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EXHIBIT 5.1
October 12, 2000
WellPoint Health Networks Inc.
1 WellPoint Way
Thousand Oaks, California 91362
RE: Registration Statement on Form S-3
Ladies and Gentlemen:
I am the General Counsel of WellPoint Health Networks Inc. (the "Company")
and, in such capacity, have examined the Company's Registration Statement on
Form S-3 (the "Registration Statement") in connection with the registration
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of up to 1,270,400 shares of the
Common Stock of the Company (the "Shares").
I have examined the proceedings heretofore taken and am familiar with the
procedures proposed to be taken by the Company in connection with the
authorization, issuance and sale of the Shares. Based upon the foregoing and in
reliance thereon, it is my opinion that the Shares will be, when issued, sold
and paid for pursuant to the terms of the Registration Statement and the
exhibits thereto, duly and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.
I consent to the use of this opinion as an Exhibit to the Registration
Statement and further consent to the use of my name under the caption "Legal
Matters" in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus that forms a part
thereof.
Very truly yours,
/s/ THOMAS C. GEISER
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Thomas C. Geiser
General Counsel
