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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 27, 2002  </B></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><B> Registration No.&nbsp;333-  </B></FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=5><B>SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Washington, D.C. 20549  </B></FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B> <A NAME="ba1110_form_s-8"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_ba1110_1"> </A>
<BR>    </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=5><B>FORM S-8    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>REGISTRATION STATEMENT<BR>
Under<BR>
The Securities Act of 1933  </B></FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=5><B>WELLPOINT HEALTH NETWORKS&nbsp;INC.<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) </FONT></P>

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<TD WIDTH="50%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Delaware</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="50%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>95-4635504</B></FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="50%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>(State or other jurisdiction<BR>
of incorporation or organization)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="50%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>(I.R.S. Employer<BR>
Identification Number)<BR></FONT>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>1 WellPoint Way<BR>
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>(Address of principal executive offices) (zip code) </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>2000 EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTION PLAN<BR>
BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD OF MISSOURI 401(K) SAVINGS PROGRAM<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>(Full title of the plans) </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>THOMAS
C. GEISER, ESQ.<BR>
Executive Vice President and General Counsel<BR>
WellPoint Health Networks&nbsp;Inc.<BR>
1 WellPoint Way, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362<BR>
(Name and address of agent for service)<BR></FONT> <FONT SIZE=2><B>(818)&nbsp;234-4000<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>(Telephone number, including area code, of agent for service) </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>Copies
to:<BR>
Barry W. Homer, Esq.<BR>
Brobeck, Phleger&nbsp;&amp; Harrison LLP<BR>
One Market Plaza<BR>
Spear Street Tower<BR>
San Francisco, California 94105 </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>This
Registration Statement shall become effective immediately upon filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission in accordance with Section&nbsp;8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 and
Rule&nbsp;462 thereunder.   </FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE  </B></FONT></P>

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<TD COLSPAN=2 ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Title of Securities to be Registered</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Amount to be Registered(1)(2)</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Proposed Maximum Offering Price per Share</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="16%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Proposed Maximum Aggregate Offering Price(4)</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Amount of Registration Fee</B></FONT></TD>
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<TD COLSPAN=2><FONT SIZE=1><B>Common Stock, $.01 par value, based pursuant to:</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="16%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="2%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="33%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2>2000 Employee Stock Option Plan</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2>1,500,000</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2>$125.75(3)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="16%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2>$188,625,000</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2>$17,354</FONT></TD>
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<TD COLSPAN=2><FONT SIZE=2>Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Missouri 401(k) Savings Program</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>100,000</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>$125.75(3)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="16%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>$12,575,000</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="15%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>$1,157</FONT></TD>
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<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(1)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>In
addition, pursuant to Rule&nbsp;416(c) under the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement also covers an indeterminate amount of plan interests to be offered or sold
pursuant to the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Missouri 401(k) Savings Program
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(2)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>This
Registration Statement also covers any additional shares of Common Stock that are acquired under the employee benefit plans listed above by reason of any stock dividend, stock
split, recapitalization or other similar transaction effected without the receipt of consideration which results in an increase in the number of the Registrant's outstanding shares of Common Stock.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(3)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Calculated
solely for purposes of this offering under Rule&nbsp;457(h) of the Securities Act of 1933 on the basis of the average of the high and low selling price per share of
Common Stock of WellPoint Health Networks&nbsp;Inc. on February&nbsp;25, 2002, as reported by the New York Stock Exchange.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(4)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Estimated
solely for purposes of determining the registration fee. </FONT></DD></DL>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
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<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>PART II<BR>  <BR>    Information Required in the Registration Statement    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ja1110_item_3._incorporation_o__ja102166"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_ja1110_2"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B><I>Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference    <BR>  </I></B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
following documents of the Registrant filed with the Commission (File No.&nbsp;001-13083) are incorporated by reference: </FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(a)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>The
