NATIONWIDE VA SEPARATE ACCOUNT-B
N-4 EL, 1996-07-15
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<PAGE>   1
              As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
                                                         Securities Act File No.
================================================================================

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D. C. 20549

                                    FORM N-4

                   REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES
                                 ACT OF 1933                          [x]

                                       and

                        REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE
                       INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940                 [ ]



                       NATIONWIDE VA SEPARATE ACCOUNT - B
                           (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT)

                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
                               (NAME OF DEPOSITOR)

                 ONE NATIONWIDE PLAZA, COLUMBUS, OHIO 43216-6609
         (Address of Depositor's Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

        Depositor's Telephone Number, including Area Code: (614) 249-7111

 GORDON E. MCCUTCHAN, SECRETARY, ONE NATIONWIDE PLAZA, COLUMBUS, OHIO 43216-6609
                     (Name and Address of Agent for Service)

================================================================================

         The Registrant elects to register an indefinite number of securities in
accordance with Rule 24f-2 under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Pursuant to
Paragraph (a)(3) thereof, a non-refundable fee in the amount of $500 accompanies
this registration.

         Approximate date of proposed public offering: (Upon the effective date
of this Registration Statement.)

         The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date
or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant
shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration
Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of
the Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration Statement shall become
effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a),
may determine.




                                    1 of 84
<PAGE>   2

                       NATIONWIDE VA SEPARATE ACCOUNT - B

                     REFERENCE TO ITEMS REQUIRED BY FORM N-4

Caption in Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information and Other
Information

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
N-4 ITEM                                                                                               PAGE
Part A   INFORMATION REQUIRED IN A PROSPECTUS
<S>                <C>                                                                                 <C>
    Item           1.    Cover page.......................................................................3
    Item           2.    Definitions......................................................................5
    Item           3.    Synopsis or Highlights..........................................................13
    Item           4.    Condensed Financial Information................................................N/A
    Item           5.    General Description of Registrant, Depositor, and Portfolio Companies...........14
    Item           6.    Deductions and Expenses.........................................................15
    Item           7.    General Description of Variable Annuity Contracts...............................17
    Item           8.    Annuity Period..................................................................19
    Item           9.    Death Benefit and Distributions.................................................23
    Item          10.    Purchases and Contract Value....................................................27
    Item          11.    Redemptions.....................................................................29
    Item          12.    Taxes...........................................................................30
    Item          13.    Legal Proceedings...............................................................34
    Item          14.    Table of Contents of the Statement of Additional Information....................34

Part B   INFORMATION REQUIRED IN A STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
    Item          15.    Cover Page......................................................................43
    Item          16.    Table of Contents...............................................................43
    Item          17.    General Information and History.................................................43
    Item          18.    Services........................................................................43
    Item          19.    Purchase of Securities Being Offered............................................43
    Item          20.    Underwriters....................................................................44
    Item          21.    Calculation of Performance Information..........................................44
    Item          22.    Annuity Payments................................................................45
    Item          23.    Financial Statements............................................................46

Part C   OTHER INFORMATION
    Item          24.    Financial Statements and Exhibits...............................................66
    Item          25.    Directors and Officers of the Depositor.........................................68
    Item          26.    Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with the Depositor or
                         Registrant......................................................................70
    Item          27.    Number of Contract Owners.......................................................79
    Item          28.    Indemnification.................................................................79
    Item          29.    Principal Underwriter...........................................................79
    Item          30.    Location of Accounts and Records................................................81
    Item          31.    Management Services.............................................................81
    Item          32.    Undertakings....................................................................81
</TABLE>

                                    2 of 84
<PAGE>   3

                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
                                   HOME OFFICE
                                 P.O. BOX 16609
                    COLUMBUS, OHIO 43216-6609, 1-800-848-6331
                               TDD 1-800-238-3035

     INDIVIDUAL MODIFIED SINGLE PREMIUM DEFERRED VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACTS
                ISSUED BY THE NATIONWIDE VA SEPARATE ACCOUNT - B
                OF NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY

         The Individual Modified Single Premium Deferred Variable Annuity
Contracts described in this prospectus are modified single Purchase Payment
Contracts (collectively referred to as the "Contracts"). The Contracts are sold
either as Non-Qualified Contracts; as Individual Retirement Annuities with
contributions rolled-over from certain tax-qualified plans such as Tax Sheltered
Annuity plans, Qualified Plans or IRAs; or as Tax Sheltered Annuities with
contributions rolled over or transferred from other Tax Sheltered Annuity Plans.
Annuity payments under the Contracts are deferred until a selected later date.

         Purchase Payments are allocated to the Nationwide VA Separate Account-B
("Variable Account"), a separate account of Nationwide Life and Annuity
Insurance Company (the "Company"). The Variable Account is divided into
Sub-Accounts, each of which invests in shares of one of the underlying Mutual
Fund options described below:

                                     DREYFUS
 Dreyfus Stock Index Fund           The Dreyfus Socially Responsible Growth Fund

                 FIDELITY VARIABLE INSURANCE PRODUCTS (VIP) FUND
Equity-Income Portfolio         Growth Portfolio          High Income Portfolio*
                               Overseas Portfolio

               FIDELITY VARIABLE INSURANCE PRODUCTS (VIP) FUND II
Asset Manager Portfolio                                     Contrafund Portfolio

                    NATIONWIDE SEPARATE ACCOUNT TRUST (NSAT)
Capital Appreciation Fund      Government Bond Fund            Money Market Fund
       Small Company Fund                               Total Return Fund

                  NEUBERGER & BERMAN ADVISERS MANAGEMENT TRUST
                     (FORMERLY "ADVISERS MANAGEMENT TRUST")
Growth Portfolio        Limited Maturity Bond Portfolio       Partners Portfolio

                       OPPENHEIMER VARIABLE ACCOUNT FUNDS
Oppenheimer Bond Fund                         Oppenheimer Global Securities Fund
                      Oppenheimer Multiple Strategies Fund

                          STRONG SPECIAL FUND II, INC.

                      STRONG VARIABLE INSURANCE FUNDS, INC.
Strong Discovery Fund II, Inc.                Strong International Stock Fund II

     TCI PORTFOLIOS, INC., AN AFFILIATE OF TWENTIETH CENTURY COMPANIES, INC.
 TCI Balanced                       TCI Growth                 TCI International

      VAN ECK WORLDWIDE INSURANCE TRUST (FORMERLY VAN ECK INVESTMENT TRUST)
 Worldwide Bond Fund                             Gold and Natural Resources Fund

                VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL LIFE INVESTMENT TRUST
                           Real Estate Securities Fund

                              WARBURG PINCUS TRUST
International Equity Portfolio                    Small Company Growth Portfolio

*The High Income Portfolio may invest in lower quality debt securities commonly
referred to as junk bonds.

       This prospectus provides you with the basic information you should know
about the Individual Modified Single Premium Deferred Variable Annuity Contracts
issued by the Nationwide VA Separate Account - B before investing. You should
read it and keep it for future reference. A Statement of Additional Information
dated October 1, 1996 containing further information about the Contracts and the
Nationwide VA Separate Account -B has been filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission. You can obtain a copy without charge from Nationwide Life
and Annuity Insurance Company by calling 1-800-848-6331, or writing P.O. Box
16609, Columbus, Ohio 43216-6609.

                                       1


                                    3 of 84
<PAGE>   4

INVESTMENTS IN THESE CONTRACTS ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, AND ARE NOT
GUARANTEED OR ENDORSED BY, THE ADVISER OF ANY OF THE UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUNDS
IDENTIFIED ABOVE, THE U.S. GOVERNMENT, OR ANY BANK OR BANK AFFILIATE.
INVESTMENTS ARE NOT FEDERALLY INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE
CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD, OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY. ANY
INVESTMENT IN THE CONTRACT INVOLVES CERTAIN INVESTMENT RISK WHICH MAY INCLUDE
THE POSSIBLE LOSS OF PRINCIPAL.

THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR HAS THE COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY
OF THE PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, DATED OCTOBER 1, 1996, IS INCORPORATED
HEREIN BY REFERENCE. THE TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THE STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION APPEARS ON PAGE 32 OF THE PROSPECTUS.

                 THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS OCTOBER 1, 1996.

                                       2


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<PAGE>   5
                            GLOSSARY OF SPECIAL TERMS

ACCUMULATION UNIT- An accounting unit of measure used to calculate the Variable
Account Contract Value prior to the Annuitization Date.

ANNUITANT- The person designated to receive annuity payments and upon whose
continuation of life any annuity payments involving life contingencies depends.
This person must be age 85 or younger at the time of Contract issuance unless
the Company has approved a request for an Annuitant of greater age. The
Annuitant may be changed prior to the Annuitization Date with the consent of the
Company.

ANNUITIZATION- The period during which annuity payments are actually received.

ANNUITIZATION DATE- The date on which annuity payments actually commence.

ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT DATE- The date on which annuity payments are scheduled to
commence. The Annuity Commencement Date is shown on the Data Page of the
Contract, and is subject to change by the Owner.

ANNUITY PAYMENT OPTION- The chosen form of annuity payments. Several options are
available under the Contract.

ANNUITY UNIT- An accounting unit of measure used to calculate the value of
Variable Annuity payments.

BENEFICIARY- The Beneficiary is the person designated to receive certain
benefits under the Contract upon the death of the Designated Annuitant prior to
the Annuitization Date. The Beneficiary can be changed by the Contract Owner as
set forth in the Contract.

CODE- The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

COMPANY- Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company.

CONTINGENT BENEFICIARY- The Contingent Beneficiary is the person designated to
be the Beneficiary if the named Beneficiary is not living at the time of the
death of the Designated Annuitant.

CONTINGENT DESIGNATED ANNUITANT- The Contingent Designated Annuitant may be the
recipient of certain rights or benefits under this Contract when the Designated
Annuitant dies before the Annuitization Date. If a Contingent Designated
Annuitant is named on the application, all provisions of the Contract which are
based on the death of the Designated Annuitant will be based on the death of the
last survivor of the Designated Annuitant and the Contingent Designated
Annuitant. A Contingent Designated Annuitant may not be named for Contracts
issued as IRAs or Tax Sheltered Annuities.

CONTINGENT OWNER- A Contingent Owner succeeds to the rights of the Contract
Owner upon the Contract Owner's death before Annuitization. A Contingent Owner
may not be named for Contracts issued as IRAs or Tax Sheltered Annuities.

CONTRACT- The Individual Modified Single Premium Deferred Variable Annuity
Contract described in this prospectus.

CONTRACT ANNIVERSARY- An anniversary of the Date of Issue of the Contract.

CONTRACT OWNER (OWNER)- The Contract Owner is the person who possesses all
rights under the Contract, including the right to designate and change any
designations of the Owner, Contingent Owner, Designated Annuitant, Contingent
Designated Annuitant, Beneficiary, Contingent Beneficiary, Annuity Payment
Option, and the Annuity Commencement Date.

CONTRACT VALUE- The sum of the value of all Variable Account Accumulation Units
attributable to the Contract plus any amount held under the Contract in the
Fixed Account.

CONTRACT YEAR- Each year the Contract remains in force commencing with the Date
of Issue.

DATE OF ISSUE- The date shown as the Date of Issue on the Data Page of the
Contract.

DEATH BENEFIT- The benefit payable upon the death of the Designated Annuitant
(or the Contingent Designated Annuitant, if applicable). This benefit does not
apply upon the death of the Contract Owner when the Owner and Designated
Annuitant are not the same person. If the Annuitant dies after the Annuitization
Date, any benefit that may be payable shall be as specified in the Annuity
Payment Option elected.

                                       3

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<PAGE>   6

DESIGNATED ANNUITANT- The person designated prior to the Annuitization Date to
receive annuity payments. No change of Designated Annuitant may be made without
the prior consent of the Company.

DISTRIBUTION- Any payment of part or all of the Contract Value.

ERISA- The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.

FIXED ACCOUNT- The Fixed Account is made up of all assets of the Company other
than those in the Variable Account or any other segregated asset account of the
Company.

FIXED ANNUITY- An annuity providing for payments which are guaranteed by the
Company as to dollar amount during Annuitization.

HOME OFFICE- The main office of the Company located in Columbus, Ohio.

INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ANNUITY (IRA)- An annuity which qualifies for favorable
tax treatment under Section 408 of the Code.

INTEREST RATE GUARANTEE PERIOD- An Interest Rate Guarantee Period is the
interval of time during which an interest rate credited to the Fixed Account is
guaranteed to remain the same. For new Purchase Payments allocated to the Fixed
Account or transfers from the Variable Account, this period begins upon the date
of deposit or transfer and ends at the end of the calendar quarter at least one
year (but not more than 15 months) from deposit or transfer. At the end of an
Interest Rate Guarantee Period, a new interest rate is declared with an Interest
Rate Guarantee Period starting at the end of the prior period and ending at the
end of the calendar quarter one year later.

JOINT OWNER- The Joint Owner, if any, possesses an undivided interest in the
entire Contract in conjunction with the Owner. IF A JOINT OWNER IS NAMED,
REFERENCES TO "CONTRACT OWNER" OR "OWNER" IN THIS PROSPECTUS WILL APPLY TO BOTH
THE OWNER AND JOINT OWNER. JOINT OWNERS MUST BE SPOUSES AT THE TIME JOINT
OWNERSHIP IS REQUESTED.

MUTUAL FUND (FUND)- A registered management investment company in which the
assets of the Sub-Accounts of the Variable Account will be invested.

NET ASSET VALUE- The worth of one share at the end of a market day or at the
close of the New York Stock Exchange. Net Asset Value is computed by adding the
value of all portfolio holdings plus other assets, deducting liabilities and
then dividing the results by the number of shares outstanding.

NON-QUALIFIED CONTRACT- A Contract which does not qualify for favorable tax
treatment under the provisions of Sections 401 or 403(a) (Qualified Plans), 408
(IRAs) or 403(b) (Tax-Sheltered Annuities) of the Code.

PURCHASE PAYMENT- A deposit of new value into the Contract. The term "Purchase
Payment" does not include transfers between the Variable Account and Fixed
Account, or among the Sub-Accounts.

QUALIFIED PLANS- Retirement plans which receive favorable tax treatment under
Section 401 or 403(a) of the Code.

SUB-ACCOUNTS- Separate and distinct divisions of the Variable Account, to which
specific underlying Mutual Fund shares are allocated and for which Accumulation
Units and Annuity Units are separately maintained.

TAX SHELTERED ANNUITY- An annuity which qualifies for favorable tax treatment
under Section 403(b) of the Code.

VALUATION DATE- Each day the New York Stock Exchange and the Company's Home
Office are open for business or any other day during which there is a sufficient
degree of trading of the Variable Account's underlying Mutual Fund shares that
the current Net Asset Value of its Accumulation Units might be materially
affected.

VALUATION PERIOD- The period of time commencing at the close of business of the
New York Stock Exchange and ending at the close of business for the next
succeeding Valuation Date.

VARIABLE ACCOUNT- The Nationwide VA Separate Account - B, a separate investment
account of the Company into which Variable Account Purchase Payments are
allocated. The Variable Account is divided into Sub-Accounts, each of which
invests in the shares of a separate underlying Mutual Fund.

VARIABLE ANNUITY- An annuity providing for payments which are not predetermined
or guaranteed as to dollar amount and which vary in amount with the investment
experience of the Variable Account.

