In light of discussions surrounding the proposed ACA repeal and replacement plan, an internet petition is calling on Congressional representatives to accept similar cuts to the healthcare subsidies they and their families receive that millions of Americans would be subjected to under the American Health Care Act, according to Time.
Here are four things to know about the petition.
1. Daniel Jimenez, a resident of Portland, Ore., created the petition in response to the current debate over the AHCA. "Some politicians cannot relate to the cost burden experienced by families across the nation because they've historically received health benefits that most Americans have not," he told Time.
2. He added that Congressional leaders' herald the right to choose as a fundamental American value, but argued many Americans could lose that right if the AHCA is passed. "I want lawmakers to commit to treating themselves just like those who will be impacted by [the ACA] repeal or replacement," Mr. Jimenez said. "A lot of members of Congress promote choice as an American value, which is all the more reason for them to have to continue to choose their own health coverage from the free marketplace."
3. More than 523,090 individuals have signed the petition at this time.
4. The Congressional Budget Office released a report earlier this week projecting roughly 14 million people would lose health insurance coverage by 2018 if the bill is signed into law, according to the report.