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form&nbsp;8-B filed on June&nbsp;12, 1997, pursuant to Section&nbsp;12(g) of the Exchange Act;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(b)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>The
Registrant's Annual Report on Form&nbsp;10-K for the year ended December&nbsp;31, 2000;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(c)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>The
Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form&nbsp;10-Q for the quarters ended March&nbsp;31, 2001, June&nbsp;30, 2001 and September&nbsp;30, 2001;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(d)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>The
Registrant's Current Reports on Form&nbsp;8-K filed on June&nbsp;12, 2001, June&nbsp;14, 2001, July&nbsp;11, 2001, December&nbsp;7, 2001, January&nbsp;11,
2002, January&nbsp;16, 2002 and February&nbsp;8, 2002; and
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT style='margin-bottom:-11pt;'><FONT SIZE=2>(e)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>The
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Missouri 401(k) Savings Program's latest annual report on Form&nbsp;11-K filed with the Commission on June&nbsp;28, 2001. </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All
reports and definitive proxy or information statements filed pursuant to Section&nbsp;13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 after the date of this
Registration Statement and prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment which indicates that all securities offered hereby have been sold or which designates all securities then
remaining unsold shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this Registration Statement and to be a part hereof from the date of filing of such documents. </FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Any
statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Registration
Statement to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any subsequently filed document which also is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any
such statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this Registration Statement. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ja1110_item_4._description_of_securities"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_ja1110_3"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B><I>Description of Securities    <BR>  </I></B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not applicable. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ja1110_item_5._interests_of_named_experts_and_counsel"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_ja1110_4"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B><I>Interests of Named Experts and Counsel    <BR>  </I></B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not applicable. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ja1110_item_6._indemnification_of_directors_and_officers"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_ja1110_5"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B><I>Indemnification of Directors and Officers    <BR>  </I></B></FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Registrant is a Delaware corporation. Section&nbsp;145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the "Delaware Law") empowers a Delaware corporation to
indemnify any persons who are, or are threatened to be made, parties to any threatened, pending or completed legal action, suit or proceedings, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative
(other than an action by or in the right of such corporation), by reason of the fact that such person was an officer or director of such corporation, or is or was serving at the request of such
corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or enterprise. The indemnity may include expenses (including attorney's fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in
settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding, provided that such officer or director acted in good </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>II-1</FONT></P>

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<P><FONT SIZE=2>
faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the corporation's best interests, and, for criminal proceedings, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was illegal. A
Delaware corporation may indemnify officers and directors in an action by or in the right of the corporation under the same conditions, except that no indemnification is permitted without judicial
approval if the officer or director is adjudged to be liable to the corporation in the performance of his duty. Where an officer or director is successful on the merits or otherwise in the defense of
any action referred to above, the corporation must indemnify him against the expenses which such officer or director actually and reasonably incurred. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
Registrant's Certificate of Incorporation provides that the liability of the Registrant's directors to the Registrant or the Registrant's stockholders for monetary damages for breach
of fiduciary duty will be eliminated to the fullest extent permissible under Delaware law except for (i)&nbsp;breaches of duty of loyalty; (ii)&nbsp;acts or omissions not in good faith or
involving intentional misconduct or knowing violations of the law; (iii)&nbsp;the payment of unlawful dividends or unlawful stock repurchases or redemptions; or (iv)&nbsp;transactions in which a
director received an improper personal benefit. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
effect of these provisions is to eliminate the rights of the Registrant and its stockholders (through stockholders' derivative suits on behalf of the Registrant) to recover monetary
damages against a director for breach of fiduciary duty of care as a director (including breaches resulting from negligent or grossly negligent behavior) except in certain limited situations. These
provisions do not limit or eliminate the rights of the Registrant or any stockholder to seek non-monetary relief such as an injunction or rescission in the event of a breach of a
director's duty of care. These provisions will not alter the liability of directors under federal securities law. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
Registrant's Bylaws provide that the Registrant will indemnify each present and former director and officer of the Registrant or a predecessor company and each of their respective
subsidiaries, as such companies exist or have existed, and such agents of the Registrant as the Board of Directors shall determine, to the fullest extent provided by Delaware law. </FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In
