Disney / Corporate

Disney Plans Employee Stock Purchases for 2027 as Health Enrollment Changes

The stock-purchase program is pending approvals, while most medical plans will require active enrollment for 2027.

Team Disney headquarters at The Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California
Image Credit: The Walt Disney Company

Disney plans to introduce an Employee Stock Purchase Plan in late 2027, pending approvals. The company also expects most medical plans to change for the 2027 enrollment cycle, according to an employee memo reviewed by Business Insider and summarized by WDW News Today.

The memo says the stock-purchase plan's eligibility rules and design are still being finalized. Disney's employee benefits changes will affect U.S. workers, with a fresh plan-selection process replacing automatic rollover for most medical coverage.

Disney's Stock-Purchase Plan Is Planned for Late 2027

Disney Executive Vice President of Total Rewards and Employee Services Eric Chaisson told U.S. employees that the company is planning the stock program for later in 2027, subject to approvals. The memo does not yet state who will qualify, how much stock employees could purchase, or what discount or contribution rules would apply.

Most Medical Plans Will Require Active 2027 Enrollment

Chaisson said current medical coverage will not automatically roll over for the next plan year. Nearly all employees will need to choose coverage again and re-enroll dependents for 2027. The memo attributes the changes to rising health-care costs and says Disney is not switching health insurers.

The benefits update includes consolidating some well-being programs and doubling the number of counseling sessions available through the Employee Assistance Program. More details are expected to be shared with employees in the coming months.

Sources: Business Insider's original report, WDW News Today's summary, and The Walt Disney Company.

Image: Team Disney headquarters, from The Walt Disney Company.

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