MADISON, WI (WTAQ) - One of the state’s largest health insurers plans to start laying off 450 employees at the end of March.

Wisconsin Physicians Service said it lost two major federal contracts – and as a result, 250 will lose their jobs at WPS facilities in Monona and Madison, plus another 201 people in Wausau.

And if the company does not find new business to replace the federal contracts, it says even more layoffs are possible.

WPS officials said last November that up to 600 employees could be let go this year, after the company lost contracts to process Medicare claims and manage health claims for the military in 21 states. Those contracts made up 40 percent of WPS revenues in 2012.