"I think they believe these are low-income people who don't work, who are very different from themselves," said the group's executive director, Ron Pollack.

In a report being released today, the group said about two-thirds of the families would qualify for government-sponsored coverage for their children if parents would apply.

"The reason these children are not participating is that, No. 1, many don't know about it, and No. 2, the enrollment process is cumbersome," Pollack said.

Mark McClellan, who oversees federally subsidized health insurance programs at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, said the Bush administration knows that outreach can be improved.

He testified recently that President Bush wants to spend $100 million annually to help states, schools and faith-based groups improve enrollment rates.

If a worker has access to employer-sponsored coverage, he will pay about $226 a month for family coverage. But many have jobs that do not offer health coverage.

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