addition, the Registrant has entered into indemnification agreements with its directors and certain officers that provide for the maximum indemnification permitted by law. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ja1110_item_7._exemption_from_registration_claimed"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_ja1110_6"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B><I>Exemption from Registration Claimed    <BR>  </I></B></FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not Applicable. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ja1110_item_8._exhibits"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_ja1110_7"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 8.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B><I>Exhibits    <BR>  </I></B></FONT></P>

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<TH WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Exhibit Number</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="85%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Exhibit</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
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<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="85%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2>4.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="85%"><FONT SIZE=2>Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed August 5, 1997.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
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<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2>4.2</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="85%"><FONT SIZE=2>Bylaws of the Registrant, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration No. 333-90791).</FONT></TD>
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<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2>4.3</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="85%"><FONT SIZE=2>Specimen Stock Certificate of the Registrant incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 of Registrant's Registration Statement No. 000-13083 on Form 8-B.</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2>5.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="85%"><FONT SIZE=2>The Registrant (through its wholly subsidiary, RightCHOICE Managed Care, Inc.) has submitted the plan to the Internal Revenue Service in a timely manner, and the Registrant undertakes to submit to the Internal Revenue
Service in a timely manner any amendments to the plan and has made or will make all changes required by the Internal Revenue Service in order to qualify the plan.</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2>5.2</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="85%"><FONT SIZE=2>Opinion of Thomas C. Geiser, Esq.</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2>23.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="85%"><FONT SIZE=2>Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2>23.2</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="85%"><FONT SIZE=2>Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP  </FONT></TD>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>II-2</FONT></P>

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<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2>23.3</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="85%"><FONT SIZE=2>Consent of Thomas C. Geiser, Esq. (Included in Exhibit 5.2)</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2>24&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="85%"><FONT SIZE=2>Power of Attorney. Reference is made to the signature page of this Registration Statement.</FONT></TD>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ja1110_item_9._undertakings."> </A>
<A NAME="toc_ja1110_8"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 9.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B><I>Undertakings.    <BR>  </I></B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes: (1)&nbsp;to file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to
this registration statement (i)&nbsp;to include any prospectus required by Section&nbsp;10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933, (ii)&nbsp;to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising
after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the
information set forth in the registration statement, and (iii)&nbsp;to include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration
statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement; </FONT><FONT SIZE=2><I>provided</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>, however, that clauses (1)(i)&nbsp;and
(1)(ii)&nbsp;shall not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed by the Registrant
pursuant to Section&nbsp;13 or Section&nbsp;15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference into the Registration Statement; and (2)&nbsp;that for the purpose of
determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial </FONT><FONT SIZE=2><I>bona fide</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2> offering thereof; and (3)&nbsp;to remove from
registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the Registrant's annual
report pursuant to Section&nbsp;13(a) or Section&nbsp;15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to
Section&nbsp;15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference into the Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a new Registration Statement relating to the
securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial </FONT><FONT SIZE=2><I>bona fide</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2> offering thereof. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;C.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Insofar
as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant
pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as
expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses
incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person
in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>II-3</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
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NAME="page_jc1110_1_4"> </A> </FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="jc1110_signatures"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_jc1110_1"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>SIGNATURES    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><I>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Registrant.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Registrant certifies that it has
reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form&nbsp;S-8 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Thousand Oaks, State of California, on this February&nbsp;26, 2002. </FONT></P>

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<TD WIDTH="47%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD COLSPAN=3><FONT SIZE=2>WELLPOINT HEALTH NETWORKS, INC.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="47%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
By:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="45%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>LEONARD D. SCHAEFFER</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Leonard D. Schaeffer<BR></FONT> <FONT SIZE=2><I>Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive
