Archive · 22 Aug 2026
Disney to Restrict Some Spouse Health Coverage Amid Rising Costs
Disney plans to change health insurance rules for some workers in 2027.
Spouses who can get medical insurance from their own jobs may no longer use Disney’s medical plan.
Spouses without access to insurance through their jobs can still be covered by Disney.
The change does not affect other dependents.
Dental and vision coverage for spouses will also remain available.
Disney says healthcare is becoming more expensive for employers.
An insurance expert says removing the coverage completely is unusual and could cause problems for people needing long-term treatment.
Other companies may also change their benefits as healthcare costs continue to rise.
Starting in 2027, Disney plans to remove medical coverage for spouses who can obtain insurance through their own employers.
The change will not affect employees’ other dependents or spouses whose employers do not offer medical insurance.
Employees’ spouses will retain access to Disney dental and vision coverage.
Insurance adviser Joshua Lavine called the move highly unusual and potentially difficult for spouses receiving long-term medical treatment.
Disney cited rising healthcare costs, while Aon expects employer healthcare expenses to rise 9.5% next year.
- Who
- Disney and its US employees and their spouses.
- What
- Disney plans to restrict medical insurance coverage for spouses who have access to coverage through their own employers.
- When
- The change is expected to begin in 2027.
- Where
- The policy applies to Disney employees in the United States.
- Why
- Disney said it is adjusting employee benefits because of rising healthcare costs nationwide.
Disney’s Cost Argument
Critics’ Coverage Concerns
Removing spouse medical coverage
Disney’s Cost Argument
Disney says measured benefit changes are necessary because healthcare costs are rising nationwide.
Critics’ Coverage Concerns
Joshua Lavine said eliminating the coverage option is highly unusual and could create difficulties, especially for spouses receiving long-term medical treatment.
Alternative approaches
Disney’s Cost Argument
The policy relies on spouses’ access to medical insurance through their own employers while preserving coverage for spouses without that option.
Critics’ Coverage Concerns
Lavine said employers could instead reduce or eliminate their contribution toward spouse coverage without eliminating the coverage option itself.
Broader employer response
Disney’s Cost Argument
Disney’s decision reflects cost pressures also prompting other companies to reassess healthcare benefits.
Critics’ Coverage Concerns
Higher deductibles, copayments, and other cost-cutting changes could increase employees’ out-of-pocket expenses, according to Mercer.
- Policy start
- 2027
- Affected spouses
- Spouses who can obtain medical insurance through their own employers
- Unaffected dependents
- Employees’ other dependents, plus spouses whose employers do not offer medical insurance
- Dental and vision
- Spouses’ dental and vision coverage will not be affected
- Disney US workforce
- Approximately 172,000 employees as of September 2025
- Projected healthcare costs
- Aon estimates employer healthcare expenses will increase 9.5% next year
- Related employer changes
- Nearly half of employers with at least 500 workers surveyed by Mercer are considering medical-plan changes next year