                                       4


                                    6 of 84
<PAGE>   7

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                               <C>
GLOSSARY OF SPECIAL TERMS.............................................................................................3
SUMMARY OF CONTRACT EXPENSES..........................................................................................7
UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND ANNUAL EXPENSES................................................................................8
SYNOPSIS.............................................................................................................11
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION.....................................................................................N/A
NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY........................................................................12
THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT.................................................................................................12
         Underlying Mutual Fund Options..............................................................................12
         Voting Rights...............................................................................................12
VARIABLE ACCOUNT CHARGES, PURCHASE PAYMENTS, AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS....................................................13
         Mortality Risk Charge.......................................................................................13
         Expense Risk Charge.........................................................................................13
         Contingent Deferred Sales Charge............................................................................13
         Elimination of Contingent Deferred Sales Charge.............................................................14
         Administration Charge.......................................................................................15
         Premium Taxes...............................................................................................15
         Expenses of Variable Account................................................................................15
         Investments of the Variable Account.........................................................................15
         Right to Revoke.............................................................................................15
         Transfers...................................................................................................16
         Assignment..................................................................................................16
         Loan Privilege..............................................................................................17
         Ownership Provisions........................................................................................18
         Contingent Owner and Beneficiary Provisions.................................................................18
         Substitution of Securities..................................................................................19
         Contract Owner Inquiries....................................................................................19
ANNUITY PAYMENT PERIOD-VARIABLE ACCOUNT..............................................................................19
         Value of an Annuity Unit....................................................................................19
         Assumed Investment Rate.....................................................................................19
         Frequency and Amount of Annuity Payments....................................................................20
         Annuity Commencement Date...................................................................................20
         Change in Annuity Commencement Date.........................................................................20
         Change in Form of Annuity...................................................................................20
         Annuity Payment Options.....................................................................................20
         Death of Contract Owner.....................................................................................21
         Death of Designated Annuitant Prior to the Annuitization Date...............................................21
         Death of Annuitant After the Annuitization Date.............................................................22
         Required Distribution for Tax Sheltered Annuities...........................................................22
         Required Distributions for Individual Retirement Annuities..................................................23
         Generation-Skipping Transfers...............................................................................23
GENERAL INFORMATION..................................................................................................24
         Contract Owner Services.....................................................................................24
         Statements and Reports......................................................................................25
         Allocation of Purchase Payments and Contract Value..........................................................25
         Value of a Variable Account Accumulation Unit...............................................................26
         Net Investment Factor.......................................................................................26
         Valuation of Assets.........................................................................................26
         Determining the Contract Value..............................................................................26
         Surrender (Redemption)......................................................................................27
         Surrenders Under a Tax Sheltered Annuity Contract...........................................................27
         Taxes.......................................................................................................28
         Non-Qualified Contracts.....................................................................................28
         Individual Retirement Annuities.............................................................................30
         Diversification.............................................................................................30
         Charge for Tax Provisions...................................................................................30
</TABLE>

                                        5


                                     7 of 84
<PAGE>   8
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                                 <C>
         Individual Retirement Annuities, Individual Retirement Accounts and Tax Sheltered
         Annuities...................................................................................................31
         Advertising.................................................................................................31
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS....................................................................................................32
TABLE OF CONTENTS OF STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.............................................................32
APPENDIX A...........................................................................................................33
APPENDIX B...........................................................................................................35
</TABLE>

                                       6

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<PAGE>   9
                          SUMMARY OF CONTRACT EXPENSES

     CONTRACT OWNER TRANSACTION EXPENSES

     Maximum Contingent Deferred Sales Charge(1)...................       7    %
                                                                   ------------

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               RANGE OF CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE OVER TIME

           Number of Completed Years from      Contingent Deferred Sales Load
              Date of Purchase Payment                   Percentage

                          0                                  7%
                          1                                  6%
                          2                                  5%
                          3                                  4%
                          4                                  3%
                          5                                  2%
                          6                                  1%
                          7                                  0%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VARIABLE ACCOUNT ANNUAL EXPENSES

       Mortality and Expense Risk Charges..........................    1.25    %
                                                                   ------------
       Administration Charge.......................................    0.15    %
                                                                   ------------
       Total Variable Account Annual Expenses......................    1.40    %
                                                                   ------------

(1)      Each Contract Year, the Contract Owner may withdraw without a
         Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (CDSC) an amount equal to 10% of the
         total sum of all Purchase Payments made to the Contract at the time of
         withdrawal. In addition, any amount withdrawn in order for the Contract
         to meet minimum Distribution requirements under the Code shall be free
         of CDSC. Withdrawals may be restricted for Contracts issued pursuant to
         the terms of a Tax Sheltered Annuity. This CDSC-free withdrawal
         privilege is non-cumulative, that is, free amounts not taken during any
         given Contract Year cannot be taken as free amounts in a subsequent
         Contract Year (see "Contingent Deferred Sales Charge").

                                       7

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<PAGE>   10

UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND ANNUAL EXPENSES(2) (AS A PERCENTAGE OF UNDERLYING MUTUAL
FUND NET ASSETS)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                              Management                                   Total Mutual
                                                Fees              Other Expenses          Fund Expenses
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                            <C>                    <C>                    <C>  
Dreyfus Stock Index Fund                        0.27%                  0.12%                  0.39%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Dreyfus Socially Responsible Growth Fund,   0.69%                  0.58%                  1.27%
Inc.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Fund-Equity Income Portfolio       0.51%                  0.10%                  0.61%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Fund-Growth Portfolio              0.61%                  0.09%                  0.70%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Fund-High Income Portfolio         0.60%                  0.11%                  0.71%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Fund-Overseas Portfolio            0.76%                  0.15%                  0.91%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Fund II-Asset Manager Portfolio    0.71%                  0.08%                  0.79%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Fund II-Contrafund Portfolio       0.61%                  0.11%                  0.72%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT-Capital Appreciation Fund                  0.50%                  0.04%                  0.54%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT-Government Bond Fund                       0.50%                  0.01%                  0.51%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT-Money Market Fund                          0.50%                  0.02%                  0.52%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT-Small Company Fund                         1.00%                  0.25%                  1.25%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT-Total Return Fund                          0.50%                  0.01%                  0.51%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neuberger & Berman Advisers                     0.84%                  0.10%                  0.94%
Management Trust-Growth Portfolio
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neuberger & Berman Advisers                     0.65%                  0.10%                  0.75%
Management Trust-Limited Maturity Bond 
Portfolio
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neuberger & Berman Advisers                     0.85%                  0.30%                  1.15%
Management Trust-Partners Portfolio
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oppenheimer- Oppenheimer Bond Fund              0.75%                  0.05%                  0.80%
             -----------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oppenheimer- Oppenheimer Global Securities      0.74%                  0.15%                  0.89%
Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oppenheimer- Oppenheimer Multiple Strategies    0.74%                  0.03%                  0.77%
Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Special Fund II, Inc.                    1.00%                  0.20%                  1.20%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Variable Insurance Funds, Inc.- Strong   1.00%                  0.31%                  1.31%
Discovery Fund II, Inc.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Variable Insurance Funds, Inc.- Strong   1.00%                  0.97%                  1.97%
International Stock Fund II
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TCI Portfolios, Inc. -TCI Balanced              1.00%                  0.00%                  1.00%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TCI Portfolios, Inc. -TCI Growth                1.00%                  0.00%                  1.00%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TCI Portfolios, Inc. -TCI International         1.50%                  0.00%                  1.50%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Eck Worldwide Insurance Trust -Gold and     0.79%                  0.15%                  0.94%
Natural Resources Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Eck Worldwide Insurance Trust-Worldwide     0.80%                  0.16%                  0.96%
Bond Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American Capital Life Investment     1.00%                  1.90%                  2.90%
Trust- Real Estate Securities Fund
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Warburg Pincus Trust-International 
Equity Portfolio                                1.00%                  0.44%                  1.44%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Warburg Pincus Trust-Small Company Growth       0.90%                  0.35%                  1.25%
Portfolio
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

(2)      The Mutual Fund expenses shown above are assessed at the underlying
         Mutual Fund level and are not direct charges against separate account
         assets or reductions from Contract Values. These underlying Mutual Fund
         expenses are taken into consideration in computing each underlying
         Mutual Fund's Net Asset Value, which is the share price used to
         calculate the unit values of the Variable Account. The management fees
         and other expenses, some of which are subject to fee waivers or expense
         reimbursements, are more fully described in the prospectuses for each
         individual underlying Mutual Fund. The information relating to the
         underlying Mutual Fund expenses was provided by the underlying Mutual
         Fund and was not independently verified by the Company.

                                        8

                                    10 of 84
<PAGE>   11
                                     EXAMPLE

The following chart depicts the dollar amount of expenses that would be incurred
under this Contract assuming a $1000 investment and 5% annual return. These
dollar figures are illustrative only and should not be considered a
representation of past or future expenses. Actual expenses may be greater or
lesser than those shown below.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              If you surrender your Contract      If you do not surrender your      If you annuitize your Contract
                               at the end of the applicable        Contract at the end of the        at the end of the applicable
                                        time period                  applicable time period                   time period
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             1 Yr.   3 Yrs.  5 Yrs.   10 Yrs.   1 Yr.    3 Yrs  5 Yrs.   10 Yrs.   1 Yr.   3 Yrs.   5 Yrs.  10 Yrs.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                            <C>    <C>      <C>      <C>       <C>     <C>     <C>      <C>      <C>     <C>      <C>     <C>
Dreyfus Stock Index            82     103      127      217       19      58      100      217       *       58       100     217
Fund
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Dreyfus Socially           91     131      173      310       28      86      146      310       *       86       146     310
Responsible Growth Fund,
Inc.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Fund-Equity       84     110      139      241       21      65      112      241       *       65       112     241
Income Portfolio
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Fund- Growth      85     113      144      250       22      68      117      250       *       68       117     250
Portfolio
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Fund -High        87     120      155      273       24      75      128      273       *       75       128     273
Income Portfolio
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Fund -Overseas    85     113      144      251       22      68      117      251       *       68       117     251
Portfolio
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Fund II-Asset     86     116      148      260       23      71      121      260       *       71       121     260
Manager Portfolio
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity VIP Fund II -         85     114      145      253       22      69      118      253       *       69       118     253
Contrafund Portfolio
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT-Capital Appreciation      83     108      135      233       20      63      108      233       *       63       108     233
Fund
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT-Government Bond           83     107      133      230       20      62      106      230       *       62       106     230
Fund
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT-Money Market Fund         83     107      134      231       20      62      107      231       *       62       107     231
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT-Small Company Fund        91     130      172      308       28      85      145      308       *       85       145     308
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NSAT-Total Return Fund         83     107      133      230       20      62      106      230       *       62       106     230
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neuberger & Berman             88     121      156      276       25      76      129      276       *       76       129     276
Advisers Management Trust-
Growth Portfolio
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neuberger & Berman             86     115      146      256       23      70      119      256       *       70       119     256
Advisers Management Trust-
Limited Maturity Bond
Portfolio
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Neuberger & Berman             90     127      167      298       27      82      140      298       *       82       140     298
Advisers Management Trust-
Partners Portfolio
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oppenheimer- Oppenheimer       86     116      149      261       23      71      122      261       *       71       122     261
Bond Fund
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oppenheimer- Oppenheimer       87     119      154      271       24      74      127      271       *       74       127     271
Global Securities Fund
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oppenheimer- Oppenheimer       86     115      147      258       23      70      120      258       *       70       120     258
Multiple Strategies Fund
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Special Fund II, Inc.   90     129      170      303       27      84      143      303       *       84       143     303
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Variable Insurance      91     132      176      314       28      87      149      314       *       87       149     314
Funds, Inc.- Strong
Discovery Fund II, Inc.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Strong Variable Insurance      98     153      209      378       35      108     182      378       *       108      182     378
Funds, Inc.- Strong
International Stock Fund, II
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TCI Portfolios, Inc.-TCI       88     122      159      282       25      77      132      282       *       77       132     282
Balanced
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TCI Portfolios, Inc.-TCI       88     122      159      282       25      77      132      282       *       77       132     282
Growth
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TCI Portfolios, Inc.-TCI       93     138      185      333       30      93      158      333       *       93       158     333
International
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


                                        9

                                    11 of 84
<PAGE>   12

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              If you surrender your Contract      If you do not surrender your      If you annuitize your Contract
                               at the end of the applicable        Contract at the end of the        at the end of the applicable
                                        time period                  applicable time period        time period
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             1 Yr.   3 Yrs.  5 Yrs.   10 Yrs.   1 Yr.    3 Yrs  5 Yrs.   10 Yrs.   1 Yr.   3 Yrs.   5 Yrs.  10 Yrs.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                            <C>    <C>      <C>      <C>       <C>     <C>     <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>     <C>
Van Eck Worldwide              88     121      157      278       25      76      130      278       *       76       130     278
Insurance Trust -Gold and
Natural Resources Fund
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Eck Worldwide              88     121      156      276       25      76      129      276       *       76       129     276
Insurance Trust-Worldwide
Bond Fund
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen American           108     181      255      461       45      136     228      461       *       136      228     461
Capital Life Investment
Trust- Real Estate Securities
Fund
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Warburg Pincus Trust-          93     136      182      327       30      91      155      327       *       91       155     327
International Equity Portfolio
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Warburg Pincus Trust-Small     91     130      172      308       28      85      145      308       *       85       145     308
Company Growth Portfolio
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

*The Contracts sold under this prospectus do not permit annuitizations during
the first two Contract Years.

       The purpose of the Summary of Contract Expenses and Example is to assist
the Contract Owner in understanding the various costs and expenses that will be
borne directly or indirectly when investing in the Contract. The expenses of the
Variable Account as well as those of the underlying Mutual Funds are reflected
in the Example. For more complete descriptions of the expenses of the Variable
Account, see "Variable Account Charges, Purchase Payments, and Other
Deductions." For more complete information regarding expenses paid out of the
assets of the underlying Mutual Funds, see the underlying Mutual Fund
prospectuses. Deductions for premium taxes may also apply but are not reflected
in the Example shown above (see "Premium Taxes").

                                       10


                                    12 of 84
<PAGE>   13

                                    SYNOPSIS

       There are three types of Contracts: (1) Non-Qualified Contracts, (2)
Individual Retirement Annuities purchased with contributions rolled over from
Qualified Plans, Tax Sheltered Annuities or IRAs, or (3) Tax Sheltered annuities
with contributions rolled over or transferred from another Tax Sheltered Annuity
or custodial account.

       The Company does not deduct a sales charge from Purchase Payments made
for these Contracts. However, if any part of the Contract Value of such
Contracts is surrendered, the Company will, with certain exceptions, deduct from
the Contract Owner's Contract Value a Contingent Deferred Sales Charge not to
exceed 7% of the lesser of the total of all Purchase Payments made within 84
months prior to the date of the request to surrender, or the amount surrendered.
This charge, when applicable, is imposed to permit the Company to recover sales
expenses which have been advanced by the Company (see "Contingent Deferred Sales
Charge").

       The Company will also assess an Administration Charge equal to an annual
rate of 0.15% of the underlying Mutual Fund's daily Net Asset Value of the
Variable Account. This charge is to reimburse the Company for administrative
expenses related to the issue and maintenance of the Contracts. The Company does
not expect to recover from this charge an amount in excess of accumulated
administrative expenses (see "Administration Charge").

       The Company deducts a Mortality Risk Charge equal to an annual rate of
0.80% of the underlying Mutual Fund's daily Net Asset Value of the Variable
Account for mortality risk assumed by the Company (see "Mortality Risk Charge").

       The Company deducts an Expense Risk Charge equal to an annual rate of
0.45% of the underlying Mutual Fund's daily Net Asset Value of the Variable
Account as compensation for the Company's risk in undertaking not to increase
administrative charges on the Contracts regardless of the actual administrative
costs (see "Expense Risk Charge").

       The initial Purchase Payment must be at least $15,000 and subsequent
Purchase Payments, if any, must be at least $1,000. Subsequent Purchase Payments
are not permitted for Contracts purchased in the states of New York, Oregon, and
Washington. The cumulative total of all Purchase Payments under Contracts issued
on the life of any one Designated Annuitant may not exceed $1,000,000 without
the prior consent of the Company (see "Allocation of Purchase Payments and
Contract Value").

       If the Contract Value at the Annuitization Date is less than $5000, the
Contract Value may be distributed in one lump sum in lieu of annuity payments.
If any annuity payment would be less than $50, the Company shall have the right
to change the frequency of payments to such intervals as will result in payments
of at least $50. In no event, however, will annuity payments be made less
frequently than annually (see "Frequency and Amount of Annuity Payments").

       Premium taxes payable to any governmental entity will be charged against
the Contracts. If any such premium taxes are payable by the Company at the time
Purchase Payments are made, an equal premium tax deduction may be made from the
Contract prior to the allocation of any Purchase Payment to any underlying
Mutual Fund option (see "Premium Taxes").

       To be sure that the Contract Owner is satisfied with the Contract, the
Contract Owner has a ten day free look. Within ten days of the day the Contract
is received, it may be returned to the Home Office of the Company, at the
address shown on page 1 of this prospectus. When the Contract is received by the
Company, the Company will void the Contract and refund the Contract Value in
full unless otherwise required by state and/or federal law. All Individual
Retirement Annuity refunds will be return of Purchase Payments (see "Right to
Revoke").

