Kelly, Panetta, Fitzpatrick, Thune, Murphy Reintroduce Bill to Incentivize Healthy Living and Physical Activity

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, U.S. Reps. Mike Kelly (R-Pa.), Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), and U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), reintroduced the Personal Health Investment Today (PHIT) Act. This bipartisan legislation would encourage physical activity and incentivize 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.

"As a former college football player and youth football coach myself, I've seen young Americans greatly improve their lives because they were able to join a team and play sports," said Rep. Kelly. "This bill gives kids, especially those in underserved or low-income communities, a real chance to play the sport of their choice. This isn't just about athletics: it's about gaining critical team-building and character-building traits that stay with kids for the rest of their lives."

"Too many working families are forced to cut back on healthy activities and lifestyles due to the rising costs of sports leagues, gym memberships, local swimming pools, and more," said Rep. Panetta. "The PHIT Act provides a practical solution by allowing families to use pre-tax dollars from their HSA and FSA accounts to help pay for fitness expenses. By breaking down financial barriers, we can encourage healthier habits, strengthen our communities, and invest in preventive care that lasts a lifetime."

"Preventive health care doesn't start in the doctor's office - it starts with daily movement, access to fitness, and the ability to stay active," said Rep. Fitzpatrick. "The PHIT Act is about making those opportunities more affordable for families by allowing pre-tax health savings to cover fitness expenses like youth sports, gym memberships, and exercise equipment. We're working to remove cost as a barrier to healthier living and shift our health care system toward one that values prevention, wellness, and long-term results."

"For some Americans, certain gym or athletic league membership costs can be prohibitive, keeping them from pursuing healthy habits like exercising or participating in other physical activities," said Sen. Thune. "The PHIT Act would reduce some of the cost barriers that Americans face when pursuing healthy lifestyles and make it easier and more affordable for folks to stay active throughout their lives. By giving Americans greater flexibility with their HSAs and FSAs, we can empower people to make healthy choices, get active, and hopefully prevent the onset of costly chronic conditions as we work to make America healthy again."

"The National Football League (NFL) is pleased to support the PHIT Act, which is sensible, bipartisan legislation that makes participation in youth sports and physical activity more accessible and affordable," said Brendon Plack, Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Government Affairs at the NFL. "Encouraging America's youth to adopt active lifestyles and healthy habits has been a cornerstone of the league's commitment to community, and the PHIT Act helps to further advance that important goal."

"Sports, exercise, and recreation are essential to the physical and mental well-being of Americans of all ages," said Todd Smith, President and CEO of the Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA). "The PHIT Act is a forward-thinking, bipartisan solution that will make these activities more affordable and accessible, helping to build healthier communities and a stronger future for sports and fitness participation. SFIA thanks and supports Senators Thune and Murphy, and Congressmen Kelly and Panetta, for reintroducing this act. As we head into this next decade of once-in-a-generation sporting events taking place in the U.S., we especially look forward to working together to pass the PHIT Act and expand opportunities for all."

"Preventative health solutions are more important than ever, and physical activity is a proven, cost-effective way to make Americans healthier," said Liz Clark, President and CEO of the Health & Fitness Association. "The PHIT Act is a commonsense solution that will make it easier for individuals and families to invest in their health by making fitness more affordable. We applaud Majority Leader Thune and Sen. Murphy, and Congressmen Kelly and Panetta, for their leadership in reintroducing PHIT in the 119th Congress and recognizing the critical role prevention plays in improving public health."

"On behalf of the more than 2600 YMCAs who every day help build healthy spirit, minds and bodies for all and strengthen community by connecting people to their potential, purpose and each other, I applaud Representatives Kelly and Panetta and Senators Thune and Murphy for reintroducing the bi-partisan PHIT Act. This legislation recognizes the chronic disease crisis our nation confronts and prioritizes prevention by providing new financial incentives for individuals and families to better access physical activity, exercise programs and sports in community facilities like the YMCA," said Jeff Britt, SVP, Chief Government Affairs Officer, YMCA of the USA.

You can read the full bill here.