Disney will drop medical insurance for some employees' spouses
The new policy will only affect spouses who can get coverage through their own jobs.
Disney plans to stop providing medical insurance to US employees' spouses who can obtain coverage through their own jobs, starting next year. This decision comes amid rising healthcare expenses that many US employers are bracing for. The entertainment giant will maintain medical coverage for employees' other dependents but will eliminate the option for spousal coverage.
The move is part of a trend among large employers who are making adjustments to benefit plans due to increased healthcare costs. Experts view Disney's policy change as unusual, as most companies are reducing contributions towards spousal coverage rather than eliminating it entirely. Disney's move could create challenges for employees undergoing long-term health treatments.
The company will also introduce an employee stock-purchase program later in 2027. Rising healthcare costs are projected to increase by 9.5% next year, marking one of the most sustained periods of inflation in decades. Other big employers, such as Starbucks and Deloitte, are also implementing cost-cutting measures, including eliminating coverage for certain medications and reducing benefits like parental leave and pension plans.
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