The Personal Health Investment Today (PHIT) Act, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives on July 25, behind bipartisan support, now awaits a vote in the Senate.
The PHIT Act will lower activity-related expenses by 20 to 37 percent for consumers and their families, decreasing the financial burden to activity that many Americans face. The Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) is working with physical activity partners in the medical, health club, youth sport, personal trainer, outdoor recreation and other active lifestyle industries to build on the momentum and get PHIT enacted by the end of the year.
According to SFIA, delaying action on this bill is not an option. When the new Congress is seated in January 2019, there will be new leadership in the House and new priorities. Passing the PHIT Act in 2018 is the best option, and due to its solid bipartisanship, it is in a strong position. While the bill already has bipartisan support from 16 Senators, the others will be targeted via social media and e-mails to urge support for PHIT.
“The urgency behind people in our industry taking action on this bill is at its most critical point,” said SFIA President and CEO Tom Cove. “We must pass the PHIT Act in the next two weeks.”
As the nation is addressing an inactivity pandemic and skyrocketing health care costs, the PHIT Act is a solution to begin mitigating both problems. The key to a stronger nation, both physically and economically, is a more active, healthier population. It is essential that this law passes before the new year, so Americans can begin to reap the benefits as soon as possible.
