WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) announced that he has cosponsored the Personal Health Investment Today (PHIT) Act. This legislation would encourage more physical activity in the United States and incentivize healthier living by allowing Americans to use a portion of the money saved in their pre-tax health savings account (HSA) and/or flexible spending account (FSA) toward qualified sports and fitness purchases – such as gym memberships, fitness equipment, and youth sports league fees. Senator King previously cosponsored the legislation in March 2019.

“The coronavirus pandemic has reinforced for all Americans the importance of proactively taking care of your health,” said Senator King. “But for too many of our citizens, cost can get in the way of activities that support physical fitness. The PHIT Act aims to address this challenge and make it easier to join a local gym, purchase appropriate equipment, or afford fees for youth sports league – while also keeping in mind the COVID protocols of such activities.  By encouraging routine fitness, we can help prevent more serious and costly medical ailments and improve our nation’s overall public health.”

Qualified expenses do not include: private clubs owned and operated by members or clubs with golf, hunting, sailing, or riding facilities. In the case of sports equipment (other than exercise equipment), reimbursement for a single item cannot exceed $250, and these pre-tax dollars cannot be used for general fitness apparel or footwear. 

In addition to Senator King, the PHIT Act is cosponsored by Senators John Thune (R-S.D.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Shelley Moore (R-W.V.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Ala.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.).