Final answer:
Amy would pay nothing for her minor surgery because she has already reached her out-of-pocket maximum of $5,000 for the year. Once this limit is reached, the insurance plan is supposed to cover 100% of the costs of covered benefits, safeguarding patients financially.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to an understanding of health insurance out-of-pocket costs. Amy has a $5,000 out-of-pocket maximum, which is the most she would have to pay for her covered health care services in a year. As Amy already owed $5,000 and has reached her maximum out-of-pocket limit, she would not have to pay anything more for her minor surgery, as any further covered medical expenses should be fully paid by her insurance.
It's important for individuals to understand how out-of-pocket maximums work within their health insurance plans. Once an individual, like Amy, hits this limit, the insurance plan should cover 100% of the costs of covered benefits. This situation exemplifies how out-of-pocket maximums can protect patients from endless medical bills.