Officer</I></FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="jc1110_power_of_attorney"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_jc1110_2"> </A>
<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>POWER OF ATTORNEY    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>KNOW
ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS: </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That
the undersigned officers and directors of WellPoint Health Networks&nbsp;Inc., a Delaware corporation, do hereby constitute and appoint Leonard D. Schaeffer, Chairman of the Board
of Directors and Chief Executive Officer and Thomas C. Geiser, Esq., Executive Vice President, General Counsel and
Secretary, or any one of them, the lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, each with full power and authority to do any and all acts and things and to execute any and all
instruments which said attorney and agent determines may be necessary or advisable or required to enable said corporation to comply with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any rules or
regulation or requirements of the Commission in connection with this Registration Statement. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing power and authority, the powers granted include the power
and authority to sign the names of the undersigned officers and directors in the capacities indicated below to this Registration Statement, to any and all amendments, both pre-effective
and post-effective, and supplements to this Registration Statement and to any and all instruments or documents filed as part of or in conjunction with this Registration Statement or
amendments or supplements thereof, and each of the undersigned hereby ratifies and confirms all that said attorneys and agents, or any one of them, shall do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. This
Power of Attorney may be signed in several counterparts. </FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>II-4</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
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<A NAME="page_jc1110_1_5"> </A>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the undersigned has executed this Power of Attorney as of the date indicated. </FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated. </FONT></P>

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<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TH WIDTH="45%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Signatures</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="27%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Title</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="23%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Date</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="45%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><BR><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="27%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="23%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="45%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>LEONARD D. SCHAEFFER</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Leonard D. Schaeffer</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="27%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="23%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>February 26, 2002</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="45%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>DAVID C. COLBY</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> David C. Colby</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="27%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="23%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
February 26, 2002</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="45%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>KENNETH C. ZUREK</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Kenneth C. Zurek</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="27%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Senior Vice President, Controller and Taxation</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="23%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
February 26, 2002</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="45%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>W. TOLIVER BESSON</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> W. Toliver Besson, Esq.</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="27%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="23%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
February 26, 2002</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="45%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>ROGER E. BIRK</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Roger E. Birk</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="27%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="23%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
February 26, 2002</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="45%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>SHEILA P. BURKE</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Sheila P. Burke</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="27%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="23%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
February 26, 2002</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="45%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>WILLIAM H.T. BUSH</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> William H.T. Bush</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="27%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="23%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
February 26, 2002</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="45%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>STEPHEN L. DAVENPORT</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Stephen L. Davenport</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="27%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="23%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
February 26, 2002</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="45%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>JULIE A. HILL</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Julie A. Hill</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="27%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="23%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
February 26, 2002</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="45%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>WARREN Y. JOBE</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Warren Y. Jobe</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="27%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="23%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
