PHIT Reintroduced in March 2023

DOWNERS GROVE, ILLINOIS (March 22, 2023) – On March 14, 2023, U.S. Representatives Mike Kelly (R-Pa.) and Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.), members of the House Committee on Ways and Means, and U.S. Senators John Thune (R-S.D.) and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), members of the Senate Finance Committee, re-introduced the Personal Health Investment Today (PHIT) Act.

This bipartisan legislation encourages physical activity and healthier living by allowing Americans to use a portion of the money saved in their pre-tax health savings account (HSA) and flexible spending account (FSA) toward qualified sports and fitness purchases, such as gym memberships, fitness equipment and youth sports league fees.

Money saved in a pre-tax health savings account (HSA) and flexible spending account (FSA) can be used toward qualified sports and fitness purchases, such as gym memberships, fitness equipment, and youth sports league fees. Qualified expenses do not include: private clubs owned and operated by members or clubs with golf, hunting, sailing, or riding facilities. In the case of sports equipment (other than exercise equipment), reimbursement for a single item cannot exceed $250, and these pre-tax dollars cannot be used for general fitness apparel or footwear.

• This bill allows a medical care tax deduction for up to $1,000 ($2,000 for a joint return or a head of household) of qualified sports and fitness expenses per year.
• The bill defines qualified sports and fitness expenses as amounts paid exclusively for participating in a physical activity, including (1) fitness facility memberships, (2) physical exercise or activity programs, or (3) equipment for a physical exercise or activity program.
• Currently, over 96 million Americans have access to health benefit accounts. Yet, the accounts do not recognize exercise as a form of preventative health care.
• School “pay-to-play” costs, fitness center dues, outdoor recreation fees, and other expenses can be cost prohibitive. The PHIT Act eases these barriers by allowing a portion of such funds to be used for qualified physical activity expenses.

The National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA) has supported the PHIT legislation since its inception over a decade ago. Other long-standing coalition members include the American College of Sports Medicine; the Boys & Girls Clubs of America; Champions for America’s Future; the National Recreation & Park Association; the Outdoor Industry Association; the Sports & Fitness Industry Association; IHRSA, the Global Health & Fitness Association; and the American Council on Exercise. The bill has already received several major endorsements, including the National Football League (NFL), National Hockey League (NHL), National Basketball Association (NBA), and Major League Baseball (MLB).

Click here to contact your elected federal officials and express your support for PHIT.

Questions?  Contact NSGA at advocacy@nsga.org.