Exhibit 23.1



CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS



We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on
Form S-8 (No. 33-50508) pertaining to the Maxicare Health Plans, Inc. 1990 Stock
Option Plan, the stock option agreement with Peter J. Ratican dated December 5,
1990, and the stock option agreement with Eugene L. Froelich dated December 5,
1990; the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on Form S-8
(No. 333-12803) pertaining to the Maxicare Health Plans, Inc. Outside Directors
1996 Formula Stock Option Plan, the Maxicare Health Plans, Inc. Senior
Executives 1996 Stock Option Plan, the Maxicare Health Plans, Inc. 1995 Stock
Option Plan, the Restricted Stock Grant Agreement by and between Maxicare Health
Plans, Inc. and Peter J. Ratican dated as of February 27, 1995, the Restricted
Stock Grant Agreement by and between Maxicare Health Plans, Inc. and Eugene L.
Froelich dated as of February 27, 1995; the incorporation by reference in the
Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-88005) pertaining to the Maxicare
Health Plans, Inc. 1999 Stock Option Plan; and the incorporation by reference in
the Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-48458) and the incorporation by
reference in the Registration Statement on Form S-2 (No. 333-41510) of our
report dated March 22, 2002 with respect to the 2001 consolidated financial
statements and schedule of Maxicare Health Plans, Inc. in its annual report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001.