                                       11


                                    13 of 84
<PAGE>   14

                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY

       Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company, formerly Financial
Horizons Life Insurance Company, is a stock life insurance company organized
under the laws of the State of Ohio and was established in February, 1981. The
Company is a member of the "Nationwide Insurance Enterprise", with its Home
Office at One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, Ohio 43216. The Company offers certain
life insurance products and annuities.

                              THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT

       The Variable Account was established as Financial Horizons VA Separate
Account - 2 by the Company on March 6, 1991, pursuant to the provisions of Ohio
law. The name of the Variable Account was subsequently changed to Nationwide VA
Separate Account-B pursuant to a resolution by the Company's Board of Directors.
The Company has caused the Variable Account to be registered with the Securities
and Exchange Commission as a unit investment trust pursuant to the provisions of
the Investment Company Act of 1940. Such registration does not involve
supervision of the management of the Variable Account or the Company by the
Securities and Exchange Commission.

       The Variable Account is a separate investment account of the Company and,
as such, is not chargeable with liabilities arising out of any other business
the Company may conduct. The Company does not guarantee the investment
performance of the Variable Account. Obligations under the Contracts, however,
are obligations of the Company. Income, gains and losses, whether or not
realized, from the assets of the Variable Account are, in accordance with the
Contracts, credited to or charged against the Variable Account without regard to
other income, gains, or losses of the Company.

       Purchase Payments are allocated within the Variable Account among one or
more Sub-Accounts made up of shares in the underlying Mutual Fund options
designated by the Contract Owner. A separate Sub-Account is established within
the Variable Account for each of the underlying Mutual Fund options that may be
designated by the Contract Owner.

UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUND OPTIONS

       Contract Owners may choose from among a number of different Sub-Account
options. (See Appendix B, "Participating Funds" which contains a summary of
investment objectives for each underlying Mutual Fund held in the Sub-Accounts.)
More detailed information may be found in the current prospectus for each
underlying Mutual Fund offered. Such a prospectus for the underlying Mutual Fund
option(s) being considered must accompany this prospectus and should be read in
conjunction herewith. A copy of each prospectus may be obtained without charge
from Nationwide Life and Annuity Company by calling 1-800-848-6331, TDD 1-800-
238-3035 or writing P.O. Box 16609, Columbus, Ohio 43216-6609.

       The underlying Mutual Fund options may also be available to registered
separate accounts offering variable annuity and variable life products of other
participating insurance companies, as well as to the Variable Account and other
separate accounts of the Company. Although the Company does not anticipate any
disadvantages to this, there is a possibility that a material conflict may arise
between the interest of the Variable Account and one or more of the other
separate accounts participating in the underlying Mutual Funds. A conflict may
occur due to a change in law affecting the operations of variable life and
variable annuity separate accounts, differences in the voting instructions of
the Contract Owners and those of other companies, or some other reason. In the
event of conflict, the Company will take any steps necessary to protect Contract
Owners and variable annuity payees, including withdrawal of the Variable Account
from participation in the underlying Mutual Fund of Mutual Funds which are
involved in the conflict.

VOTING RIGHTS

       Voting rights under the Contracts apply ONLY with respect to Purchase
Payments or accumulated amounts allocated to the Variable Account.

       In accordance with its view of present applicable law, the Company will
vote the shares of the underlying Mutual Funds held in the Variable Account at
regular and special meetings of the shareholders of the underlying Mutual Funds.
These shares will be voted in accordance with instructions received from
Contract 

                                       12


                                    14 of 84
<PAGE>   15

Owners who have an interest in the Variable Account. If the Investment Company
Act of 1940 or any regulation thereunder should be amended or if the present
interpretation thereof should change, and as a result the Company determines
that it is permitted to vote the shares of the underlying Mutual Funds in its
own right, it may elect to do so.

       The person having the voting interest under a Contract shall be the
Contract Owner. The number of underlying Mutual Fund shares attributable to each
Contract Owner is determined by dividing the Contract Owner's interest in each
respective Sub-Account of the Variable Account by the Net Asset Value of the
underlying Mutual Fund corresponding to the Sub-Account.

       The number of shares which a person has the right to vote will be
determined as of the date to be chosen by the Company not more than 90 days
prior to the meeting of the underlying Mutual Fund. Voting instructions will be
solicited by written communication at least 21 days prior to such meeting.

       Underlying Mutual Fund shares held in the Variable Account as to which no
timely instructions are received will be voted by the Company in the same
proportion as the voting instructions which are received with respect to all
Contracts participating in the Variable Account.

       Each person having a voting interest will receive periodic reports
relating to the underlying Mutual Fund, proxy material and a form with which to
give such voting instructions.

        VARIABLE ACCOUNT CHARGES, PURCHASE PAYMENTS, AND OTHER DEDUCTIONS

MORTALITY RISK CHARGE

       The Company assumes a "mortality risk" by virtue of annuity rates
incorporated into the Contract which cannot be changed regardless of the death
rates of persons receiving annuity payments or of the general population.

       For assuming this mortality risk, the Company deducts a Mortality Risk
Charge from the Variable Account. This amount is computed on a daily basis and
is equal to an annual rate of 0.80% of the underlying Mutual Fund's daily Net
Asset Value of the Variable Account. The Company expects to generate a profit
through assessing this charge.

EXPENSE RISK CHARGE

       The Company will not increase charges for administration of the Contracts
regardless of its actual expenses. For assuming this expense risk, the Company
deducts an Expense Risk Charge from the Variable Account. This amount is
computed on a daily basis and is equal to an annual rate of 0.45% of the
underlying Mutual Fund's daily Net Asset Value of the Variable Account. The
Company expects to generate a profit through assessing this charge.

CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE

       No deduction for a sales charge is made from the Purchase Payments for
these Contracts. However, if any part of the Contract Value of such Contracts is
surrendered, the Company will, with certain exceptions, deduct a Contingent
Deferred Sales Charge not to exceed 7% of the lesser of the total of all
Purchase Payments made within 84 months prior to the date of the request to
surrender, or the amount surrendered. The Contingent Deferred Sales Charge, when
it is applicable, will be used to cover expenses relating to the sale of the
Contracts, including commissions paid to sales personnel, the costs of
preparation of sales literature and other promotional activity. The Company
attempts to recover its distribution costs relating to the sale of the Contracts
from the Contingent Deferred Sales Charge. Any shortfall will be made up from
the general account of the Company, which may indirectly include portions of the
Mortality and Expense Risk Charges, since the Company expects to generate a
profit from these charges. The maximum amount that may be paid to a selling
agent on the sale of these Contracts is 6.25% of Purchase Payments.

       The Contingent Deferred Sales Charge is calculated by multiplying the
applicable Contingent Deferred Sales Charge percentages noted below by the
Purchase Payments that are surrendered. For purposes of


                                       13


                                    15 of 84
<PAGE>   16

calculating the Contingent Deferred Sales Charge, surrenders are considered to
come first from the oldest Purchase Payment made to the Contract, then the next
oldest Purchase Payment and so forth, with any earnings attributable to such
Purchase Payments considered only after all Purchase Payments made to the
Contract have been considered. For tax purposes, a surrender is usually treated
as a withdrawal of earnings first. This charge will apply in the amounts set
forth below to Purchase Payments within the time periods set forth.

  The Contingent Deferred Sales Charge applies to Purchase Payments as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF COMPLETED          CONTINGENT DEFERRED           NUMBER OF COMPLETED           CONTINGENT DEFERRED
YEARS FROM DATE OF               SALES CHARGE               YEARS FROM DATE OF               SALES CHARGE
 PURCHASE PAYMENT                 PERCENTAGE                 PURCHASE PAYMENT                 PERCENTAGE
<S>      <C>                          <C>                           <C>                           <C>
         0                            7%                            4                             3%
         1                            6%                            5                             2%
         2                            5%                            6                             1%
         3                            4%                            7                             0%
</TABLE>

       In any Contract Year, the Contract Owner may withdraw without a
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (CDSC) an amount equal to 10% of the total sum
of all Purchase Payments made to the Contract at the time of withdrawal, less
amounts previously withdrawn in the same Contract Year under the same 10% free
withdrawal provision. In addition, any amount withdrawn in order to meet minimum
Distribution requirements under the Code shall be free of CDSC. This CDSC-free
withdrawal privilege is non-cumulative; free amounts not taken during any given
Contract Year cannot be taken as free amounts in a subsequent Contract Year. The
Contract Owner may be subject to a tax penalty if the Contract Owner takes
withdrawals prior to age 59-1/2 (see "Non-Qualified Contracts").

       In addition, no Contingent Deferred Sales Charge will be deducted: (1)
upon the Annuitization of Contracts which have been in force for at least two
years, (2) upon payment of a death benefit pursuant to the death of the
Designated Annuitant, or (3) from any values which have been held under a
Contract for at least 84 months. No Contingent Deferred Sales Charge applies
upon the transfer of value among the Sub-Accounts or between the Fixed Account
and the Variable Account and vice-versa.

       When a Contract is held by a Charitable Remainder Trust, the amount which
may be withdrawn from this Contract without application of a Contingent Deferred
Sales Charge, shall be the larger of (a) or (b), where (a) is:

       The amount which would otherwise be available for withdrawal without
       application of a Contingent Deferred Sales Charge;

and where (b) is:

       The difference between the total Purchase Payments made to the Contract
       as of the date of the withdrawal (reduced by previous withdrawals of such
       Purchase Payments), and the Contract Value at the close of the day prior
       to the date of the withdrawal.

ELIMINATION OF CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE

       For 403(b) Tax Sheltered Annuity Contracts issued in state jurisdictions
where insurance regulatory authorities have not approved applicable Contract
forms, the Contingent Deferred Sales Charge will be waived when:

       A.     the Contract Owner experiences a case of hardship (as provided in
              Code Section 403(b) and as defined for purposes of Code Section
              401(k));

       B.     the Contract Owner becomes disabled (within the meaning of Code
              Section 72(m)(7));

       C.     the Contract Owner attains age 59-1/2 and has participated in the
              Contract for at least 5 years, as determined from the Contract
              Anniversary date;

       D.     the Contract Owner has participated in the Contract for at least
              15 years as determined from the Contract Anniversary date;

       E.     the Contract Owner dies; or

                                       14


                                    16 of 84
<PAGE>   17

       F.     the Contract Owner annuitizes after 2 years in the Contract.

       For Non-Qualified Contracts and IRA Contracts, the Company will waive the
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge when:

       A.     the Designated Annuitant dies; or

       B.     the Contract Owner annuitizes after 2 years in the Contract.

         When a Contract described in this prospectus is exchanged for another
Contract issued by the Company or any of its affiliated insurance companies, of
the type and class which the Company determined is eligible for such exchange,
the Company will waive the Contingent Deferred Sales Charge on the first
Contract. A Contingent Deferred Sales Charge may apply to the contract received
in the exchange.

ADMINISTRATION CHARGE

       The Company assesses an Administration Charge equal on an annual basis to
0.15% of the underlying Mutual Fund's daily Net Asset Value of the Variable
Account. The Administration Charge is designed only to reimburse the Company for
administrative expenses related to the issuance and maintenance of the Contract.
The Company will monitor this charge to ensure that it does not exceed annual
administration expenses.

PREMIUM TAXES

       The Company will charge against the Contract Value the amount of any
premium taxes levied by a state or any other governmental entity upon Purchase
Payments received by the Company. Premium taxes currently imposed by certain
jurisdictions range from 0% to 3.5%. This range is subject to change. The method
used to recoup premium tax expense will be determined by the Company at its sole
discretion and in compliance with applicable state law. The Company currently
deducts such charges from a Contract Owner's Contract Value either: (1) at the
time the Contract is surrendered, (2) at Annuitization, or (3) at such earlier
date as the Company may become subject to such taxes.

EXPENSES OF VARIABLE ACCOUNT

       The Variable Account is responsible for the following types of expenses:
(1) administrative expenses relating to the issuance and maintenance of the
Contracts; (2) the mortality risk charges associated with guaranteeing the
annuity purchase rates at issue for the life of the Contracts; and (3) charges
associated with guaranteeing that the Mortality Risk, Expense Risk, Contract
Maintenance and Administration Charges described in this prospectus will not be
changed regardless of actual expenses. If these charges are insufficient to
cover these expenses, the loss will be borne by the Company.

       Deductions from and expenses paid out of the assets of the underlying
Mutual Funds are described in each underlying Mutual Fund's prospectus.

INVESTMENTS OF THE VARIABLE ACCOUNT

       At the time of purchase each Contract Owner elects to have Purchase
Payments attributable to his or her participation in the Variable Account
allocated among one or more of the Sub-Accounts which consist of shares in the
underlying Mutual Funds. Shares of the respective underlying Mutual Funds
specified by the Contract Owner are purchased at Net Asset Value for the
respective Sub-Account(s) and converted into Accumulation Units. At the time of
purchase, the Contract Owner designates the underlying Mutual Funds to which he
or she desires to have Purchase Payments allocated. The Contract Owner may
change the election as to allocation of Purchase Payments or may elect to
exchange amounts among the Sub-Account options pursuant to such terms and
conditions applicable to such transactions as may be imposed by each of the
underlying Mutual Funds, in addition to those set forth in the Contracts.

RIGHT TO REVOKE

       The Contract Owner may revoke the Contract at any time between the Date
of Issue and the date 10 days after receipt of the Contract and receive a refund
of the Contract Value unless otherwise required by state and/or federal law. All
Individual Retirement Annuity refunds will be a return of Purchase Payments. In
order to revoke the Contract, it must be mailed or delivered to the Home Office
of the Company at the mailing address shown on page 1 of this prospectus.
Mailing or delivery must occur on or before 10 days after receipt of the
Contract for revocation to be effective. In order to revoke the Contract, if it
has not been received, written notice must be mailed or delivered to the Home
Office of the Company at the mailing address shown on page 1 of this prospectus.

                                       15

                                    17 of 84
<PAGE>   18

       The liability of the Variable Account under this provision is limited to
the Contract Value in each Sub-Account on the date of revocation. Any additional
amounts refunded to the Contract Owner will be paid by the Company.

TRANSFERS

       The Company currently allows transfers up to 100% of the Variable Account
Contract Value from the Variable Account to the Fixed Account, without penalty
or adjustment. However, the Company reserves the right to restrict transfers
from the Variable Account to the Fixed Account to 10% of the Variable Account
Contract Value for any 12 month period. All amounts transferred to the Fixed
Account must remain on deposit in the Fixed Account until the expiration of the
Interest Rate Guarantee Period. Transfers from the Fixed Account may not be made
prior to the end of the then current Interest Rate Guarantee Period. The
Interest Rate Guarantee Period for any amount allocated to the Fixed Account
expires on the final day of a calendar quarter during which the one year
anniversary of the allocation of the Fixed Account occurs. Transfers must also
be made prior to the Annuitization Date. For all transfers involving the
Variable Account, the Contract Owner's value in each Sub-Account will be
determined as of the date the transfer request is received in the Home Office in
good order. The Company reserves the right to refuse transfers or Purchase
Payments into the Fixed Account if the Fixed Account is greater than or equal to
30% of the Contract Value.

       The Contract Owner may at the maturity of an Interest Rate Guarantee
Period, transfer a portion of the value of the Fixed Account to the Variable
Account. The amount that may be transferred from the Fixed Account to the
Variable Account will be determined by the Company, at its sole discretion, but
will not be less than 10% of the total value of the portion of the Fixed Account
that is maturing. The amount that may be transferred from the Fixed Account will
be declared upon the expiration date of the then current Interest Rate Guarantee
Period. Transfers from the Fixed Account must be made within 45 days after the
expiration date of the Interest Rate Guarantee Period. Contract Owners who have
entered into a Dollar Cost Averaging agreement with the Company (see "Dollar
Cost Averaging") may transfer from the Fixed Account to the Variable Account
under the terms of that agreement.

       Transfers may be made either in writing or, in states allowing such
transfers, by telephone. This telephone exchange privilege is made available to
Contract Owners automatically without the Owner's election. The Company will
employ reasonable procedures to confirm that instructions communicated by
telephone are genuine. Such procedures may include any or all of the following,
or such other procedures as the Company may, from time to time, deem reasonable:
requesting identifying information, such as name, contract number, Social
Security Number, and/or personal identification number; tape recording all
telephone transactions, and providing written confirmation thereof to both the
Contract Owner and any agent of record, at the last address of record. The
Company will not be liable for following instructions communicated by telephone
which it reasonably believes to be genuine. Any losses incurred pursuant to
actions taken by the Company in reliance on telephone instructions reasonably
believed to be genuine shall be borne by the Contract Owner. The Company may
withdraw the telephone exchange privilege upon 30 days written notice to
Contract Owners.

