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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1


               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement (Form S-2) and related Prospectuses of Maxicare Health
Plans, Inc. for the registration of 29,888,072 shares of its common stock and to
the incorporation by reference therein of our report dated March 24, 2000, with
respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedules of Maxicare
Health Plans, Inc. included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended
December 31, 1999, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.




                                ERNST & YOUNG LLP




Los Angeles, California
July 11, 2000