Pennsylvania Lawmakers Introduce a State-Level PHIT Act

For years, HFA has worked with the US fitness industry to pass the Personal Health Investment Today (PHIT) act, which would allow individuals to use up to $1,000 from flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts to pay for qualified sports and fitness expenses per year. Although the measure has drawn wide support from both parties and has even been passed once by the House (2018), PHIT hasn’t made it into law.

Now, the fight is being taken to the states. Pennsylvania lawmakers are advancing legislation patterned after the PHIT Act that would create new tax credits aimed at making physical activity more affordable for families across the state.

Sen. Joe Picozzi (SD-5) and Rep. Joe Hogan (HD-142) introduced the Physical Health Improvement Tax (PHIT) Credit that would allow taxpayers to claim up to $1,000 annually for gym memberships. A companion proposal provides parents of primary and secondary school students with a tax credit of up to $3,000 to offset qualifying youth sports expenses.

The legislation is designed to address rising costs that can deter families from investing in preventive health through physical activity and sports.

“This is about helping families prioritize health,” Picozzi says. “Gym memberships and youth sports can be expensive, but they are investments in the long-term wellness of our communities.”

The Beginning of a National Movement?

Other industry groups have rallied behind the proposal. The PA Fitness Alliance, representing fitness facilities throughout Pennsylvania, voiced strong support. Linda Mitchell, executive director of the group, described the PHIT bill as “a smart, proactive investment in preventive health that makes physical activity more accessible for Pennsylvania families while helping reduce long-term healthcare costs across the Commonwealth.”