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President Joe Biden signed an executive order Monday to improve people's experience when seeking federal government services. It's designed to reduce the "tangled web of government websites, offices and phone numbers" when trying to access information or services from the government, the White House said. The executive order designates 35 "high-impact service providers" like the Social Security Administration, and the Departments of Health, Veterans Affairs, State, Homeland Security, Education, Housing and Transportation. These agencies have been directed to improve their performance for services they offer. Important cross-government agency services like retirement, applying for small business loans and having a baby will also be streamlined under the executive order, the White House said. (Reichert, 12/13)

The actions announced Monday -- which were released along with an executive order signed by President Biden -- included the following initiatives related to healthcare: Service members and veterans will be able to use Login.gov accounts to access VA.gov and its information about the healthcare and benefits they've earned, and outdated and duplicate VA.gov sign-in options will be removed across VA websites and mobile apps. Veterans, beneficiaries, and their caregivers will be able to access digital services through a single, integrated digital platform on VA.gov and a flagship VA mobile application so that VA's customers don't have to use separate portals, websites, or mobile applications when managing their healthcare and benefits online. (Frieden, 12/13)

Patients' ability to use telehealth services will increase under the executive order. The administration says this will connect rural residents, those with disabilities and others who want remote options with their doctors, but the order doesn't offer details on how that will happen or what that means for provider reimbursement. A senior administration official said on a press call Monday that the administration wants to continue telehealth practices that have become commonplace during the COVID-19 public health emergency. (Goldman, 12/13)

It's not clear how quickly the measures will go into effect or how much of a difference the order will make in making government more responsive. “I would describe this as a starter pistol, not the end of the race,” said Max Stier, head of the Partnership for Public Service, a nonpartisan good-governance organization. He said the Biden administration has set out the right goals and metrics, and he hopes the public will help keep the White House accountable. (Groppe, 12/13)

Biden is also pledging to overhaul USA.gov, which the White House describes as a “digital Federal front door” to access government services. The signing of the executive order comes as Biden’s job approval number continue to sag and many Americans question his stewardship of the economy. (Wagner, 12/13)