In recent years, Active User Population (user pop) information has been used for purposes beyond reporting current patient care statistics. It is also used to distribute congressional funds that the Indian Health Service (IHS) receives over and above its agency budget. Examples of recent additional funds are in the areas of contract health, diabetes and sanitation.

Now that the user pop is being used for funding distribution, it has taken on new significance. Accuracy and a full accounting of all users are essential: Alaska competes with eleven other IHS areas for these extra dollars.