US corporations to reduce employee health benefits in 2027

Major US corporations are planning significant reductions or modifications to employee health benefits in 2027 to offset sharply rising medical costs. Projections from firms such as PwC and Aon suggest commercial healthcare costs could rise between 9% and 9.5% next year, potentially pushing average spending per employee above $19,000.

Specific corporate actions include: • The Walt Disney Company will stop providing medical coverage for spouses who have access to insurance through their own employers, affecting its US workforce. • Starbucks will end coverage for GLP-1 weight-loss medications starting in October 2026, though coverage remains for diabetes and other conditions. • Bloomberg LP plans to introduce monthly employee premium contributions for the first time. • Deloitte will reduce paid parental leave for certain staff and end reimbursement programs for adoption and surrogacy.

Additionally, the City of Dallas is considering proposals to eliminate certain co-pay insurance plans and end coverage for GLP-1 weight-loss medications. Industry data from Marsh indicates that 59% of employers plan to implement cost-containment measures, such as increasing deductibles or employee contribution ratios, to manage the escalating financial burden.