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IHRSA Advocate<\/p>\nIHRSA Advocate<\/p>\n
BOSTON, MA<\/strong> – PHIT, the fitness industry\u2019s top federal legislative priority, was introduced in Congress. On the national front, IHRSA\u2019s advocacy team has been actively engaging with Congress, the Administration and allied organizations to promote physical activity and advance the interests of health club businesses, which are instrumental in building a healthier and more prosperous America.<\/p>\n As a result of our efforts, the voice of the health club industry is being heard. PHIT (H.R.1267\/S.482) was introduced in Congress. In the House of Representatives, PHIT was introduced by Jason Smith (R-MO) and Ron Kind (D-WI) with co-sponsors Mike Kelly (R-PA), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Pat Meehan (R-PA), Bill Pascrell (D-NJ), Mike Bishop (R-MI), Terri Sewell (D-AL), Pete Sessions (R-TX), Suzan DelBene (D-WA), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ). In the Senate, the legislation was introduced by the bill\u2019s two original sponsors, Senators John Thune (R-SD) and Chris Murphy (D-CT) with co-sponsors Joe Donnelly (D-IN) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV).<\/p>\n The PHIT Act (H.R.1267\/S.482), which stands for Personal Health Investment Today, would expand the definition of a medical expense to include physical activity and allow consumers to use pre-tax accounts like Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Savings Accounts (FSA) to pay for qualified fitness expenses. Currently, the IRS code only allows these accounts to be used for medical expenses. By allowing HSAs and FSAs to pay for fitness expenses, individuals will be able to set aside up to $1,000 pre-tax dollars, and families will be able to budget $2,000. If passed, the PHIT Act could save individuals and families up to 20 to 30% on their fitness and sports expenses. <\/p>\n For the fitness industry, PHIT provides a tremendous opportunity for doing good while doing well. PHIT is a truly bipartisan initiative with great prospects for improving the overall health of Americans, reducing obesity, and curbing health care costs. At the same time, it could have a very positive impact on the economic strength of the fitness industry, which provides more than 1.4 million U.S. jobs.<\/p>\n For health clubs, PHIT could mean more members joining, current members using more services, and better member retention. For fitness suppliers, it could mean a greater demand for fitness products from clubs and consumers.<\/p>\n \u201cMany hours were spent in meetings with members of Congress and their staff looking for Congressional leaders who could put partisan differences and other political issues aside to say, “We care about the health of this country. We believe being more physically active will move us towards a healthier, economically stronger America, and by making physical activity more affordable, today\u2019s introduction is an important step in that direction.” said Helen Durkin, IHRSA\u2019s EVP of Public Policy.<\/p>\n \u201cAt the moment,\u201d Durkin added, \u201cthere are two likely paths for PHIT, to become either part of the current healthcare \u2018repeal and replace\u2019 process, or to be included as part of the tax reform discussions later this year.\u201d<\/p>\n PHIT\u2019s introduction is simply the first step. Now IHRSA is asking everyone in the fitness industry to get involved to help pass PHIT. To start,<\/p>\n\n