<PAGE> 1
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY [NATIONWIDE LOGO]
HOME OFFICE: ONE NATIONWIDE PLAZA o COLUMBUS, OH 43215-2220
May 4, 1998
VIA EDGAR
The United States Securities
and Exchange Commission
Judiciary Plaza
450 Fifth Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20549
Subject: MFS Variable Account
Nationwide Life Insurance Company
SEC File No. 2-73432
CIK No. 0000202571
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Pursuant to Rule 497(j) under the Securities Act of 1933 and on behalf of the
MFS Variable Account (the "Variable Account") and Nationwide Life Insurance
Company (the "Company"), we certify that the form of the Prospectus and the
Statement of Additional Information that would have been filed under paragraphs
(b) or (c) under Rule 497 does not differ from the form of the Prospectus and
Statement of Additional Information contained in Post-Effective Amendment No. 23
to the Registration Statement for the Company and the Variable Account which
became effective May 1, 1998.
Please contact the undersigned at (614) 249-0075 with any questions regarding
this filing.
Very truly yours,
NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
Heather Harker, Esq.
Compliance Manager
cc: Mr. Kevin Kirchoff, Esq.
Branch Chief
Stop 5-6
Office of Insurance Products and Legal Compliance
