IEHP CEO Jarrod McNaughton receives Defender of Health Justice award

Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) Chief Executive Officer Jarrod McNaughton received TruEvolution’s 2025 Defender of Health Justice Award during the nonprofit’s annual Legacy Ball on Nov. 22.

The Riverside-based organization honored McNaughton for his efforts to expand access to high-quality health care in the region and his work in defending Medicaid from budget cuts across the state and country.

“This award is for everyone at IEHP,” said McNaughton. “Our team advocates every day to ensure our members have access to the quality care and health services they deserve. It’s a responsibility we take to heart and are proud to speak up for those who don’t always have a voice when it comes to their own health care.”

McNaughton joined IEHP in 2018 as its chief operating officer before moving into his current role where he leads one of the 10 largest Medicaid health plans and the largest not-for-profit Medicare-Medicaid public health plan in the country. McNaughton works collaboratively with the IEHP Governing Board to set the health plan’s strategic vision while fostering key relationships within the counties of Riverside and San Bernardino and across the country.

Since its founding in 2007, TruEvolution has advocated for healthy equity and racial justice to advance the quality of life and human dignity for the LGBTQIA+ community. The organization offers several services such as HIV care and prevention, transitional housing and a street medicine program.

Its annual Legacy Ball recognizes the trailblazers, visionaries and changemakers uplifting the region through change and advocacy work that strengthens communities and emboldens others to follow in their footsteps.

“Jarrod McNaughton is someone I have immense personal respect for—a leader whose vision and integrity I aspire to embody,” said TruEvolution CEO Gabriel Maldonado. “Under his leadership, IEHP has not only defended fundamental healthcare rights through Medi-Cal but has also been a steadfast partner to TruEvolution by investing in our Project Legacy housing facility, supporting our growth as a provider, and standing with us as both a technical and advisory partner.

“His impact on the Inland Empire is profound and deeply felt,” he said.

For more on IEHP and its work in the area, visit www.iehp.org.

With a mission to heal and inspire the human spirit, Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) is one of the top 10 largest Medicaid health plans, the largest not-for-profit Medicare-Medicaid public health plan in the country, and for the fifth year in a row, certified as A Great Place To Work®. Founded in 1996, IEHP supports more than 1.5 million Riverside and San Bernardino County residents enrolled in Medicaid or IEHP DualChoice (those with both Medi-Cal and Medicare). As of 2024, IEHP also offers Covered California plans, further ensuring health care access for even more IE residents. Today, IEHP has a robust network of quality doctors throughout our two counties and nearly 3,800 team members who are fully committed to the vision: We will not rest until our communities enjoy optimal care and vibrant health. To learn more, go to iehp.org.