ASSIGNMENT

       Where permitted, the Contract Owner may assign some or all of the rights
under the Contract at any time during the lifetime of the Designated Annuitant
prior to the Annuitization Date. Such assignment will take effect upon receipt
and recording by the Company at its Home Office of a written notice executed by
the Contract Owner. The Company assumes no responsibility for the validity or
tax consequences of any assignment. The Company shall not be liable as to any
payment or other settlement made by the Company before recording of the
assignment. Where necessary for the proper administration of the terms of the
Contract, an assignment will not be recorded until the Company has received
sufficient direction from the Contract Owner and assignee as to the proper
allocation of Contract rights under the assignment.

       Any portion of Contract Value which is pledged or assigned shall be
treated as a Distribution and shall be included in gross income to the extent
that the cash value exceeds the investment in the Contract for the taxable year
in which assigned or pledged. In addition, any Contract Values assigned may,
under certain conditions, be subject to a tax penalty equal to 10% of the amount
which is included in gross income. All rights in this Contract are personal to
the Contract Owner and may not be assigned without written consent of the
Company. Assignment of the entire Contract Value may cause the portion of the
Contract Value which exceeds the total investment in the Contract and previously
taxed amounts to be included in gross income for federal income tax purposes
each year that the assignment is in effect. Individual Retirement Annuities and
Tax Sheltered Annuities are not eligible for assignment.

                                       16

                                    18 of 84
<PAGE>   19



LOAN PRIVILEGE

       Prior to the Annuitization Date, the Owner of a Tax Sheltered Annuity
Contract may receive a loan from the Contract Value subject to the terms of the
Contract, the Plan, and the Code, which may impose restrictions on loans.

       Loans from Tax Sheltered Annuities are available beginning 30 days after
the Date of Issue. The Contract Owner may borrow a minimum of $1,000. In
non-ERISA plans, for Contract Values up to $20,000, the maximum loan balance
which may be outstanding at any time is 80% of the Contract Value, but not more
than $10,000. If the Contract Value is $20,000 or more, the maximum loan balance
which may be outstanding at any time is 50% of the Contract Value, but not more
than $50,000. For ERISA plans, the maximum loan balance which may be outstanding
at any time is 50% of the Contract Value, but not more than $50,000. The $50,000
limit will be reduced by the highest loan balances owed during the prior
one-year period. Additional loans are subject to the contract minimum amount.
The aggregate of all loans may not exceed the Contract Value limitations stated
above.

       For salary reduction Tax Sheltered Annuities, loans may only be secured
by the Contract Value. For loans from Qualified Contracts and other Tax
Sheltered Annuities, the Company reserves the right to limit a loan to 50% of
the Contract Value subject to the acceptance by the Contract Owner of the
Company's loan agreement. Where permitted, the Company may require other named
collateral where the loan from a Contract exceeds 50% of the Contract Value.

       All loans are made from a collateral fixed account. An amount equal to
the principal amount of the loan will be transferred to the collateral fixed
account. Unless instructed to the contrary by the Contract Owner, the Company
will first transfer to the collateral fixed account the Variable Account units
from the Contract Owner's investment options in proportion to the assets in each
option until the required balance is reached or all such variable units are
exhausted. The remaining required collateral will next be transferred from the
Fixed Account. No withdrawal charges are deducted at the time of the loan, or on
the transfer from the Variable Account to the collateral fixed account.

       Until the loan has been repaid in full, that portion of the collateral
fixed account equal to the outstanding loan balance shall be credited with
interest at a rate 2.25% less than the loan interest rate fixed by the Company
for the term of the loan. However, the interest rate credited to the collateral
fixed account will never be less than 3.0%. Specific loan terms are disclosed at
the time of loan application or loan issuance.

       Loans must be repaid in substantially level payments, not less frequently
than quarterly, within five years. Loans used to purchase the principal
residence of the Contract Owner must be repaid within 15 years. During the loan
term, the outstanding balance of the loan will continue to earn interest at an
annual rate as specified in the loan agreement. Loan repayments will consist of
principal and interest in amounts set forth in the loan agreement. Loan
repayments will be allocated between the Fixed and Variable Accounts in the same
proportion as when the loan was made.

       If the Contract is surrendered while the loan is outstanding, the
surrender value will be reduced by the amount of the loan outstanding plus
accrued interest. If the Contract Owner/Annuitant dies while the loan is
outstanding, the Death Benefit will be reduced by the amount of the loan
outstanding plus accrued interest. If annuity payments start while the loan is
outstanding, the Contract Value will be reduced by the amount of the outstanding
loan plus accrued interest. Until the loan is repaid, the Company reserves the
right to restrict any transfer of the Contract which would otherwise qualify as
a transfer as permitted in the Code.

       If a loan payment is not made when due, interest will continue to accrue.
A grace period may be available under the terms of the loan agreement. If a loan
payment is not made when due, or by the end of the applicable grace period, then
that payment, which may be a single periodic payment or payment of the entire
loan, will be treated as a deemed Distribution, as permitted by law, may be
taxable to the borrower, and may be subject to the early withdrawal tax penalty.
Interest which subsequently accrues on defaulted amounts may also be treated as
additional deemed Distributions each year. Any defaulted amounts, plus accrued
interest, will be deducted from the Contract when the participant becomes
eligible for a Distribution of at least that amount, and this amount may again
be treated as a Distribution where required by law. Additional loans may not be
available while a previous loan remains in default.

       Loans may also be subject to additional limitations or restrictions under
the terms of the employer's plan. Loans permitted under this Contract may still
be taxable in whole or part if the participant has additional loans

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from other plans or contracts. The Company will calculate the maximum nontaxable
loan based on the information provided by the participant or the employer.

       Loan repayments must be identified as such or else they will be treated
as Purchase Payments and will not be used to reduce the outstanding loan
principal or interest due. The Company reserves the right to modify the term or
procedures associated with the loan in the event of a change in the laws or
regulations relating to the treatment of loans. The Company also reserves the
right to assess a loan processing fee. Individual Retirement Annuities and
Non-Qualified Contracts are not eligible for loans.

OWNERSHIP PROVISIONS

       Unless otherwise provided, the Contract Owner has all rights under the
Contract. IF THE PURCHASER NAMES SOMEONE OTHER THAN HIMSELF OR HERSELF AS OWNER,
THE PURCHASER WILL HAVE NO RIGHTS UNDER THE CONTRACT. If a Joint Owner is named,
the Joint Owner will possess an undivided interest in the Contract. Prior to the
Annuitization Date, a surviving Joint Owner shall retain sole rights in the
Contract upon the other Joint Owner's death if the deceased Joint Owner was not
also the Designated Annuitant. If the deceased Joint Owner was also the
Designated Annuitant, disposition of the Contract will be determined based on
the "Death of Designated Annuitant Prior to the Annuitization Date" provision.
Unless otherwise provided, when Joint Owners are named, the exercise of any
ownership right in the Contract (including the right to surrender or partially
surrender the Contract, to change the Contract Owner, the Contingent Owner, the
Designated Annuitant, the Contingent Designated Annuitant, the Beneficiary, the
Contingent Beneficiary, the Annuity Payment Option or the Annuity Commencement
Date) shall require a written indication of an intent to exercise that right,
signed by both Contract Owners. Joint Owners must be spouses at the time joint
ownership is requested.

       If a Contract Owner dies prior to the Annuitization Date and the Contract
Owner and the Designated Annuitant are not the same person, Contract ownership
will be determined in accordance with the "Death of Contract Owner" provision.
If the Designated Annuitant (regardless of whether the Designated Annuitant is
also the Contract Owner) dies prior to the Annuitization Date, ownership will be
determined in accordance with the "Death of Designated Annuitant Prior to the
Annuitization Date" provision.

       Prior to the Annuitization Date, the Contract Owner may name a new
Contract Owner. Such change may be subject to state and federal gift taxes, and
may also result in current federal income taxation (see "Taxes"). Any change of
Contract Owner will automatically revoke any prior Contract Owner designation.
Any request for change of Contract Owner must be (1) made by proper written
application, (2) received and recorded by the Company at its Home Office, and
(3) may include a signature guarantee as specified in the "Surrender" provision.
The change will become effective as of the date the written request is signed. A
new choice of Contract Owner will not apply to any payment made or action taken
by the Company prior to the time it was received and recorded.

       The Contract Owner may request a change in the Designated Annuitant or
Contingent Designated Annuitant before the Annuitization Date. Such a request
must be made in writing on a form acceptable to the Company and must be signed
by the Contract Owner and the person to be named as Designated Annuitant or
Contingent Designated Annuitant. Any such change is subject to underwriting and
approval by the Company.

CONTINGENT OWNER AND BENEFICIARY PROVISIONS

       The Contingent Owner is the person (or persons) who may receive certain
benefits under the Contract if the Contract Owner dies before the Annuitization
Date. If more than one Contingent Owner survives the Contract Owner, each will
share equally unless otherwise specified in the Contingent Owner designation. If
a Contingent Owner is not named or predeceases the Contract Owner, all rights
and interest of the Contingent Owner will vest in the Contract Owner's estate.
Subject to the terms of any existing assignment, the Contract Owner may change
the Contingent Owner from time to time prior to the Annuitization Date by
written notice to the Company. The change, upon receipt and recording by the
Company at its Home Office, will take effect as of the time the written notice
was signed, whether or not the Contract Owner is living at the time of
recording, but without further liability as to any payment or settlement made by
the Company before receipt of such change. Unless the Contingent Owner (or Joint
Owner) is also the named Beneficiary (or Contingent Beneficiary, if applicable),
the Contingent Owner (or Joint Owner) shall have no rights in the Contract if
the Contract Owner/ Designated Annuitant dies. If a Contract Owner/ Designated
Annuitant dies, disposition of the Contract shall be determined based on the
"Death of Designated Annuitant Prior to the Annuitization Date" provision.

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       The Beneficiary is the person or persons who may receive certain benefits
under the Contract in the event the Designated Annuitant dies prior to the
Annuitization Date. If more than one Beneficiary survives the Designated
Annuitant, each will share equally unless otherwise specified in the Beneficiary
designation. If no Beneficiary survives the Designated Annuitant, all rights and
interest of the Beneficiary shall vest in the Contingent Beneficiary, and if
more than one Contingent Beneficiary survives, each will share equally unless
otherwise specified in the Contingent Beneficiary designation. If a Contingent
Beneficiary is not named or predeceases the Designated Annuitant, all rights and
interest of the Contingent Beneficiary will vest with the Contract Owner or the
Contract Owner's estate. Subject to the terms of any existing assignment, the
Contract Owner may change the Beneficiary or Contingent Beneficiary from time to
time during the lifetime of the Designated Annuitant, by written notice to the
Company. The change, upon receipt by the Company at its Home Office, will take
effect as of the time the written notice was signed, whether or not the
Designated Annuitant is living at the time of recording, but without further
liability as to any payment or settlement made by the Company before receipt of
such change.

SUBSTITUTION OF SECURITIES

       If the shares of the underlying Mutual Funds described in this prospectus
should no longer be available for investment by the Variable Account or if, in
the judgment of the Company's management, further investment in such underlying
Mutual Fund shares should become inappropriate, the Company may eliminate
Sub-Accounts, combine two or more Sub-Accounts or substitute one or more
underlying Mutual Funds for other underlying Mutual Fund shares already
purchased or to be purchased in the future by Purchase Payments under the
Contract. No substitution of securities in the Variable Account may take place
without prior approval of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and under such
requirements as it may impose.

CONTRACT OWNER INQUIRIES

       Contract Owner inquiries may be directed to Nationwide Life and Annuity
Company by writing P.O. Box 16609, Columbus, Ohio 43216-6609, or calling
1-800-848-6331, TDD 1-800-238-3035.

                     ANNUITY PAYMENT PERIOD-VARIABLE ACCOUNT

       At the Annuitization Date the Variable Account Contract Value is applied
to the Annuity Payment Option elected and the amount of the first such payment
made shall be determined in accordance with the Annuity Table in the Contract.

       Subsequent Variable Annuity payments vary in amount in accordance with
the investment performance of the Variable Account. The dollar amount of the
first annuity payment determined as above is divided by the value of an Annuity
Unit as of the Annuitization Date to establish the number of Annuity Units
representing each monthly annuity payment. This number of Annuity Units remains
fixed during the annuity payment period. The dollar amount of the second and
subsequent payments is not predetermined and may change from month to month. The
dollar amount of each subsequent payment is determined by multiplying the fixed
number of Annuity Units by the Annuity Unit Value for the Valuation Period in
which the payment is due. The Company guarantees that the dollar amount of each
payment after the first will not be affected by variations in mortality
experience from mortality assumptions used to determine the first payment.

VALUE OF AN ANNUITY UNIT

       The value of an Annuity Unit was arbitrarily set initially at $10 when
the first underlying Mutual Fund shares were purchased. The value of an Annuity
Unit for a Sub-Account for any subsequent Valuation Period is determined by
multiplying the Annuity Unit Value for the immediately preceding Valuation
Period by the Net Investment Factor for the Valuation Period for which the
Annuity Unit Value is being calculated, and multiplying the result by an
interest factor to neutralize the assumed investment rate of 3.5% per annum (see
"Net Investment Factor").

ASSUMED INVESTMENT RATE

       A 3.5% Assumed Investment Rate is built into the Annuity Tables contained
in the Contracts. A higher assumption would mean a higher initial payment but
more slowly rising or more rapidly falling subsequent payments. A lower
assumption would have the opposite effect. If the actual investment rate is at
the annual rate of 3.5%, the annuity payments will be level.

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FREQUENCY AND AMOUNT OF ANNUITY PAYMENTS

       Annuity payments will be paid as monthly installments. However, if the
net amount available to apply under any Annuity Payment Option is less than
$5,000, the Company shall have the right to pay such amount in one lump sum in
lieu of the payments otherwise provided for. In addition, if the payments
provided for would be or become less than $50, the Company shall have the right
to change the frequency of payments to such intervals as will result in payments
of at least $50. In no event will the Company make payments under an annuity
option less frequently than annually.

ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT DATE

       The Contract Owner selects an Annuity Commencement Date at the time of
application. Such date may be the first day of a calendar month or any other
agreed upon date and must be at least 2 years after the Date of Issue. In the
event the Contract is issued subject to the terms of a Tax Sheltered Annuity
Plan, Annuitization may occur during the first two years subject to approval by
the Company.

CHANGE IN ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT DATE

       The Contract Owner may, upon prior written notice to the Company, change
the Annuity Commencement Date. The date to which such a change may be made shall
be the first day of a calendar month.

       If the Contract Owner requests in writing (see "Ownership Provisions"),
and the Company approves the request, the Annuity Commencement Date may be
deferred. The amount of the Death Benefit will be limited to the Contract Value
if the Annuity Commencement Date is postponed beyond the first day of the
calendar month after the Annuitant's 86th birthday.

CHANGE IN FORM OF ANNUITY

       The Contract Owner may, upon prior written notice to the Company, at any
time prior to the Annuitization Date, elect one of the Annuity Payment Options.

ANNUITY PAYMENT OPTIONS

     Any of the following Annuity Payment Options may be elected:

     Option 1-Life Annuity-An annuity payable monthly during the lifetime of the
     Annuitant, ceasing with the last payment due prior to the death of the
     Annuitant. IT WOULD BE POSSIBLE UNDER THIS OPTION FOR THE ANNUITANT TO
     RECEIVE ONLY ONE ANNUITY PAYMENT IF HE OR SHE DIED BEFORE THE SECOND
     ANNUITY PAYMENT DATE, TWO ANNUITY PAYMENTS IF HE OR SHE DIED BEFORE THE
     THIRD ANNUITY PAYMENT DATE, AND SO ON.

     Option 2-Joint and Last Survivor Annuity-An annuity payable monthly during 
     the joint lifetimes of the Annuitant and designated second person and 
     continuing thereafter during the lifetime of the survivor.  AS IS
     THE CASE UNDER OPTION 1 ABOVE, THERE IS NO MINIMUM NUMBER OF PAYMENTS
     GUARANTEED UNDER THIS OPTION. PAYMENTS CEASE UPON THE DEATH OF THE LAST
     SURVIVING ANNUITANT REGARDLESS OF THE NUMBER OF PAYMENTS RECEIVED.