February 26, 2002</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="45%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>ELIZABETH A. SANDERS</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Elizabeth A. Sanders</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="27%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="23%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
February 26, 2002</FONT></TD>
</TR>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>II-5</FONT></P>

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<A NAME="page_jc1110_1_6"> </A>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><I>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Missouri 401(k) Savings Program.</I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Missouri 401(k) Savings Program of WellPoint Health Networks&nbsp;Inc. has caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Thousand Oaks, State of California, on this February 26, 2002. </FONT></P>

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<TD WIDTH="47%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD COLSPAN=3><FONT SIZE=2>BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD OF MISSOURI 401(K) SAVINGS PROGRAM</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="47%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="3%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
By:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="45%" ALIGN="CENTER"><BR><FONT SIZE=2>/S/&nbsp;&nbsp;THOMAS C. GEISER</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Thomas C. Geiser</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>II-6</FONT></P>

<HR NOSHADE>
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<BR>
<P><br><A NAME="02WLA1110_1">QuickLinks</A><br></P><!-- TOC_BEGIN -->
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_ba1110_1">FORM S-8</A></FONT><BR>
<!-- TOC_BEGIN -->
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_ja1110_1">PART II Information Required in the Registration Statement</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_ja1110_2">Item 3. Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_ja1110_3">Item 4. Description of Securities</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_ja1110_4">Item 5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_ja1110_5">Item 6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_ja1110_6">Item 7. Exemption from Registration Claimed</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_ja1110_7">Item 8. Exhibits</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_ja1110_8">Item 9. Undertakings.</A></FONT><BR>
<!-- TOC_BEGIN -->
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_jc1110_1">SIGNATURES</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_jc1110_2">POWER OF ATTORNEY</A></FONT><BR>
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{"company-data": {"conformed-name": "WELLPOINT HEALTH NETWORKS INC /DE/", "cik": "0001013220", "assigned-sic": "6324", "irs-number": "954635504", "state-of-incorporation": "DE", "fiscal-year-end": "1231"}, "filing-values": {"form-type": "S-8", "act": "33", "file-number": "333-83462", "film-number": "02559860"}, "business-address": {"street1": "1 WELLPOINT WAY", "city": "THOUSAND OAKS", "state": "CA", "zip": "91362", "phone": "8187034000"}, "mail-address": {"street1": "1 WELLOINT WAY", "city": "THOUSAND OAKS", "state": "CA", "zip": "91362"}, "former-company": {"former-conformed-name": "BLUE CROSS OF CALIFORNIA /CA/", "date-changed": "19960508"}}
QuickLinks
-- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 27, 2002
Registration No. 333-
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM S-8
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Under
The Securities Act of 1933
WELLPOINT HEALTH NETWORKS INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
95-4635504
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
1 WellPoint Way
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
(Address of principal executive offices) (zip code)
2000 EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTION PLAN
BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD OF MISSOURI 401(K) SAVINGS PROGRAM
(Full title of the plans)
THOMAS
C. GEISER, ESQ.
Executive Vice President and General Counsel
WellPoint Health Networks Inc.
1 WellPoint Way, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
(Name and address of agent for service)
(818) 234-4000
(Telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
Copies
to:
Barry W. Homer, Esq.
Brobeck, Phleger & Harrison LLP
One Market Plaza
Spear Street Tower
San Francisco, California 94105
This
Registration Statement shall become effective immediately upon filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 and
Rule 462 thereunder.
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
Title of Securities to be Registered
Amount to be Registered(1)(2)
Proposed Maximum Offering Price per Share
Proposed Maximum Aggregate Offering Price(4)
Amount of Registration Fee
Common Stock, $.01 par value, based pursuant to:
2000 Employee Stock Option Plan
1,500,000
$125.75(3)
$188,625,000
$17,354
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Missouri 401(k) Savings Program
100,000
$125.75(3)
$12,575,000
$1,157
(1)
In
addition, pursuant to Rule 416(c) under the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement also covers an indeterminate amount of plan interests to be offered or sold
pursuant to the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Missouri 401(k) Savings Program
(2)
This
Registration Statement also covers any additional shares of Common Stock that are acquired under the employee benefit plans listed above by reason of any stock dividend, stock
split, recapitalization or other similar transaction effected without the receipt of consideration which results in an increase in the number of the Registrant's outstanding shares of Common Stock.
(3)
Calculated
solely for purposes of this offering under Rule 457(h) of the Securities Act of 1933 on the basis of the average of the high and low selling price per share of
Common Stock of WellPoint Health Networks Inc. on February 25, 2002, as reported by the New York Stock Exchange.
(4)
Estimated
solely for purposes of determining the registration fee.
PART II
Information Required in the Registration Statement
Item 3.
Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference
The
following documents of the Registrant filed with the Commission (File No. 001-13083) are incorporated by reference:
(a)
The
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form 8-B filed on June 12, 1997, pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act;
(b)
The
Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000;
(c)
The
Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2001, June 30, 2001 and September 30, 2001;
(d)
The
Registrant's Current Reports on Form 8-K filed on June 12, 2001, June 14, 2001, July 11, 2001, December 7, 2001, January 11,
2002, January 16, 2002 and February 8, 2002; and
(e)
The
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Missouri 401(k) Savings Program's latest annual report on Form 11-K filed with the Commission on June 28, 2001.
