As Senate Tosses PHIT Act, HFA Calls for Fitness Industry Action
The fitness industry’s top trade organization is calling for collective action after the Senate removed a highly sought-after provision
The United States Senate has effectively removed the PHIT Act from the tax reconciliation package making its way through Congress, a major blow to the American fitness industry’s hopes of getting expenses like gym memberships to qualify as tax-free healthcare expenses.
According to the Health & Fitness Association (HFA), a provision recently passed by the House of Representatives that would’ve allowed Americans to use their health savings accounts (HSAs) to cover physical activity expenses – including gym memberships, fitness classes and youth sports – has been removed by the Senate in its version of President Trump’s sweeping tax bill.
The House-passed provision would’ve allowed Americans to use up to $500 per person or $1,000 per household annually on qualifying physical activity expenses. Its language was rooted in the PHIT Act, a bill that fitness industry leaders have been working to get passed for around two decades.
In response to the Senate’s decision, HFA is calling on gym owners, equipment providers and other industry stakeholders to write messages to members of Congress explaining why fitness-related expenses should be eligible under HSAs. Through this link, industry stakeholders can send a message to their representatives in Washington, D.C.
HFA is also asking that gym owners share the link with their members so everyday fitness enthusiasts can send messages to members of Congress.
“This is a commonsense, prevention-focused policy that delivers tax relief, drives healthier outcomes, and supports youth access to physical activity,” HFA vice president of government affairs Mike Goscinski wrote in a note to the organization’s members urging them to get involved. “The House Ways and Means Committee recognized its importance, and we must ensure Congress includes it in the final package.”
While the PHIT Act has yet to be signed into law despite years of trying, fitness industry leaders and political analysts have expressed optimism that the bill has a chance to make it over the line this year, thanks in part to the Trump Administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” movement.
The PHIT Act is now at serious risk of getting shut down once again, but HFA leaders believe it’s not too late to turn the tide and get the House-passed provision re-inserted into the tax bill – if enough Americans make their voices heard.
“Let’s show Congress that Americans care about access to affordable fitness and youth sports – and that our industry is united in the fight for preventive health,” Goscinski wrote.
To support the PHIT Act and send a message to your Congressional representatives, click here.