INDIANAPOLIS- The American College of Sports Medicine applauds the reintroduction of the Personal Health Investment Today (PHIT) Act that would encourage physical activity and incentivize healthier living. The bill would allow 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.
ACSM and its Health Science and Policy Committee have aggressively lobbied for the PHIT bill since its inception. The bipartisan was reintroduced by U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), and U.S. Reps. Mike Kelly (R-Pa.) and Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.).
“This legislation opens the door of accessibility to millions of Americans,” said ACSM Chief Executive Officer Katie Feltman. “Physical activity is foundational to healthy living, quality of life and reducing sedentary lifestyles and chronic diseases, and the PHIT bill will help remove financial barriers to participation.”
ACSM encourages all constituents to read the bill, contact their senators and representatives and ask them to cosponsor Senate bill 1144 and House Resolution 2369.