All
reports and definitive proxy or information statements filed pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 after the date of this
Registration Statement and prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment which indicates that all securities offered hereby have been sold or which designates all securities then
remaining unsold shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this Registration Statement and to be a part hereof from the date of filing of such documents.
Any
statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this Registration
Statement to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any subsequently filed document which also is deemed to be incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any
such statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this Registration Statement.
Item 4.
Description of Securities
Not applicable.
Item 5.
Interests of Named Experts and Counsel
Not applicable.
Item 6.
Indemnification of Directors and Officers
The Registrant is a Delaware corporation. Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the "Delaware Law") empowers a Delaware corporation to
indemnify any persons who are, or are threatened to be made, parties to any threatened, pending or completed legal action, suit or proceedings, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative
(other than an action by or in the right of such corporation), by reason of the fact that such person was an officer or director of such corporation, or is or was serving at the request of such
corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or enterprise. The indemnity may include expenses (including attorney's fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in
settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding, provided that such officer or director acted in good
II-1
faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the corporation's best interests, and, for criminal proceedings, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was illegal. A
Delaware corporation may indemnify officers and directors in an action by or in the right of the corporation under the same conditions, except that no indemnification is permitted without judicial
approval if the officer or director is adjudged to be liable to the corporation in the performance of his duty. Where an officer or director is successful on the merits or otherwise in the defense of
any action referred to above, the corporation must indemnify him against the expenses which such officer or director actually and reasonably incurred.
The
Registrant's Certificate of Incorporation provides that the liability of the Registrant's directors to the Registrant or the Registrant's stockholders for monetary damages for breach
of fiduciary duty will be eliminated to the fullest extent permissible under Delaware law except for (i) breaches of duty of loyalty; (ii) acts or omissions not in good faith or
involving intentional misconduct or knowing violations of the law; (iii) the payment of unlawful dividends or unlawful stock repurchases or redemptions; or (iv) transactions in which a
director received an improper personal benefit.
The
effect of these provisions is to eliminate the rights of the Registrant and its stockholders (through stockholders' derivative suits on behalf of the Registrant) to recover monetary
damages against a director for breach of fiduciary duty of care as a director (including breaches resulting from negligent or grossly negligent behavior) except in certain limited situations. These
provisions do not limit or eliminate the rights of the Registrant or any stockholder to seek non-monetary relief such as an injunction or rescission in the event of a breach of a
director's duty of care. These provisions will not alter the liability of directors under federal securities law.
The
Registrant's Bylaws provide that the Registrant will indemnify each present and former director and officer of the Registrant or a predecessor company and each of their respective
subsidiaries, as such companies exist or have existed, and such agents of the Registrant as the Board of Directors shall determine, to the fullest extent provided by Delaware law.
In
addition, the Registrant has entered into indemnification agreements with its directors and certain officers that provide for the maximum indemnification permitted by law.
Item 7.
Exemption from Registration Claimed
Not Applicable.
Item 8.
Exhibits
Exhibit Number
Exhibit
4.1
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed August 5, 1997.
4.2
Bylaws of the Registrant, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration No. 333-90791).
4.3
Specimen Stock Certificate of the Registrant incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 of Registrant's Registration Statement No. 000-13083 on Form 8-B.
5.1
The Registrant (through its wholly subsidiary, RightCHOICE Managed Care, Inc.) has submitted the plan to the Internal Revenue Service in a timely manner, and the Registrant undertakes to submit to the Internal Revenue
Service in a timely manner any amendments to the plan and has made or will make all changes required by the Internal Revenue Service in order to qualify the plan.
5.2
Opinion of Thomas C. Geiser, Esq.
23.1
Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
23.2
Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
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23.3
Consent of Thomas C. Geiser, Esq. (Included in Exhibit 5.2)
24
Power of Attorney. Reference is made to the signature page of this Registration Statement.
