Protesters hold ‘die-in’ outside GOP rep’s town hall

Protesters holding cardboard tombstones laid down outside Rep. Tom MacArthur’s (R-N.J.) scheduled town hall meeting on Wednesday in a so-called “die-in” opposing Republicans’ plan to repeal large parts of ObamaCare.

Scrawled across the tombstones were causes of death from lack of health coverage. “No money for care,” one read. “Died of TrumpCare,” said another, using a nickname for the American Health Care Act. 

MacArthur, who was instrumental in putting together the revised version of the AHCA that narrowly passed the House last week, is expected to face a wave of opposition at the town hall in New Jersey.

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Photos and video posted on social media ahead of the meeting showed large crowds forming outside the John F. Kennedy Center in Willingboro Wednesday evening.

Huge turnout at the MacArthur Town Hall! @jonfavs @jonlovett @TVietor08 @danpfeiffer pic.twitter.com/R8ofba0bzM

— Carolyn K (@TheHoulihans) May 10, 2017

Protests outside Rep MacArthur’s town hall in Willingboro pic.twitter.com/JTRt9s6how

— Kevin Riordan (@Inqkriordan) May 10, 2017

Republican lawmakers have faced backlash from many constituents in recent days amid concerns over the AHCA. The bill would allow states to waive certain ObamaCare regulations, including a rule barring insurers from charging customers more for coverage based on their health.

The bill also sets aside $8 billion over five years to help patients whose insurance rates would rise under the plan pay for healthcare. 

Still, the exact impact of the AHCA remains unclear. The Congressional Budget Office has not yet released an assessment of the measure, but a review of the initial version of the AHCA estimated that roughly 24 million people would lose insurance over the next decade. 

While the GOP bill passed the House, it is likely to face intense scrutiny in the Senate, where Republicans are working on their own healthcare measure.