1
                                                                   Exhibit 23(a)

                        Consent of Independent Auditors



We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8 No. 11-258016) pertaining to the Universal American Financial Corp. 401(k)
Plan and in the Registration Statement (Form S-2 No. 333-3641) pertaining to the
Universal American Financial Corp. Incentive Stock Option Plan, Agents Stock
Purchase Plan, Deferred Compensation Plan for Agents, Stock Option Plan for
Directors, and Non-qualified Stock Option Plans for Agents and Others, of our
report dated February 23, 2001, with respect to the consolidated financial
statements and financial statement schedules of Universal American Financial
Corp. and subsidiaries included in the Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year
ended December 31, 2000.



New York, New York
March 30, 2001                               ERNST & YOUNG LLP