Why the PHIT Act’s Failure Should Spark a New Era of Wellness Advocacy
By Stevi Gable Carr, Founder & CEO, WISe Wellness Guild
The recent news that the PHIT Act was once again excluded from federal legislation is more than disappointing—it’s a wake-up call.
For those unfamiliar, the Personal Health Investment Today (PHIT) Act aimed to allow Americans to use pre-tax dollars from HSAs and FSAs to pay for fitness expenses like gym memberships, youth sports, and exercise programs. A common-sense solution, right? One that acknowledges physical activity not just as a lifestyle choice, but as a legitimate healthcare investment.
And yet—despite bipartisan support and years of advocacy—the PHIT Act remains stalled.
As the Founder of WISe Wellness Guild and a relentless advocate for whole-self wellness, I believe this moment underscores a deeper truth: our policies still lag far behind our knowledge of what truly drives health. We know that movement reduces chronic disease, improves mental health, increases productivity, and lowers long-term healthcare costs. So why do we continue to treat wellness as a luxury, instead of a necessity?
This isn't just about missed tax breaks. It’s about a broken system that continues to reward reactive treatment over proactive well-being.
But here’s the good news: we don’t have to wait for Washington to catch up.
We can:
Champion workplace wellness programs that support movement, mindfulness, and mental health.
Educate communities on how fitness is healthcare.
Advocate locally—within schools, cities, and organizations—for equitable access to wellness resources.
At WISe, we believe in building a culture where well-being is the standard, not the exception. That means continuing to fight for policies like PHIT—but also creating systems, tools, and communities that drive wellness from the ground up.
The setback of the PHIT Act isn’t the end of the story. It’s an invitation—to innovate, advocate, and lead.
Let’s answer that call.
Looking to evolve your organization’s wellness strategy to drive real impact?
Schedule a strategic consultation with Stevi Carr today.
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