them to choose carefully the health insuraoc:e plan most suited to their needs. 6. It was regrettable that the health insurance plan for staff members of the rmited Nations did not include a system of preventive care and health maintenance organization plans, on the basis of the principle that the expenses for the insurance company were lower if the insured person was kept in good health. His delegation hoped that the Committee would take into account that approach which was currently being considered by a study group in the United Nations Secretariat. 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the health insurance plans for staff members of the United Nations, specifically highlighting the limitations of the current system and proposing alternative solutions. The main concerns are the lack of choice, high contributions, and the absence of preventive care and health maintenance organization plans. The text suggests a simpler cost-sharing formula and the possibility of choosing between different plans. This indicates that the text is primarily focused on the topic of health insurance, which is a crucial aspect of employment and employment benefits.

**Category**
Health, Employment