The bill now moves on to the Senate for review and changes. HFA is working to ensure PHIT Act provisions remain in the legislation.
In the early morning hours of May 22, the US House of Representatives passed its reconciliation package, and it includes the Health & Fitness Association’s priority language on the Personal Health Improvement Today (PHIT) Act.
The bill now goes to the Senate, where it will undergo review, potential amendment, and negotiation before a final vote. HFA is engaging with Senate offices, committee staff, and allied organizations to ensure PHIT remains part of the final legislative package.
More than 125 fitness industry leaders attended the HFA Fly-In and Advocacy Summit May 5-7 in Washington, DC, where they urged their elected officials to support the PHIT Act.
HFA President and CEO Liz Clark said: “The inclusion of the PHIT Act in the House-passed reconciliation bill is an important step toward expanding access to preventive health tools for millions of Americans. By allowing the use of pre-tax dollars for physical activity expenses, PHIT would help reduce barriers to exercise, support healthier lifestyles, and address the growing burden of chronic disease.
“Physical inactivity is a major public health challenge, and solutions like PHIT can empower families to take control of their health, reduce long-term healthcare costs, and improve quality of life.”
If signed into law, the PHIT Act would allow individuals to use up to $500 annually ($1,000 for families) in pre-tax funds to cover qualified physical activity expenses (gym memberships, fitness classes, and youth sports), providing a powerful incentive to adopt and maintain an active lifestyle.
The HFA’s success in securing PHIT’s inclusion in the House bill is the direct result of years of coordinated advocacy, strategic engagement with lawmakers, and the unified voice of HFA’s members making the case that physical activity is preventive health care.
HFA Vice President of Government Affairs Mike Goscinski said: “This is the closest we’ve come to passing the PHIT Act in nearly a decade of work, an incredible milestone for the industry and for HFA. We applaud the House for recognizing the critical role of physical activity in reducing long-term healthcare costs and improving lives. Now we urge the Senate to finish the job and keep PHIT in the final package. The time to act on preventive health is now.”
HFA will continue to keep members, partners, and the public informed as the bill progresses and will provide opportunities for stakeholders to lend their voice to support this important policy.
This article was a team effort by several HFA experts.