     Option 3-Life Annuity With 120 or 240 Monthly Payments Guaranteed-An
     annuity payable monthly during the lifetime of the Annuitant with the
     guarantee that if at the death of the Annuitant payments have been made for
     fewer than 120 or 240 months, as selected, payments will be made as
     follows:

     (1) If the Annuitant is the payee, any guaranteed annuity payments will be
         continued during the remainder of the selected period to such recipient
         as chosen by the Annuitant at the time the Annuity Payment Option was
         selected. In the alternative, the recipient may, at any time, elect to
         have the present value of the guaranteed number of annuity payments
         remaining paid in a lump sum as specified in section (2) below.

     (2) If someone other than the Annuitant is the payee, the present value,
         computed as of the date on which notice of death is received by the
         Company at its Home Office, of the guaranteed number of annuity
         payments remaining after receipt of such notice and to which the
         deceased would have been entitled had he or she not died, computed at
         the Assumed Investment Rate effective in determining the Annuity
         Tables, shall be paid in a lump sum.

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       Some of the stated Annuity Options may not be available in all states.
The Contract Owner may request an alternative non-guaranteed option by giving
notice in writing prior to Annuitization. If such a request is approved by the
Company, it will be permitted under the Contract.

       If the Owner fails to elect an Annuity Payment Option, the Contract Value
will continue to accumulate. Individual Retirement Annuities and Tax Sheltered
Annuities are subject to the minimum Distribution requirements set forth in the
Code.

DEATH OF CONTRACT OWNER

       If the Contract Owner and the Designated Annuitant are not the same
person and the Contract Owner dies prior to the Annuitization Date, then the
Joint Owner, if any, becomes the new Contract Owner. If no Joint Owner is named
(or if the Joint Owner predeceases the Contract Owner), then the Contingent
Owner becomes the new Contract Owner. If no Contingent Owner is named (or if the
Contingent Owner predeceases the Contract Owner), then the Contract Owner's
estate becomes the Contract Owner. Unless the new Contract Owner is the prior
Contract Owner's spouse, the entire interest in the Contract, less applicable
deductions (which may include a Contingent Deferred Sales Charge), must be
distributed within five years of the prior Contract Owner's death. The new
Contract Owner may elect to receive Distribution in the form of a life annuity
or an annuity for a period not exceeding his or her life expectancy. Such
annuity must begin within one year following the date of the prior Contract
Owner's death. If the new Contract Owner is the spouse of the prior Contract
Owner, then the Contract may be continued without any required Distribution.

       If the Designated Annuitant (regardless of whether the Designated
Annuitant is also the Contract Owner) dies prior to the Annuitization Date, a
Death Benefit will be payable in accordance with the "Death of Designated
Annuitant Prior to the Annuitization Date" provision below, provided however,
that all Distributions made as a result of the death of the Contract Owner shall
be made within the time limits set forth in this provision. If a Contract
Owner/Designated Annuitant dies prior to the Annuitization Date, and the
Beneficiary is the Contract Owner/Designated Annuitant's spouse, such spouse may
elect to continue the Contract as the Contract Owner and Annuitant.

       Individual Retirement Annuities or Tax Sheltered Annuities will be
subject to specific rules set forth in the Plan, Contract, or Code concerning
Distributions upon the death of the Contract Owner.

DEATH OF DESIGNATED ANNUITANT PRIOR TO THE ANNUITIZATION DATE

       If the Designated Annuitant dies prior to the Annuitization Date, a Death
Benefit is payable unless the Contract Owner has also named a Contingent
Designated Annuitant, in which case the Death Benefit is payable upon the death
of the last survivor of the Designated Annuitant and Contingent Designated
Annuitant. The Death Benefit is payable to the Beneficiary. If no Beneficiary is
named (or if the Beneficiary predeceases the Designated Annuitant), then the
Death Benefit is payable to the Contingent Beneficiary. If no Contingent
Beneficiary is named (or if the Contingent Beneficiary predeceases the
Designated Annuitant), then the Death Benefit will be paid to Contract Owner or
the Contract Owner's estate.

       The value of the Death Benefit will be determined as of the Valuation
Date coincident with or next following the date the Company receives in writing
(1) due proof of the Designated Annuitant's death and (2) an election for either
a single sum payment or an Annuity Payment Option; and (3) any form required by
state insurance laws. If a single sum payment is requested, payment will be made
in accordance with any applicable laws and regulations governing the payment of
Death Benefits. If an Annuity Payment Option is requested, election must be made
by the Beneficiary during the 90-day period commencing with the date written
notice is received by the Company. If no election has been made by the end of
such 90-day period commencing with the date written notice is received by the
Company, the Death Benefit will be paid in a single sum payment. If the
Designated Annuitant dies prior to his or her 86th birthday, the value of the
Death Benefit will be the greater of (1) the sum of all Purchase Payments, made
to the Contract less any amounts surrendered, (2) the Contract Value, or (3) the
Contract Value as of the most recent five-year Contract Anniversary, less any
amounts surrendered since the most recent five-year Contract Anniversary. If the
Designated Annuitant dies on or after his or her 86th birthday, then the Death
Benefit will be equal to the Contract Value.

       If the Contract Owner is not a natural person, the death of the
Designated Annuitant (or a change of the Designated Annuitant) will be treated
like a death of the Contract Owner and will result in a Distribution of either:

       (a)    the Death Benefit described above (if there is no Contingent
              Designated Annuitant and the Designated Annuitant has died), or in
              all other cases

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<PAGE>   24

       (b) a Distribution to the Contract Owner if the Designated Annuitant has
been changed, provided that any such Distribution must be made within the time
period specified in the "Death of Contract Owner" provision.

DEATH OF ANNUITANT AFTER THE ANNUITIZATION DATE

       If the Annuitant dies after the Annuitization Date, any benefit that may
be payable shall be as specified in the Annuity Payment Option selected.

REQUIRED DISTRIBUTION FOR TAX SHELTERED ANNUITIES

       The entire interest of an Annuitant under a Tax Sheltered Annuity
Contract will be distributed in a manner consistent with the Minimum
Distribution and Incidental Benefit (MDIB) provisions of Section 401(a)(9) of
the Code and regulations thereunder, as applicable, and will be paid,
notwithstanding anything else contained herein, to the Contract Owner/Annuitant
under the Annuity Payments Option selected, over a period not exceeding:

       (a)    the life of the Contract Owner/Annuitant or the lives of the
              Contract Owner/Annuitant and the Contract Owner/Annuitant's
              designated Beneficiary; or

       (b)    a period not extending beyond the life expectancy of the Contract
              Owner/Annuitant or the life expectancy of the Contract
              Owner/Annuitant and the Contract Owner/Annuitant's designated
              Beneficiary.

       If the Contract Owner/Annuitant's entire interest is to be distributed in
equal or substantially equal payments over a period described in A or B, such
payments will commence not later than the first day of April following the
calendar year in which the Contract Owner/Annuitant attains age 70-1/2 (the
required beginning date). In the case of a governmental plan (as defined in Code
Section 414(d)), or church plan (as defined in Code Section 401(a)(9)(C)), the
Required Beginning Date will be the later of the dates determined under the
preceding sentence or April 1 of the calendar year following the calendar year
in which the Annuitant retires.

       If the Contract Owner dies prior to the commencement of his or her
Distribution, the interest in the Tax Sheltered Annuity must be distributed by
December 31 of the calendar year in which the fifth anniversary of his or her
death occurs unless:

(a)    In the case of a Tax Sheltered Annuity, the Contract Owner names his or
       her surviving spouse as the Beneficiary and such spouse elects to:

       (I)    treat the annuity as a Tax Sheltered Annuity established for his
              or her benefit; or

       (ii)   receive Distribution of the account in nearly equal payments over
              his or her life (or a period not exceeding his or her life
              expectancy) and commencing not later than December 31 of the year
              in which the Contract Owner would have attained age 70-1/2; or

(b)    In the case of a Tax Sheltered Annuity, the Contract Owner names a
       Beneficiary other than his or her surviving spouse and such Beneficiary
       elects to receive a Distribution of the account in nearly equal payments
       over his or her life (or a period not exceeding his or her life
       expectancy) commencing not later than December 31 of the year following
       the year in which the Contract Owner dies.

       If the Contract Owner/Annuitant dies after Distribution has commenced,
Distribution must continue at least as rapidly as under the schedule being used
prior to his or her death.

       Payments commencing on the Required Beginning Date will not be less than
the lesser of the quotient obtained by dividing the entire interest of the
Contract Owner/Annuitant by the life expectancy of the Contract Owner/Annuitant,
or the joint and last survivor expectancy of the Contract Owner/Annuitant and
the Contract Owner/Annuitant's Designated Beneficiary (whichever is applicable
under the applicable Minimum Distribution or MDIB provisions). Life expectancy
and joint and last survivor expectancy are computed by the use of return
multiples contained in Section 1.72-9 of the Treasury Regulations.

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REQUIRED DISTRIBUTIONS FOR INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ANNUITIES

       Distribution from an Individual Retirement Annuity must begin not later
than April 1 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the
Contract Owner attains age 70-1/2. Distribution may be accepted in a lump sum or
in nearly equal payments over: (a) the Contract Owner's life or the lives of the
Contract Owner and the Contract Owner's spouse or designated Beneficiary, or (b)
a period not extending beyond the Contract Owner and the Contract Owner's spouse
or designated Beneficiary.

       If the Contract Owner dies prior to the commencement of the Distribution,
the interest in the Individual Retirement Annuity must be distributed by
December 31 of the calendar year in which the fifth anniversary of the Contract
Owner's death occurs unless:

(a)    The Contract Owner has named his or her surviving spouse as the
       designated Beneficiary and such spouse elects to:

       (i)  treat the annuity as an Individual Retirement Annuity established 
            for his or her benefit; or

       (ii) receive Distribution of the account in nearly equal payments over
            his or her life (or a period not exceeding his or her life
            expectancy) and commencing not later than December 31 of the year in
            which the Contract Owner would have attained age 70-1/2; or

(b)    The Contract Owner has named a Beneficiary other than his or her
       surviving spouse and such Beneficiary elects to receive a Distribution of
       the account in nearly equal payments over his or her life (or a period
       not exceeding his or her life expectancy) commencing not later than
       December 31 of the year following the year in which the Contract Owner
       dies.

       If the Contract Owner dies after Distribution has commenced, the
Distribution must continue at least as rapidly as under the schedule being used
prior to the Contract Owner's death, except to the extent that a surviving
spouse Beneficiary may elect to treat the Contract as his or her own, in the
same manner as is described in section (a)(i) of this provision.

       If the amounts distributed to the Contract Owner are less than those
mentioned above, penalty tax of 50% is levied on the amount that should have
been distributed for that year.

       A pro-rata portion of all Distributions will be included in the gross
income of the person receiving the Distribution and taxed at ordinary income tax
rates. The portion of the Distribution which is taxable is based on the ratio
between the amount by which non-deductible Purchase Payments exceed prior
non-taxable Distributions and total account balances at the time of the
Distribution. The Contract Owner must annually report the amount of
non-deductible Purchase Payments, the amount of any Distribution, the amount by
which non-deductible Purchase Payments for all years exceed non-taxable
Distributions for all years, and the total balance of all Individual Retirement
Annuities.

       Individual Retirement Annuity Distributions will not receive the benefit
of the tax treatment of a lump sum Distribution from a Qualified Plan. If the
Contract Owner dies prior to the time Distribution of the Contract Owner's
interest in the annuity is completed, the balance will also be included in the
Contract Owner's gross estate.

GENERATION-SKIPPING TRANSFERS

       The Company may determine whether the Death Benefit or any other payment
constitutes a direct skip as defined in Section 2612 of the Code, and the amount
of the tax on the generation-skipping transfer resulting from such direct skip.
If applicable, the payment will be reduced by any tax the Company is required to
pay by Section 2603 of the Code.

       A direct skip may occur when property is transferred to or a Death
Benefit is paid to an individual two or more generations younger than the
Contract Owner.

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<PAGE>   26
                               GENERAL INFORMATION

CONTRACT OWNER SERVICES

       ASSET REBALANCING - The Contract Owner may direct the automatic
reallocation of Contract Values to the underlying Mutual Fund options on a
predetermined percentage basis every three months. If the last day of the three
month period falls on a Saturday, Sunday, recognized holiday or any other day
when the New York Stock Exchange is closed, the Asset Rebalancing exchange will
occur on the last business day before that day. Asset Rebalancing will not
affect future allocations of Purchase Payments. An Asset Rebalancing request
must be in writing on a form provided by the Company. The Contract Owner may
want to contact a financial adviser in order to discuss the use of Asset
Rebalancing in his or her Contract.

       Contracts issued to a Tax Sheltered Annuity Plan as defined by the Code
may have superseding plan restrictions with regard to frequency of underlying
Mutual Fund exchanges and underlying Mutual Fund options.

       The Company reserves the right to discontinue offering Asset Rebalancing
upon 30 days written notice; such discontinuation will not affect Asset
Rebalancing programs which have already commenced. The Company also reserves the
right to assess a processing fee for this service.

       DOLLAR COST AVERAGING - The Contract Owner may direct the Company to
automatically transfer a specified amount from the Money Market Fund
Sub-Account, the Limited Maturity Bond Portfolio Sub-Account or the Fixed
Account to any other Sub-Account within the Variable Account on a monthly basis.
This service is intended to allow the Contract Owner to utilize Dollar Cost
Averaging, a long-term investment program which provides for regular, level
investments over time. The Company makes no guarantees that Dollar Cost
Averaging will result in a profit or protect against loss in a declining market.
Transfers for purposes of Dollar Cost Averaging can only be made from the Money
Market Fund Sub-Account, the Limited Maturity Bond Portfolio Sub-Account or the
Fixed Account. The minimum monthly Dollar Cost Averaging transfer is $100. In
addition, Dollar Cost Averaging monthly transfers from the Fixed Account must be
equal to or less than 1/30th of the Fixed Account value when the Dollar Cost
Averaging program is requested. Transfers out of the Fixed Account, other than
for Dollar Cost Averaging, may be subject to certain additional restrictions
(see "Transfers"). A written election of this service, on a form provided by the
Company, must be completed by the Contract Owner in order to begin transfers.
Once elected, transfers from the Money Market Fund Sub-Account, the Limited
Maturity Bond Portfolio Sub-Account or the Fixed Account will be processed
monthly until either the value in the Money Market Fund Sub-Account, the Limited
Maturity Bond Portfolio Sub-Account or the Fixed Account is completely depleted
or the Contract Owner instructs the Company in writing to cancel the monthly
transfers.

       The Company reserves the right to discontinue offering Dollar Cost
Averaging upon 30 days written notice; such discontinuation will not affect
Dollar Cost Averaging programs already commenced. The Company also reserves the
right to assess a processing fee for this service.

       SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWALS - The Contract Owner may elect in writing on a
form provided by the Company to take Systematic Withdrawals of a specified
dollar amount (of at least $100) on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual
basis. The Company will process the withdrawals as directed by surrendering on a
pro-rata basis Accumulation Units from all of the Sub-Accounts in which the
Contract Owner has an interest, and the Fixed Account. A Contingent Deferred
Sales Charge may apply to Systematic Withdrawals in accordance with the
considerations set forth in the "Contingent Deferred Sales Charge" section. Each
Systematic Withdrawal is subject to federal income taxes on the taxable portion.
In addition, a 10% federal penalty tax may be assessed on Systematic Withdrawals
if the Contract Owner is under age 59-1/2. If directed by the Contract Owner,
the Company will withhold federal income taxes from each Systematic Withdrawal.
A Systematic Withdrawal program will terminate automatically at the end of each
Contract Year and may be reinstated only pursuant to a new request. The Contract
Owner may discontinue Systematic Withdrawals at any time by notifying the
Company in writing.

