H.R. 4981: Stamp Out Lyme Disease Act

This bill, titled the "Stamp Out Lyme Disease Act," proposes the creation and sale of a special postage stamp called the Lyme Disease Research Semipostal Stamp. The key aspects of the bill include:

Purpose

The bill aims to provide the public with a convenient way to contribute funds for research related to Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. Funds raised from the sale of this stamp will be directed to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) to support research efforts.

Issuance of the Stamp

• The Lyme Disease Research Semipostal Stamp will be issued by the United States Postal Service (USPS) following guidelines set out in existing postal laws and regulations.
• The stamp will be available for sale to the public for a minimum period of six years, starting no later than one year after the bill becomes law.

Financial Provisions

• All proceeds from the sale of the stamp will be analyzed and determined according to specific postal regulations.
• These funds will be transferred to the NIAID at least twice a year, specifically for Lyme disease research.
• The bill ensures that the funds generated from the stamp sales will not influence the federal government's annual budgetary decisions regarding funding levels for the NIAID.

Background Information

The bill is based on findings from health organizations which indicate:

• An estimated 476,000 cases of Lyme disease are diagnosed each year in the United States.
• The disease is often hard to diagnose due to varied symptoms and inadequate testing options.
• A significant number of patients experience persistent symptoms even after treatment.
• The economic impact of Lyme disease on the U.S. healthcare system is substantial, costing approximately $1.3 billion annually.

Summary of Key Terms

• Semipostal Stamp: A type of postage stamp sold at above the standard postal rate, with the extra amount going towards a designated cause.
• NIAID: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, which conducts research on various diseases, including Lyme disease.

Duration of Availability

The stamp will remain available to the public for at least six years, ensuring a sustained effort to raise funds for Lyme disease research over time.

Proceeds Management

All proceeds from the stamp sales will directly benefit Lyme disease research and are designed to be supplemental to existing government funding, ensuring that this initiative does not replace or decrease other financial support.

Relevant Companies

• None found