The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will spend $73.2 million to update three Web sites that garner more than 500 million page views a year from beneficiaries.

CMS awarded the five-year contract to CGI Federal in a competitive bid.

The three Web sites – Medicare.gov, cms.hhs.gov, and MyMedicare.gov – serve as CMS's online communication channels for beneficiaries and providers. The sites offer information about coverage, claims, medications and eligibility.

"CMS is at the forefront of the national health agenda," said George Schindler, president of CGI Federal. "CGI is proud to be chosen again to support their efforts which directly impact so many citizens."

CGI has been working with CMS to evolve the Web sites to better meet the agency's mission of education, outreach and service, as well as government requirements for increased transparency, participation, and collaboration.

For example, Schindler said, the Hospital Compare and Nursing Home Compare tools combine geographical data from Google maps with healthcare provider quality-of-care information to help users locate and assess healthcare facilities near them.

"CMS is always focused on continuous improvement and innovative ideas to improve services to its beneficiaries, which makes the work very rewarding," said Cheryl Campbell, vice-president, CGI Federal.

CGI Federal Inc.is a wholly owned U.S. operating subsidiary of CGI Group Inc., with offices in the United States and around the world.