       If the Contract Owner withdraws amounts pursuant to a Systematic
Withdrawal program, then the Contract Owner may withdraw each Contract Year
without a CDSC an amount up to the greater of (i) 10% of the total sum of all
Purchase Payments made to the Contract at the time of withdrawal, (in addition,
any amount withdrawn from any Individual Retirement Annuity Contract, in order
to meet minimum Distribution requirements shall be free of CDSC); or (ii) the
specified percentage of the Contract Value based on the Contract Owner's age, as
shown in the following table:

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     Contract Owner's                                 Percentage of
            Age                                       Contract Value
- ----------------------------                   ----------------------------
       Under 59-1/2                                         5%
     59-1/2 to 70-1/2                                       7%
       70-1/2 to 75                                         9%
        75 and Over                                        13%

       If the total amounts withdrawn in any Contract Year exceed the CDSC-free
amount as calculated under the Systematic Withdrawal method described above,
then such total withdrawn amounts will be eligible only for the 10% of Purchase
Payment CDSC-free withdrawal privilege described in the "Contingent Deferred
Sales Charge" section, and the total amount of CDSC charged during the Contract
Year will be determined in accordance with that provision.

       The Contract Value and the Contract Owner's age for purposes of applying
the CDSC-free withdrawal percentage described in this provision are determined
as of the date the request for a Systematic Withdrawal program is received and
recorded by the Company at its Home Office. (In the case of Joint Owners, the
older Owner's age will be used.) The Contract Owner may elect to take such
CDSC-free amounts only once each Contract Year. Furthermore, this CDSC-free
withdrawal privilege for Systematic Withdrawals is non-cumulative; free amounts
not taken during any given Contract Year cannot be taken as free amounts in a
subsequent Contract Year.

       Systematic Withdrawals are not available prior to the expiration of the
ten day free look provision of the Contract. The Company also reserves the right
to assess a processing fee for this service.

STATEMENTS AND REPORTS

       The Company will mail to Contract Owners, at their last known address of
record, any statements and reports required by applicable laws or regulations.
Contract Owners should therefore give the Company prompt notice of any address
change. The Company will send a confirmation statement to Contract Owners each
time a transaction is made affecting the Owners' Variable Account Contract
Value, such as making additional Purchase Payments, transfers, exchanges or
withdrawals. Quarterly statements are also mailed detailing the Contract
activity during the calendar quarter. Instead of receiving an immediate
confirmation of transactions made pursuant to some types of periodic payment
plan (such as a dollar cost averaging program) or salary reduction arrangement,
the Contract Owner may receive confirmation of such transactions in their
quarterly statements. The Contract Owner should review the information in these
statements carefully. All errors or corrections must be reported to the Company
immediately to assure proper crediting to the Owner's Contract. The Company will
assume all transactions are accurately reported on quarterly statements or
confirmation statements unless the Contract Owner notifies the Company otherwise
within 30 days after receipt of the statement. The Company will also send to
Contract Owners each year an annual report and a semi-annual report containing
financial statements for the Variable Account, as of December 31 and June 30,
respectively.

ALLOCATION OF PURCHASE PAYMENTS AND CONTRACT VALUE

       Purchase Payments are allocated to one or more Sub-Accounts within the
Variable Account in accordance with the designation of the underlying Mutual
Funds by the Contract Owner, and converted into Accumulation Units.

       The initial Purchase Payment must be at least $15,000. Subsequent
Purchase Payments, if any, must be at least $1,000. Subsequent Purchase Payments
are not permitted in the states of New York, Oregon, and Washington. The
cumulative total of all Purchase Payments under Contracts issued on the life of
any one Designated Annuitant may not exceed $1,000,000 without prior consent of
the Company.

       The initial Purchase Payment allocated to designated Sub-Accounts of the
Variable Account will be priced no later than 2 business days after receipt of
an order to purchase, if the application and all information necessary for
processing the purchase order are complete. The Company may, however, retain the
Purchase Payment for up to 5 business days while attempting to complete an
incomplete application. If the application cannot be made complete within 5
days, the prospective purchaser will be informed of the reasons for the delay
and the Purchase Payment will be returned immediately unless the prospective
purchaser specifically consents

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to the Company retaining the Purchase Payment until the application is made
complete. Thereafter, subsequent Purchase Payments will be priced on the basis
of the Accumulation Unit Value next completed for the appropriate Sub-Account
after the additional Purchase Payment is received.

       Purchase Payments will not be priced on the following nationally
recognized holidays: New Year's Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day,
Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

VALUE OF A VARIABLE ACCOUNT ACCUMULATION UNIT

       The value of a Variable Account Accumulation Unit for each Sub-Account
was arbitrarily set initially at $10 when the underlying Mutual Fund shares in
that Sub-Account were available for purchase. The value for any subsequent
Valuation Period is determined by multiplying the Accumulation Unit Value for
each Sub-Account for the immediately preceding Valuation Period by the Net
Investment Factor for the Sub-Account during the subsequent Valuation Period.
The value of an Accumulation Unit may increase or decrease from Valuation Period
to Valuation Period. The number of Accumulation Units will not change as a
result of investment experience.

NET INVESTMENT FACTOR

       The Net Investment Factor for any Valuation Period is determined by
dividing (a) by (b) and subtracting (c) from the result where:

(a)    is the net of:

       (1)    the Net Asset Value per share of the underlying Mutual Fund held
              in the Sub-Account determined at the end of the current Valuation
              Period, plus

       (2)    the per share amount of any dividend or capital gain Distributions
              made by the underlying Mutual Fund held in the Sub-Account if the
              "ex-dividend" date occurs during the current Valuation Period.

(b)    is the net of:

       (1)    the Net Asset Value per share of the underlying Mutual Fund held
              in the Sub-Account determined at the end of the immediately
              preceding Valuation Period, plus or minus

       (2)    the per share charge or credit, if any, for any taxes reserved for
              in the immediately preceding Valuation Period (see "Charge For Tax
              Provisions").

(c)    is a factor representing the daily Mortality Risk Charge, Expense Risk
       Charge and Administration Charge deducted from the Variable Account. Such
       factor is equal to an annual rate of 1.40% of the underlying Mutual
       Fund's daily Net Asset Value of the Variable Account.

       For underlying Mutual Funds that credit dividends on a daily basis and
pay such dividends once a month (the Nationwide Separate Account Trust - Money
Market Fund), the Net Investment Factor allows for the monthly reinvestment of
these daily dividends.

       The Net Investment Factor may be greater or less than one; therefore, the
value of an Accumulation Unit may increase or decrease. It should be noted that
changes in the Net Investment Factor may not be directly proportional to changes
in the Net Asset Value of underlying Mutual Fund shares, because of the
deduction for Mortality Risk Charge, Expense Risk Charge and Administration
Charge.

VALUATION OF ASSETS

     Underlying Mutual Fund shares in the Variable Account will be valued at
their Net Asset Value.

DETERMINING THE CONTRACT VALUE

       The sum of the value of all Variable Account Accumulation Units
attributable to the Contract and amounts credited to the Fixed Account is the
Contract Value. The number of Accumulation Units credited per each Sub-Account
is determined by dividing the net amount allocated to the Sub-Account by the
Accumulation Unit Value for the Sub-Account for the Valuation Period during
which the Purchase Payment is received by the Company. If part or all of the
Contract Value is surrendered or charges or deductions are made against the
Contract Value, an appropriate number of Accumulation Units from the Variable
Account and an appropriate

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<PAGE>   29

amount from the Fixed Account will be deducted in the same proportion that the
Contract Owner's interest in the Variable Account and the Fixed Account bears to
the total Contract Value.

SURRENDER (REDEMPTION)

       While the Contract is in force and prior to the earlier of the
Annuitization Date or the death of the Designated Annuitant, the Company will,
upon proper written application by the Contract Owner deemed by the Company to
be in good order, allow the Contract Owner to surrender a portion or all of the
Contract Value. "Proper written application" means that the Contract Owner must
request the surrender in writing and include the Contract. The Company may
require that the signature(s) be guaranteed by a member firm of a major stock
exchange or other depository institution qualified to give such a guaranty.

       The Company will, upon receipt of any such written request, surrender a
number of Accumulation Units from the Variable Account and an amount from the
Fixed Account necessary to equal the gross dollar amount requested, less any
applicable Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (see "Contingent Deferred Sales
Charge"). In the event of a partial surrender, the Company will, unless
instructed to the contrary, surrender Accumulation Units from all Sub-Accounts
in which the Contract Owner has an interest, and the Fixed Account. The number
of Accumulation Units surrendered from each Sub-Account and the amount
surrendered from the Fixed Account will be in the same proportion that the
Contract Owner's interest in the Sub-Accounts and Fixed Account bears to the
total Contract Value.

       The Company will pay any funds applied for from the Variable Account
within 7 days of receipt of such application in the Company's Home Office.
However, the Company reserves the right to suspend or postpone the date of any
payment of any benefit or values for any Valuation Period (1) when the New York
Stock Exchange ("Exchange") is closed, (2) when trading on the Exchange is
restricted, (3) when an emergency exists as a result of which disposal of
securities held in the Variable Account is not reasonably practicable or it is
not reasonably practicable to determine the value of the Variable Account's net
assets, or (4) during any other period when the Securities and Exchange
Commission, by order, so permits for the protection of security holders,
provided that applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange
Commission shall govern as to whether the conditions prescribed in (2) and (3)
exist. The Contract Value on surrender may be more or less than the total of
Purchase Payments made by a Contract Owner, depending on the market value of the
underlying Mutual Fund shares.

SURRENDERS UNDER A TAX SHELTERED ANNUITY CONTRACT

       Except as provided below, the Owner may surrender part or all of the
Contract Value at any time this Contract is in force prior to the earlier of the
Annuitization Date or the death of the Designated Annuitant:

A.     The surrender of Contract Value attributable to contributions made
       pursuant to a salary reduction agreement (within the meaning of Code
       Section 402(g)(3)(A) or (C)), or transfers from a Custodial Account
       described in Section 403(b)(7) of the Code, may be executed only -

       1.     when the Contract Owner attains age 59-1/2, separates from
              service, dies, or becomes disabled (within the meaning of Code
              Section 72(m)(7)); or

       2.     in the case of hardship (as defined for purposes of Code Section
              401(k)), provided that any surrender of Contract Value in the case
              of hardship may not include any income attributable to salary
              reduction contributions.

B.     The surrender limitations described in A. above for Tax Sheltered
       Annuities apply to:

       1.     salary reduction contributions to Tax Sheltered Annuities made for
              plan years beginning after December 31, 1988;

       2.     earnings credited to such contracts after the last plan year
              beginning before January 1, 1989, on amounts attributable to
              salary reduction contributions; and

       3.     all amounts transferred from 403(b)(7) Custodial Accounts (except
              that earnings, and employer contributions as of December 31, 1988
              in such Custodial Accounts may be withdrawn in the case of
              hardship).

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<PAGE>   30

C.     Any Distribution other than the above, including exercise of a
       contractual ten-day free look provision (when available) may result in
       the immediate application of taxes and penalties and/or retroactive
       disqualification of a Qualified Contract or Tax Sheltered Annuity.

       A premature Distribution may not be eligible for rollover treatment. To
assist in preventing disqualification in the event of a ten-day free look, the
Company will agree to transfer the proceeds to another contract which meets the
requirements of Section 403(b) of the Code, upon proper direction by the
Contract Owner. The foregoing is the Company's understanding of the withdrawal
restrictions which are currently applicable under Section 403(b)(11) and Revenue
Ruling 90-24. Such restrictions are subject to legislative change and/or
reinterpretation from time to time. Distributions pursuant to Qualified Domestic
Relations Orders will not be considered to be a violation of the restrictions
stated in this provision.

       The Contract surrender provisions may also be modified pursuant to the
plan terms and Code tax provisions when the Contract is issued to fund a
Qualified Plan.

       INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN SHOULD NOT BE SUBSTITUTED FOR THE ADVICE OF
A PERSONAL TAX ADVISER.

TAXES

       The Company does not make any guarantee regarding the tax status for any
Contract or any transaction involving the Contracts.

       Section 72 of the Code governs taxation of annuities in general. That
section sets forth different rules for: (1) Qualified Contracts; (2) Individual
Retirement Annuities and Individual Retirement Accounts; (3) Tax Sheltered
Annuities; or (4) Non-Qualified Contracts. Each type of annuity is discussed
below.

       Distributions to participants from Qualified Contracts or Tax Sheltered
Annuities are generally taxed when received. A portion of each Distribution is
excludable from income based on the ratio between the after tax investment of
the Owner/Annuitant in the Contract and the value of the Contract at the time of
the withdrawal or Annuitization.

       Distributions from Individual Retirement Annuities and Contracts owned by
Individual Retirement Accounts are also generally taxed when received. The
portion of each such payment which is excludable is based on the ratio between
the amount by which nondeductible Purchase Payments to all such Contracts
exceeds prior non-taxable Distributions from such Contracts, and the total
account balances in such Contracts at the time of the Distribution. The Owner of
such Individual Retirement Annuities or the Designated Annuitant under Contracts
held by Individual Retirement Accounts must annually report to the Internal
Revenue Service the amount of nondeductible Purchase Payments, the amount of any
Distribution, the amount by which nondeductible Purchase Payments for all years
exceed non-taxable Distributions for all years, and the total balance in all
Individual Retirement Annuities and Accounts. Owners should consult a financial
consultant, legal counsel or tax advisor to discuss in detail the taxation and
the use of the Contracts.

NON-QUALIFIED CONTRACTS

       The rules applicable to Non-Qualified Contracts provide that a portion of
each annuity payment received is excludable from taxable income based on the
ratio between the Contract Owner's investment in the Contract and the expected
return on the Contract. The maximum amount excludable from income is the
investment in the Contract. If the Annuitant dies prior to excluding from income
the entire investment in the Contract, the Annuitant's final tax return may
reflect a deduction for the balance of the investment in the Contract.

       Distributions made from the Contract prior to the Annuitization Date are
taxable to the Contract Owner to the extent that the cash value of the Contract
exceeds the Contract Owner's investment at the time of the Distribution.
Distributions, for this purpose, include partial surrenders, dividends, loans,
or any portion of the Contract which is assigned or pledged; or for Contracts
issued after April 22, 1987, any portion of the Contract transferred by gift.
For these purposes, a transfer by gift may occur upon Annuitization if the
Contract Owner and the Annuitant are not the same individual. In determining the
taxable amount of a Distribution, all annuity contracts issued after October 21,
1988, by the same company to the same contract owner during any 12 month period,
will be treated as one annuity contract. Additional limitations on the use of
multiple contracts

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<PAGE>   31

may be imposed by Treasury regulations. Distributions prior to the Annuitization
Date with respect to that portion of the Contract invested prior to August 14,
1982, are treated first as a recovery of the investment in the Contract as of
that date. A Distribution in excess of the amount of the investment in the
Contract as of August 14, 1982, will be treated as taxable income.

       The Tax Reform Act of 1986 has changed the tax treatment of certain
Non-Qualified Contracts held by entities other than individuals. Such entities
are taxed currently on the earnings on the Contract which are attributable to
contributions made to the Contract after February 28, 1986. There are exceptions
for immediate annuities and certain Contracts owned for the benefit of an
individual. An immediate annuity, for purposes of this discussion, is a single
premium Contract on which payments begin within one year of purchase. If this
Contract is issued as the result of an exchange described in Section 1035 of the
Code, it will generally be considered to have been purchased on the purchase
date of the contract given up in the exchange.

         Code Section 72 also provides for a penalty, equal to 10% of any
Distribution which is includable in gross income, if such Distribution is made
prior to attaining age 59-1/2 or disability of the Contract Owner. The penalty
does not apply if the Distribution is one of a series of substantially equal
periodic payments made over the life or life expectancy (or joint lives or life
expectancies) of the Annuitant (and the Annuitant's Beneficiary), or for the
purchase of an immediate annuity, or is allocable to an investment in the
Contract before August 14, 1982. A Contract Owner wishing to begin taking
Distributions to which the 10% tax penalty does not apply should forward a
written request to the Company. Upon receipt of a written request from the
Contract Owner, the Company will inform the Contract Owner of the procedures
pursuant to Company policy and subject to limitations of the Contract including
but not limited to first year withdrawals. If the Annuitant or Contract Owner
selects an annuity for life or life expectancy, or begins a pre-defined series
of withdrawals based on life expectancy, and changes the method of payment
before the expiration of 5 years and the attainment of age 59-1/2, the early
withdrawal penalty will apply. The penalty will be equal to that which would
have been imposed had no exception applied from the outset, and the Annuitant or
Contract Owner will also pay interest on the amount of the penalty from the date
it would have originally applied until it is actually paid.

