5 Senators Revive Bill to Boost Healthy Lifestyle & Exercise

Introducing the PHIT Act – A Step Towards Healthier Living

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A notable event unfolded today as U.S. Reps. Mike Kelly (R-Pa.), Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), along with U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), presented the Personal Health Investment Today (PHIT) Act once more. This bipartisan legislation aims to promote physical activity and healthy living by letting Americans utilize a part of their pre-tax health savings account (HSA) and flexible spending account (FSA) for qualified sports and fitness expenses, like gym memberships, fitness equipment, and youth sports league fees.

The PHIT Act and Its Impact on Youth Sports

According to Rep. Kelly, a former college football player and youth football coach, the ability for young Americans to participate in team sports can significantly enhance their lives. He emphasizes that this bill particularly benefits kids in underserved or low-income communities by enabling them to play their sport of choice. Kelly asserts that the benefits extend beyond sports, fostering crucial team-building and character-building traits that will stay with the youth for the rest of their lives.

Addressing Fitness Expense Concerns with the PHIT Act

Rep. Panetta noted the adverse effect of rising sports league and gym membership costs on many working families, forcing them to compromise on their health and lifestyle. The PHIT Act, according to Panetta, provides a practical solution by allowing families to use pre-tax dollars from their HSA and FSA accounts to cover fitness expenses. This will break down financial barriers, promote healthier habits, strengthen communities, and invest in a lifetime of preventive care.

Preventive Health Care and the PHIT Act

Reiterating the importance of preventive health care, Rep. Fitzpatrick stated that it doesn’t start in the doctor’s office but with daily movement, access to fitness facilities, and the ability to stay active. The PHIT Act focuses on making these opportunities more affordable for families by permitting pre-tax health savings to cover fitness expenses like youth sports, gym memberships, and exercise equipment. The objective is to remove cost as a barrier to a healthier lifestyle and shift our health care system towards prevention and wellness.

Encouraging Healthy Lifestyles with the PHIT Act

Sen. Thune voiced his support for the PHIT Act, mentioning that it would reduce cost barriers Americans face when pursuing healthy lifestyles. By offering Americans more flexibility with their HSAs and FSAs, we can encourage them to make healthier choices, stay active, and potentially prevent costly chronic conditions.

The National Football League (NFL) and the Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) have also expressed their support for the PHIT Act, stating it’s a sensible, bipartisan legislation that makes participation in youth sports and physical activity more accessible and affordable. Click here to view the full PHIT Act.