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                                                                      EXHIBIT 23

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8 No. 33-62657) pertaining to the Retirement Plan for Employees of the Central
Reserve Life Insurance Company of our report dated June 16, 2000, with respect
to the financial statements and schedule of the Retirement Plan for Employees of
the Central Reserve Life Insurance Company included in this Annual Report (Form
11-K) for the year ended December 31, 1999.

                                                          /s/ Ernst & Young LLP


Cleveland, Ohio
June 23, 2000

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