Costs of malpractice

[andrey_tsi]

Even though the direct costs of malpractice disputes amounts to a sum lower than one percent of the $541 billion the nation spent on health care last year, doctors say fear of lawsuits plays major role in health-care inflation.
(A) amounts to a sum lower
(B) amounts to less
(C) amounted to less
(D) amounted to lower
(E) amounted to a lower sum

OA C

[pradeepkaushal9518]

imo B

[pradeepkaushal9518]

imo B

[gmat_perfect]

Even though the direct costs of malpractice disputes amounts to a sum lower than one percent of the $541 billion the nation spent on health care last year, doctors say fear of lawsuits plays major role in health-care inflation.
(A) amounts to a sum lower
(B) amounts to less
(C) amounted to less
(D) amounted to lower
(E) amounted to a lower sum

Grammar:

1. Subject Verb Agreement:

Costs=> Plural.
Costs need a plural verb "amount", not "amounts".
=> This eliminates A and B.

2. "Less than X%" is idiomatic. Just memorize it.

=> This eliminates D and E.

Answer is C.

[gmat_perfect]

Again:

Amounts and SUM are redundant.
=> This eliminates A and E.

[andrey_tsi]

Again:

Amounts and SUM are redundant.
=> This eliminates A and E.

Thanks