       In order to qualify as an annuity Contract under Section 72 of the Code,
the Contract must provide for Distribution to be made upon the death of the
Contract Owner. In such case, the Contingent Owner or other named recipient must
receive the Distribution within 5 years of the Owner's death. However, the
recipient may elect for payments to be made over their life or life expectancy
if such payments begin within one year from the death of the Contract Owner. If
the Contingent Owner or other named recipient is the surviving spouse, such
spouse may be treated as the Contract Owner and the Contract may be continued
throughout the life of the surviving spouse. In the event the Contract Owner
dies on or after the Annuitization Date and before the entire interest has been
distributed, the remaining portion must be distributed at least as rapidly as
under the method of Distribution being used as of the date of the Contract
Owner's death (see "Required Distribution For Tax Sheltered Annuities"). If the
Contract Owner is not an individual, the death of the Designated Annuitant (or a
change in the Designated Annuitant) will result in a Distribution pursuant to
these rules, regardless of whether a Contingent Designated Annuitant has been
named.

       The Company is required to withhold tax from certain Distributions to the
extent that such Distribution would constitute income to the Contract Owner. The
Contract Owner is entitled to elect not to have federal income tax withheld from
any such Distribution, but may be subject to penalties in the event insufficient
federal income tax is withheld during a calendar year.

       Generally, the taxable portion of any Distribution from a Contract to a
nonresident alien of the United States is subject to tax withholding at a rate
equal to thirty percent (30%) of such amount or, if applicable, a lower treaty
rate. A payment may not be subject to withholding where the recipient
sufficiently establishes that such payment is effectively connected to the
recipient's conduct of a trade or business in the United States and such payment
is includable in the recipient's gross income.

       The Company may be required to determine whether the Death Benefit or any
other payment constitutes a direct skip as defined in Section 2612 of the Code,
and the amount of the tax on the generation-skipping transfer resulting from
such direct skip. If applicable, such payment will be reduced by any tax the
Company is required to pay by Section 2603 of the Code. A direct skip may occur
when property is transferred to or a Death Benefit is paid to an individual two
or more generations younger than the Contract Owner.

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INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ANNUITIES

       The Contract may be purchased as an Individual Retirement Annuity under
Section 408(b) of the Code. Because the Contract's initial and subsequent
Purchase Payments are greater than the maximum contribution permitted an
Individual Retirement Annuity, or an Individual Retirement Annuity Contract may
be purchased only in connection with a "rollover" (including a direct
trustee-to-trustee transfer, where permitted). Specifically, an Individual
Retirement Annuity Contract may be purchased only in connection with a rollover
of amounts from a Qualified Plan, Tax-Sheltered Annuity or Individual Retirement
Annuity. The Contract Owner should seek competent advice as to the tax
consequences associated with the use of a Contract as an Individual Retirement
Annuity.

       Recent changes to the Code permit the rollover of most Distributions from
Qualified Plans to other Qualified Plans or Individual Retirement Accounts. Most
Distributions from Tax-Sheltered Annuities may be rolled into another
Tax-Sheltered Annuity or Individual Retirement Account. Distributions which may
not be rolled over are those which are:

1.     one of a series of substantially equal annual (or more frequent) payments
       made: (a) over the life (or life expectancy) of the employee, (b) the
       joint lives (or joint life expectancies) of the employee and the
       employee's designated Beneficiary, or (c) for a specified period of ten
       years or more, or

2.     a required minimum Distribution.

       Any Distribution eligible for rollover will be subject to federal tax
withholding at a rate of twenty percent (20%) unless the Distribution is
transferred directly to an appropriate plan as described above.

       Individual Retirement Accounts and Individual Retirement Annuities may
not provide life insurance benefits. If the Death Benefit exceeds the greater of
the cash value of the Contract or the sum of all Purchase Payments (less any
surrenders), it is possible the Internal Revenue Service could determine that
the Individual Retirement Account or Individual Retirement Annuity did not
qualify for the desired tax treatment.

DIVERSIFICATION

       The Internal Revenue Service has promulgated regulations under Section
817(h) of the Code relating to diversification standards for the investments
underlying a variable annuity contract. The regulations provide that a variable
annuity contract which does not satisfy the diversification standards will not
be treated as an annuity contract, unless the failure to satisfy the regulations
was inadvertent, the failure is corrected, and the Owner or the Company pays an
amount to the Internal Revenue Service. The amount will be based on the tax that
would have been paid by the Owner if the income, for the period the contract was
not diversified, had been received by the Owner. If the failure to diversify is
not corrected in this manner, the Owner of an annuity contract will be deemed
the owner of the underlying securities and will be taxed on the earnings of his
or her account. The Company believes, under its interpretation of the Code and
regulations thereunder, that the investments underlying this Contract meet these
diversification standards.

       Representatives of the Internal Revenue Service have suggested, from time
to time, that the number of underlying Mutual Funds available or the number of
transfer opportunities available under a variable product may be relevant in
determining whether the product qualifies for the desired tax treatment. No
formal guidance has been issued in this area. Should the Secretary of the
Treasury issue additional rules or regulations limiting the number of underlying
Mutual Funds, transfers between underlying Mutual Funds, exchanges of underlying
Mutual Funds or changes in investment objectives of underlying Mutual Funds such
that the Contract would no longer qualify as an annuity under Section 72 of the
Code, the Company will take whatever steps are available to remain in
compliance.

CHARGE FOR TAX PROVISIONS

       The Company is no longer required to maintain a capital gain reserve
liability on Non-Qualified Contracts since capital gains attributable to assets
held in the Company's Variable Account for such Contracts are not taxable to the
Company. However, the Company reserves the right to implement and adjust the tax
charge in the future, if the tax laws change.

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INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ANNUITIES, INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS AND TAX
SHELTERED ANNUITIES

       The Contracts may be used with Individual Retirement Annuities,
Individual Retirement Accounts, Tax Sheltered Annuities and other plans
receiving favorable tax treatment. For information regarding eligibility,
limitations on permissible amounts of Purchase Payments, and tax consequences on
Distribution from such plans, the purchasers of such Contracts should seek
competent advice. The terms of such plans may limit the rights available under
the Contracts.

       The Code permits the rollover of most Distributions from Qualified Plans
to other Qualified Plans, Individual Retirement Accounts, or Individual
Retirement Annuities. Most Distributions from Tax Sheltered Annuities may be
rolled into another Tax Sheltered Annuity, an Individual Retirement Account, or
an Individual Retirement Annuity. Distributions which may not be rolled over are
those which are:

1.     one of a series of substantially equal annual (or more frequent) payments
       made: (a) over the life (or life expectancy) of the employee, (b) the
       joint lives (or joint life expectancies) of the employee and the
       employee's designated Beneficiary, or (c) for a specified period of ten
       years or more, or

2.     a required minimum Distribution.

       Any Distribution eligible for rollover will be subject to federal tax
withholding at a 20 percent rate unless the Distribution is transferred directly
to an appropriate plan as described above. Owners should consult a financial
consultant to discuss in detail a particular tax situation and the use of the
Contracts.

ADVERTISING

       A "yield" and "effective yield" may be advertised for the Nationwide
Separate Account Trust Money Market Fund Sub-Account. "Yield" is a measure of
the net dividend and interest income earned over a specific seven-day period
(which period will be stated in the advertisement) expressed as a percentage of
the offering price of the Sub-Account's units. Yield is an annualized figure,
which means that it is assumed that the Sub-Account generates the same level of
net income over a 52-week period. The "effective yield" is calculated similarly
but includes the effect of assumed compounding, calculated under rules
prescribed by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The effective yield will
be slightly higher than yield due to this compounding effect.

       The Company may also from time to time advertise the performance of the
Sub-Account of the Variable Account relative to the performance of other
variable annuity sub-accounts or underlying mutual funds with similar or
different objectives, or the investment industry as a whole. Other investments
to which the Sub-Accounts may be compared include, but are not limited to:
precious metals; real estate; stocks and bonds; closed-end funds; CDs; bank
money market deposit accounts and passbook savings; and the Consumer Price
Index.

       The Sub-Accounts of the Variable Account may also be compared to certain
market indexes, which may include, but are not limited to: S&P 500;
Shearson/Lehman Intermediate Government/Corporate Bond Index; Shearson/Lehman
Long-Term Government/Corporate Bond Index; Donoghue Money Fund Average; U.S.
Treasury Note Index; Bank Rate Monitor National Index of 2 Year CD Rates; and
Dow Jones Industrial Average.

       Normally these rankings and ratings are published by independent tracking
services and publications of general interest including, but not limited to:
Lipper Analytical Services, Inc., CDA/ Wiesenberger, Morningstar, Donoghue's;
magazines such as Money, Forbes, Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine,
Financial World, Consumer Reports, Business Week, Time, Newsweek, National
Underwriter, U.S. News and World Report; rating services such as LIMRA, Value,
Best's Agent Guide, Western Annuity Guide, Comparative Annuity Reports; and
other publications such as the Wall Street Journal, Barron's, Investor's Daily,
and Standard & Poor's Outlook. In addition, Variable Annuity Research & Data
Service (The VARDS Report) is an independent rating service that ranks over 500
variable annuity funds based upon total return performance. These rating
services and publications rank the performance of the underlying Mutual Funds
against all underlying mutual funds over specified periods and against funds in
specified categories. The rankings may or may not include the effects of sales
or other charges.

       The Company is also ranked and rated by independent financial rating
services, among which are Moody's, Standard & Poor's and A.M. Best Company. The
purpose of these ratings is to reflect the financial

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strength or claims-paying ability of the Company. The ratings are not intended
to reflect the investment experience or financial strength of the Variable
Account. The Company may advertise these ratings from time to time. In addition,
the Company may include in certain advertisements, endorsements in the form of a
list of organizations, individuals or other parties which recommend the Company
or the Contracts. Furthermore, the Company may occasionally include in
advertisements comparisons of currently taxable and tax deferred investment
programs, based on selected tax brackets, or discussions of alternative
investment vehicles and general economic conditions.

       The Company may from time to time advertise several types of historical
performance for the Sub-Accounts of the Variable Account. The Company may
advertise for the Sub-Accounts standardized "average annual total return",
calculated in a manner prescribed by the Securities and Exchange Commission, and
nonstandardized "total return." "Average annual total return" will show the
percentage rate of return of a hypothetical initial investment of $1,000 for at
least the most recent one, five and ten year period, or for a period covering
the time the underlying Mutual Fund option held in the Sub-Account has been in
existence, if the underlying Mutual Fund option has not been in existence for
one of the prescribed periods. This calculation reflects the deduction of all
applicable charges made to the Contracts except for premium taxes, which may be
imposed by certain states.

       Nonstandardized "total return" will be calculated in a similar manner and
for the same time periods as the average annual total return except total return
will assume an initial investment of $10,000 and will not reflect the deduction
of any applicable Contingent Deferred Sales Charge, which, if reflected, would
decrease the level of performance shown. The Contingent Deferred Sales Charge is
not reflected because the Contracts are designed for long term investment. An
assumed initial investment of $10,000 will be used because that figure more
closely approximates the size of a typical Contract than does the $1,000 figure
used in calculating the standardized average annual total return quotations. The
amount of the hypothetical initial investment assumed affects performance
because the Contract Maintenance Charge is a fixed per Contract charge.

       For those underlying Mutual Fund options which have not been held as
Sub-Accounts within the Variable Account for one of the quoted periods, the
standardized average annual total return and nonstandardized total return
quotations will show the investment performance such underlying Mutual Fund
options would have achieved (reduced by the applicable charges) had they been
held as Sub-Accounts within the Variable Account for the period quoted.

       ALL PERFORMANCE INFORMATION AND COMPARATIVE MATERIAL ADVERTISED BY THE
COMPANY IS HISTORICAL IN NATURE AND IS NOT INTENDED TO REPRESENT OR GUARANTEE
FUTURE RESULTS. A CONTRACT OWNER'S CONTRACT VALUE AT REDEMPTION MAY BE MORE OR
LESS THAN ORIGINAL COST.

                                LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

       There are no material legal proceedings, other than ordinary routine
litigation incidental to the business to which the Company and the Variable
Account are parties or to which any of their property is the subject.

       The General Distributor, Nationwide Financial Services, Inc., is not
engaged in any litigation of any material nature.

            TABLE OF CONTENTS OF STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                   PAGE

<S>                                                                                                                  <C>
General Information and History.......................................................................................1
Services..............................................................................................................1
Purchase of Securities Being Offered..................................................................................1
Underwriters..........................................................................................................2
Calculations of Performance...........................................................................................2
Annuity Payments......................................................................................................3
Financial Statements..................................................................................................4
</TABLE>

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                                   APPENDIX A

                                  FIXED ACCOUNT

       Purchase Payments under the Fixed Account portion of the Contract and
transfers to the Fixed Account portion become part of the general account of the
Company, which support insurance and annuity obligations. Because of exemptive
and exclusionary provisions, interests in the general account have not been
registered under the Securities Act of 1933 ("1933 Act"), nor is the general
account registered as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of
1940 ("1940 Act"). Accordingly, neither the general account nor any interest
therein are generally subject to the provisions of the 1933 or 1940 Acts, and we
have been advised that the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission has
not reviewed the disclosures in this prospectus which related to the guaranteed
interest portion. Disclosures regarding the Fixed Account portion of the
Contract and the general account, however, may be subject to certain generally
applicable provisions of the federal securities laws relating to the accuracy
and completeness of statements made in prospectuses.

                            FIXED ACCOUNT ALLOCATIONS

THE FIXED ACCOUNT

       The Fixed Account is made up of all the general assets of the Company,
other than those in the Variable Account and any other segregated asset account.
Fixed Account Purchase Payments will be allocated to the Fixed Account by
election of the Contract Owner at the time of purchase.

       The Company will invest the assets of the Fixed Account in those assets
chosen by the Company and allowed by applicable law. Investment income from such
Fixed Account assets will be allocated by the Company between itself and the
Contracts participating in the Fixed Account.

       The level of annuity payments made to Annuitants under the Contracts will
not be affected by the mortality experience (death rate) of persons receiving
such payments or of the general population. The Company assumes this "mortality
risk" by virtue of annuity rates incorporated in the Contract which cannot be
changed. In addition, the Company guarantees that it will not increase charges
for maintenance of the Contracts regardless of its actual expenses.

       Investment income from the Fixed Account allocated to the Company
includes compensation for mortality and expense risks borne by the Company in
connection with Fixed Account Contracts. The amount of such investment income
allocated to the Contracts will vary from year to year in the sole discretion of
the Company at such rate or rates as the Company prospectively declares from
time to time. Any such rate or rates so determined will remain effective for a
period of not less than twelve months, and remain at such rate unless changed.
However, the Company guarantees that it will credit interest at not less than
3.0% per year (or as otherwise required under state law, or at such minimum rate
as stated in the contract when sold). ANY INTEREST CREDITED TO AMOUNTS ALLOCATED
TO THE FIXED ACCOUNT IN EXCESS OF 3.0% PER YEAR WILL BE DETERMINED IN THE SOLE
DISCRETION OF THE COMPANY. THE CONTRACT OWNER ASSUMES THE RISK THAT INTEREST
CREDITED TO FIXED ACCOUNT ALLOCATIONS MAY NOT EXCEED THE MINIMUM GUARANTEE OF
3.0% FOR ANY GIVEN YEAR. New Purchase Payments deposited to the Contract which
are allocated to the Fixed Account may receive a different rate of interest than
money transferred from the Variable Sub-Accounts to the Fixed Account and
amounts maturing in the Fixed Account at the expiration of an Interest Rate
Guarantee Period.

       The Company guarantees that, at any time, the Fixed Account Contract
Value will not be less than the amount of the Purchase Payments allocated to the
Fixed Account, plus interest credited as described above, less the sum of all
administrative charges, any applicable premium taxes, and less any amounts
surrendered. If the Contract Owner effects a surrender, the amount available
from the Fixed Account will be reduced by any applicable Contingent Deferred
Sales Charge (see "Contingent Deferred Sales Charge").

TRANSFERS

       Contract Owners may at the maturity of an Interest Rate Guarantee Period,
transfer a portion of the value of the Fixed Account to the Variable Account.
The maximum percentage that may be transferred will be determined by the Company
at its sole discretion, but will not be less than 10% of the total value of the
portion of the Fixed Account that is maturing and will be declared upon the
expiration date of the then current Interest 

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<PAGE>   36

Rate Guarantee Period. The Interest Rate Guarantee Period expires on the final
day of a calendar quarter. Transfers must be made within 45 days after the
expiration date of the guarantee period. Owners who have entered into a Dollar
Cost Averaging Agreement with the Company (see "Dollar Cost Averaging") may
transfer from the Fixed Account to the Variable Account under the terms of that
agreement.

