Health Insurance Fraudster Pleads Guilty in El Paso Federal Court

EL PASO, Texas – An El Paso man pleaded guilty in a federal court in El Paso to one count of wire fraud.

According to court documents, Daniel Steadley, 68, operated two companies in El Paso which marketed and sold a healthcare insurance plan known as the Unique Healthcare MEC Plan. Steadley sold the insurance plan under false claims that it complied with the requirements of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). He also falsely claimed that he was a lawyer who had previously overseen an elite team of lawyers while working for a U.S. Senator at the White House, and that he had been a commander in the Navy, as well as a SEAL team member.

Several purchasers of Steadley’s fraudulent Unique Plan suffered injuries or had diseases that required hospitalization or other medical attention. When these individuals attempted to use their Unique Plan card, hospitals and other providers did not recognize the plan and there was no coverage of their medical bills. Several Unique Plan members received medical bills that were significant, ranging from hundreds of dollars to more than $100,000. Approximately 2,600 individuals in the El Paso area purchased the Unique Plan between Dec. 1, 2014 and Aug. 31, 2020. The investigation identified $974,193.68 in victim losses.

Steadley faces up to 20 years in prison for one count of wire fraud. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas made the announcement.

The FBI and Texas Department of Insurance are investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Skillern and Michael Osterberg are prosecuting the case.

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