Item 9.
Undertakings.
A.    The
undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes: (1) to file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to
this registration statement (i) to include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933, (ii) to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising
after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the
information set forth in the registration statement, and (iii) to include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration
statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement;
provided
, however, that clauses (1)(i) and
(1)(ii) shall not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed by the Registrant
pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference into the Registration Statement; and (2) that for the purpose of
determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial
bona fide
offering thereof; and (3) to remove from
registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.
B.    The
undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the Registrant's annual
report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to
Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference into the Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a new Registration Statement relating to the
securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial
bona fide
offering thereof.
C.    Insofar
as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant
pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as
expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses
incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person
in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
II-3
SIGNATURES
Registrant.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Registrant certifies that it has
reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Thousand Oaks, State of California, on this February 26, 2002.
WELLPOINT HEALTH NETWORKS, INC.
By:
/s/
LEONARD D. SCHAEFFER
Leonard D. Schaeffer
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive
Officer
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW
ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS:
That
the undersigned officers and directors of WellPoint Health Networks Inc., a Delaware corporation, do hereby constitute and appoint Leonard D. Schaeffer, Chairman of the Board
of Directors and Chief Executive Officer and Thomas C. Geiser, Esq., Executive Vice President, General Counsel and
Secretary, or any one of them, the lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, each with full power and authority to do any and all acts and things and to execute any and all
instruments which said attorney and agent determines may be necessary or advisable or required to enable said corporation to comply with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any rules or
regulation or requirements of the Commission in connection with this Registration Statement. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing power and authority, the powers granted include the power
and authority to sign the names of the undersigned officers and directors in the capacities indicated below to this Registration Statement, to any and all amendments, both pre-effective
and post-effective, and supplements to this Registration Statement and to any and all instruments or documents filed as part of or in conjunction with this Registration Statement or
amendments or supplements thereof, and each of the undersigned hereby ratifies and confirms all that said attorneys and agents, or any one of them, shall do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. This
Power of Attorney may be signed in several counterparts.
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IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the undersigned has executed this Power of Attorney as of the date indicated.
Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signatures
Title
Date
/s/
LEONARD D. SCHAEFFER
Leonard D. Schaeffer
Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
February 26, 2002
/s/
DAVID C. COLBY
David C. Colby
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)
February 26, 2002
/s/
KENNETH C. ZUREK
Kenneth C. Zurek
Senior Vice President, Controller and Taxation
February 26, 2002
/s/
W. TOLIVER BESSON
W. Toliver Besson, Esq.
Director
February 26, 2002
/s/
ROGER E. BIRK
Roger E. Birk
Director
February 26, 2002
/s/
SHEILA P. BURKE
Sheila P. Burke
Director
February 26, 2002
/s/
WILLIAM H.T. BUSH
William H.T. Bush
Director
February 26, 2002
/s/
STEPHEN L. DAVENPORT
Stephen L. Davenport
Director
February 26, 2002
/s/
JULIE A. HILL
Julie A. Hill
Director
February 26, 2002
/s/
WARREN Y. JOBE
Warren Y. Jobe
Director
February 26, 2002
/s/
ELIZABETH A. SANDERS
Elizabeth A. Sanders
Director
February 26, 2002
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Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Missouri 401(k) Savings Program.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Missouri 401(k) Savings Program of WellPoint Health Networks Inc. has caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Thousand Oaks, State of California, on this February 26, 2002.
BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD OF MISSOURI 401(K) SAVINGS PROGRAM
By:
/S/  THOMAS C. GEISER
Thomas C. Geiser
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QuickLinks
FORM S-8
PART II Information Required in the Registration Statement
Item 3. Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference
Item 4. Description of Securities
Item 5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel
Item 6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers
Item 7. Exemption from Registration Claimed
Item 8. Exhibits
Item 9. Undertakings.
SIGNATURES
POWER OF ATTORNEY