House Passes Tax Package with Key Fitness Provision, PHIT Act Moves to Senate
Krissy Vann | Host, All Things Fitness and Wellness
The U.S. House of Representatives has passed its reconciliation tax package, which includes language from the long-debated Personal Health Investment Today (PHIT) Act. The provision would allow Americans to use pre-tax dollars to pay for certain fitness-related expenses, including gym memberships, fitness classes, and youth sports fees.
The inclusion of PHIT marks a significant legislative milestone for the Health & Fitness Association, which has advocated for the measure over the past two years alongside lawmakers and industry stakeholders.
“Including PHIT in this package is a meaningful step toward empowering Americans to take control of their health,” said HFA President and CEO Liz Clark. “This provision would make it easier for families to stay active and healthy, reduce the risk of chronic disease, and improve quality of life. Physical inactivity is one of our nation’s most pressing public health challenges, and PHIT is a practical, cost-effective tool to help address it.”
The PHIT Act, originally introduced more than a decade ago, has been presented as a bipartisan effort to promote preventive health through the tax system. Its appearance in the House-passed bill represents the furthest the measure has advanced to date.
“We applaud the House for recognizing the critical role of physical activity in reducing long-term healthcare costs and improving lives,” said Mike Goscinski, HFA Vice President of Government Affairs. “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.”
Under the current language, individuals could use up to $500 per year in pre-tax dollars to pay for qualified physical activity expenses, with families eligible for up to $1,000 annually.
The bill now heads to the U.S. Senate, where it will undergo further review, possible amendments, and negotiations before a final vote. HFA says it will continue to work closely with Senate offices and allied organizations to advocate for the measure’s retention in the final version.
The organization says it will also continue to update its members and the public as the legislative process continues.
