Could a tax break get Pennsylvanians off the couch and into the gym? A new proposal by one State Lawmaker thinks it's possible.
Rep. Joe Hogan says he is preparing a bill that would establish tax benefits called Pennsylvania Physical Health Improvement Tax Credits of up to $1,000 to offset the costs of joining a gym or health club.
He says incentivizing exercise will improve the health of many Pennsylvanians and could benefit the commonwealth by decreasing health insurance rates and Medicaid costs.
A similar proposal is under consideration in Ohio, where a lawmaker wants to create a personal tax deduction of $1,500 each year for gym memberships.
The legislation has not yet been introduced.