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Senate vote awaited on PHIT Act for easier fitness access

PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — With the House passing the reconciliation bill overnight on Wednesday, one act in this bill could soon be a reality for Americans. The Personal Health Investment Today (PHIT) Act would allow people to use money from their health savings accounts on physical health, but is currently waiting on a vote from the Senate 'Currently, physical activity is not listed as a preventive health measure, and that's what the PHIT Act is working to achieve,' said Mike Goscinski, VP of Government Affairs for the Health and Fitness Association. Health savings accounts are tax-based accounts for medical payments through workplaces. If passed through the Senate, gym memberships would be more accessible through this act, along with bringing down cost barriers for youth sports. 'If you have your child enrolled in soccer, softball, baseball, any of the programs that many Americans take advantage of and love,' Goscinski said, 'you'll be able to preplan those expenses at no additional cost through federal taxes.' Livingston County Boys & Girls Club opens center in Fairbury Carrie Kepple, owner of Styles Studios Fitness and former chairwoman of the Health and Fitness Association, believes this will drive up the percentage of active Americans by 10%. 'It would be helping with more people, live healthier lives, better mental health, better physical health, reducing chronic diseases, and just giving Americans more access,' Kepple said. The PHIT Act last passed the House in 2018, but didn't pass the Senate due to an adjournment. However, Kepple believes this could be the time it goes through. 'This is the biggest shot we've ever had, and it would be monumental for Americans and access to health and fitness and getting more people moving,' she said. Individuals will be allowed to set aside up to $1,000 for these expenses, and up to $2,000 for families. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.