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. 333-03641) 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 20, 2004, (except for Note 25 as to which the date is
March 10, 2004) 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, 2003.
                                                         /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

New York, New York
March 15, 2004

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