                      ANNUITY PAYMENT PERIOD-FIXED ACCOUNT

FIRST AND SUBSEQUENT PAYMENTS

       A Fixed Annuity is an annuity with payments which are guaranteed by the
Company as to dollar amount during the annuity payment period. The first Fixed
Annuity payment will be determined by applying the Fixed Account Contract Value
to the applicable Annuity Table in accordance with the Annuity Payment Option
elected. This will be done at the Annuitization Date on an age last birthday
basis. Fixed Annuity payments after the first will not be less than the first
Fixed Annuity payment.

       The Company does not credit discretionary interest to Fixed Annuity
payments during the annuity payment period for annuity options based on life
contingencies. The Annuitant must rely on the Annuity Tables applicable to the
Contracts to determine the amount of such Fixed Annuity payments.

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                                   APPENDIX B

                      PARTICIPATING UNDERLYING MUTUAL FUNDS

Below are the investment objectives of each underlying Mutual Fund available
through the Variable Account. THERE CAN BE NO ASSURANCE THAT THE INVESTMENT
OBJECTIVES WILL BE ACHIEVED.

DREYFUS STOCK INDEX FUND, INC.

       The Dreyfus Stock Index Fund, Inc. is an open-end, non-diversified,
       management investment company. It was incorporated under Maryland law on
       January 24, 1989, and commenced operations on September 29, 1989. The
       Dreyfus Corporation ("Dreyfus") serves as the Fund's manager while Mellon
       Equity Associates, an affiliate of Dreyfus serves as the Fund's index
       manager.

       Investment Objective: To provide investment results that correspond to
       the price and yield performance of publicly traded common stocks in the
       aggregate, as represented by the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock
       Price Index. The Fund is neither sponsored by nor affiliated with
       Standard & Poor's Corporation.

THE DREYFUS SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE GROWTH FUND, INC.

       The Dreyfus Socially Responsible Growth Fund, Inc. is an open-end,
       diversified, management investment company. It was incorporated under
       Maryland law on July 20, 1992, and commenced operations on October 7,
       1993. The Dreyfus Corporation serves as the Fund's investment advisor.
       Tiffany Capital Advisors, Inc. serves as the Fund's sub-investment
       adviser and provides day-to-day management of the Fund's portfolio.

       Investment Objective: The Fund's primary goal is to provide capital
       growth through equity investment in companies that, in the opinion of the
       Fund's management, not only meet traditional investment standards but
       which also show evidence that they conduct their business in a manner
       that contributes to the enhancement of the quality of life in America.
       Current income is secondary to the primary goal.

FIDELITY VARIABLE INSURANCE PRODUCTS FUND

       The Fund is an open-end, diversified, management investment company
organized as a Massachusetts business trust on November 13, 1981. The Fund's
shares are purchased by insurance companies to fund benefits under variable
insurance and annuity policies. Fidelity Management & Research Company ("FMR")
is the Fund's manager.

       -EQUITY-INCOME PORTFOLIO

       Investment Objective: To seek reasonable income by investing primarily in
       income-producing equity securities. In choosing these securities FMR also
       will consider the potential for capital appreciation. The Portfolio's
       goal is to achieve a yield which exceeds the composite yield on the
       securities comprising the Standard & Poor's 500 Composite Stock Price
       Index.

       -GROWTH PORTFOLIO

       Investment Objective: Seeks to achieve capital appreciation. This
       Portfolio will invest in the securities of both well-known and
       established companies, and smaller, less well-known companies which may
       have a narrow product line or whose securities are thinly traded. These
       latter securities will often involve greater risk than may be found in
       the ordinary investment security. FMR's analysis and expertise plays an
       integral role in the selection of securities and, therefore, the
       performance of the Portfolio. Many securities which FMR believes would
       have the greatest potential may be regarded as speculative, and
       investment in the Portfolio may involve greater risk than is inherent in
       other underlying mutual funds. It is also important to point out that the
       Portfolio makes most sense for you if you can afford to ride out changes
       in the stock market, because it invests primarily in common stocks. FMR
       also can make temporary investments in securities such as
       investment-grade bonds, high-quality preferred stocks and short-term
       notes, for defensive purposes when it believes market conditions warrant.

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<PAGE>   38
       -HIGH INCOME PORTFOLIO

       Investment Objective: Seeks to obtain a high level of current income by
       investing primarily in high-risk, lower-rated, high-yielding,
       fixed-income securities, while also considering growth of capital. The
       Portfolio manager will seek high current income normally by investing the
       Portfolio's assets as follows:

       -   at least 65% in income-producing debt securities and preferred 
           stocks, including convertible securities

       -   up to 20% in common stocks and other equity securities when
           consistent with the Portfolio's primary objective or acquired as part
           of a unit combining fixed-income and equity securities

           Higher yields are usually available on securities that are
           lower-rated or that are unrated. Lower-rated securities are usually
           defined as Ba or lower by Moody's; BB or lower by Standard & Poor's
           and may be deemed to be of a speculative nature. The Portfolio may
           also purchase lower-quality bonds such as those rated Ca3 by Moody's
           or C- by Standard & Poor's which provide poor protection for payment
           of principal and interest (commonly referred to as "junk bonds"). For
           a further discussion of lower-rated securities, please see the "Risks
           of Lower-Rated Debt Securities" section of the Portfolio's
           prospectus.

       -OVERSEAS PORTFOLIO

       Investment Objective: To seek long term growth of capital primarily
       through investments in foreign securities. The Overseas Portfolio
       provides a means for investors to diversify their own portfolios by
       participating in companies and economies outside of the United States.

FIDELITY VARIABLE INSURANCE PRODUCTS FUND II

       The Variable Insurance Products Fund II is an open-end, diversified,
management investment company organized as a Massachusetts business trust on
March 21, 1988. The Fund's shares are purchased by insurance companies to fund
benefits under variable insurance and annuity policies. Fidelity Management &
Research Company ("FMR") is the Fund's manager.

       -ASSET MANAGER PORTFOLIO

       Investment Objective: To seek high total return with reduced risk over
       the long-term by allocating its assets among domestic and foreign stocks,
       bonds and short-term fixed income instruments.

       -CONTRAFUND PORTFOLIO

       Investment Objective: To seek capital appreciation by investing primarily
       in companies that the Fund manager believes to be undervalued due to an
       overly pessimistic appraisal by the public. This strategy can lead to
       investments in domestic or foreign companies, small and large, many of
       which may not be well known. The Fund primarily invests in common stock
       and securities convertible into common stock, but it has the flexibility
       to invest in any type of security that may produce capital appreciation.

NATIONWIDE SEPARATE ACCOUNT TRUST

       Nationwide Separate Account Trust (the "Trust") is a diversified open-end
management investment company created under the laws of Massachusetts. The Trust
offers shares in the five separate mutual funds listed below, each with its own
investment objectives. Currently, shares of the Trust will be sold only to life
insurance company separate accounts to fund the benefits under variable life
insurance policies or variable annuity contracts issued by life insurance
companies. The assets of the Trust are managed by Nationwide Financial Services,
Inc., One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, Ohio 43216, a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Nationwide Life Insurance Company.

       -CAPITAL APPRECIATION FUND

       Investment Objective: The Fund is designed for investors who are
       interested in long-term growth. The Fund seeks to meet its objective
       primarily through a diversified portfolio of the common stock of
       companies which the investment manager determines have a
       better-than-average potential for sustained capital growth over the long
       term.

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       -GOVERNMENT BOND FUND

       Investment Objective: To provide as high a level of income as is
       consistent with the preservation of capital. It seeks to achieve its
       objective by investing in a diversified portfolio of securities issued or
       backed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities.

       -MONEY MARKET FUND

       Investment Objective: To seek as high a level of current income as is
       considered consistent with the preservation of capital and liquidity by
       investing primarily in money market instruments.

       -SMALL COMPANY FUND

       Investment Objective: The Fund seeks long-term growth of capital by
       investing primarily in equity securities of domestic and foreign
       companies with market capitalizations of less than $1 billion at the time
       of purchase. Nationwide Financial Services, Inc. ("NFS"), the Fund's
       adviser, has employed a group of sub-advisers, each of which will manage
       a portion of the Fund's portfolio. These sub-advisers are the Dreyfus
       Corporation, Neuberger & Berman, L. P., Pictet International Management
       Limited, Van Eck Associates Corporation, Strong Capital Management, Inc.
       and Warburg Pincus Counsellors, Inc. The sub-advisers were chosen because
       they utilize a number of different investment styles when investing in
       small company stocks. By utilizing a number of investment styles, NFS
       hopes to increase prospects for investment return and to reduce market
       risk and volatility.

       -TOTAL RETURN FUND

       Investment Objective: To obtain a reasonable long-term total return
       (i.e., earnings growth plus potential dividend yield) on invested capital
       from a flexible combination of current return and capital gains through
       investments in common stocks, convertible issues, money market
       instruments and bonds with a primary emphasis on common stocks.

NEUBERGER & BERMAN ADVISERS MANAGEMENT TRUST

       Neuberger & Berman Advisers Management Trust is an open-end diversified
management investment company established as a Massachusetts business trust on
December 14, 1983. Shares of the Trust are offered in connection with certain
variable annuity contracts and variable life insurance policies issued through
life insurance company separate accounts and are also offered directly to
qualified pension and retirement plans outside of the separate account context.
The investment adviser is Neuberger & Berman Management Incorporated.

       -GROWTH PORTFOLIO

       Investment Objective: The Portfolio seeks capital growth through
       investments in common stocks of companies that the investment adviser
       believes will have above average earnings or otherwise provide investors
       with above average potential for capital appreciation. To maximize this
       potential, the investment adviser may also utilize, from time to time,
       securities convertible into common stocks, warrants and options to
       purchase such stocks.

       -LIMITED MATURITY BOND PORTFOLIO

       Investment Objective: To provide the high level of current income,
       consistent with low risk to principal and liquidity. As a secondary
       objective, it also seeks to enhance its total return through capital
       appreciation when market factors, such as falling interest rates and
       rising bond prices, indicate that capital appreciation may be available
       without significant risk to principal. It seeks to achieve its objectives
       through investments in a diversified portfolio of limited maturity debt
       securities.

       -PARTNERS PORTFOLIO

       Investment Objective: To seek capital growth. This Portfolio will seek to
       achieve its objective by investing primarily in the common stock of
       established companies. Its investment program seeks securities believed
       to be undervalued based on fundamentals such as low price-to-earnings
       ratios, consistent cash flows, and support from asset values. The
       objective of the Partners Portfolio is not fundamental and can be changed
       by the Trustees of the Trust without shareholder approval. Shareholders
       will, however, receive at least 30 days prior notice thereof. There is no
       assurance the investment objective will be met.


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OPPENHEIMER VARIABLE ACCOUNT FUNDS

       The Oppenheimer Variable Account Funds is an open-end, diversified
management investment company organized as a Massachusetts business trust in
1984. Shares of the Funds are sold only to provide benefits under variable life
insurance policies and variable annuity contracts. Oppenheimer Funds, Inc. is
the Funds' investment adviser.

       -OPPENHEIMER BOND FUND

       Investment Objective: Primarily to seek a high level of current income
       from investment in high yield fixed-income securities rated "Baa" or
       better by Moody's or "BBB" or better by Standard & Poor's. Secondarily,
       the Fund seeks capital growth when consistent with its primary objective.

       -OPPENHEIMER GLOBAL SECURITIES FUND

       Investment Objective: To seek long-term capital appreciation by investing
       a substantial portion of assets in securities of foreign issuers,
       "growth-type" companies, cyclical industries and special situations which
       are considered to have appreciation possibilities. Current income is not
       an objective. These securities may be considered to be speculative.

       -OPPENHEIMER MULTIPLE STRATEGIES FUND

       Investment Objective: To seek a total investment return (which includes
       current income and capital appreciation in the value of its shares) from
       investments in common stocks and other equity securities, bonds and other
       debt securities, and "money market" securities.

STRONG SPECIAL FUND II, INC.

       The Strong Special Fund II, Inc. is a diversified, open-end management
company commonly called a Mutual Fund. The Special Fund II, Inc. was
incorporated in Wisconsin and may only be purchased by the separate accounts of
insurance companies for the purpose of funding variable annuity contracts and
variable life insurance policies. Strong Capital Management Inc. (the "Advisor")
is the investment advisor for the Fund.

       Investment Objective: To seek capital appreciation through investments in
       a diversified portfolio of equity securities.

STRONG VARIABLE INSURANCE FUNDS, INC.

       Strong Variable Insurance Funds, Inc. ("Corporation") is an open-end
management investment company commonly referred to as a mutual fund.
Incorporated in the State of Wisconsin, the Corporation has been authorized to
issue shares of common stock and series and classes of series of common stock.
The International Stock Fund II and The Strong Discovery Fund II, Inc. ("Funds")
are offered by the Corporation to insurance company separate accounts for the
purpose of funding variable life insurance policies and variable annuity
contracts. Strong Capital Management, Inc. is the investment advisor to the
Funds.

       -STRONG DISCOVERY FUND II, INC.

       Investment Objective: To seek maximum capital appreciation through
       investments in a diversified portfolio of securities. The Fund normally
       emphasizes investment in equity securities and may invest up to 100% of
       its total assets in equity securities including common stocks, preferred
       stocks and securities convertible into common or preferred stocks.
       Although the Fund normally emphasizes investment in equity securities,
       the Fund has the flexibility to invest in any type of security that the
       Advisor believes has the potential for capital appreciation including up
       to 100% of its total assets in debt obligations, including intermediate
       to long-term corporate or U.S. government debt securities.

       -STRONG INTERNATIONAL STOCK FUND II

       Investment Objective: To seek capital growth by investing primarily in
       the equity securities of issuers located outside the United States.

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TCI PORTFOLIOS, INC., A MEMBER OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY FAMILY OF MUTUAL FUNDS

       TCI Portfolio, Inc. was organized as a Maryland corporation in 1987. It
is a diversified, open-end management investment company, designed only to
provide investment vehicles for variable annuity and variable life insurance
products of insurance companies. A member of the Twentieth Century Family of
Mutual Funds, TCI Portfolios is managed by Investors Research Corporation.

       -TCI BALANCED

       Investment Objective: Capital growth and current income. The Fund will
       seek to achieve its objective by maintaining approximately 60% of the
       assets of the Fund in common stocks (including securities convertible
       into common stocks and other equity equivalents) that are considered by
       management to have better-than-average prospects for appreciation and
       approximately 40% in fixed income securities. A minimum of 25% of the
       fixed income portion of the Fund will be invested in fixed income senior
       securities. There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its
       investment objective.

       -TCI GROWTH

       Investment Objective: Capital growth. The Fund will seek to achieve its
       objective by investing in common stocks (including securities convertible
       into common stocks and other equity equivalents) that meet certain
       fundamental and technical standards of selection and have, in the opinion
       of the Fund's investment manager, better than average potential for
       appreciation. The Fund tries to stay fully invested in such securities,
       regardless of the movement of stock prices generally.

       The Fund may invest in cash and cash equivalents temporarily or when it
       is unable to find common stocks meeting its criteria of selection. It may
       purchase securities only of companies that have a record of at least
       three years continuous operation. There can be no assurance that the Fund
       will achieve its investment objective.

       -TCI INTERNATIONAL

       Investment Objective: To seek capital growth. The Fund will seek to
       achieve its investment objective by investing primarily in securities of
       foreign companies that meet certain fundamental and technical standards
       of selection and, in the opinion of the investment manager, have
       potential for appreciation. Under normal conditions, the Fund will invest
       at least 65% of its assets in common stocks or other equity securities of
       issuers from at least three countries outside the United States.
       Securities of United States issuers may be included in the portfolio from
       time to time. Although the primary investment of the Fund will be common
       stocks (defined to include depository receipts for common stocks), the
       Fund may also invest in other types of securities consistent with the
       Fund's objective. When the manager believes that the total return
       potential of other securities equals or exceeds the potential return of
       common stocks, the Fund may invest up to 35% of its assets in such other
       securities. There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its
       objectives.

       (Although the Statement of Additional Information concerning TCI
       Portfolios, Inc. refers to redemptions of securities in kind under
       certain conditions, all surrendering or redeeming Contract Owners will
       receive cash from the Company.)

VAN ECK WORLDWIDE INSURANCE TRUST

       Van Eck Worldwide Insurance Trust is an open-end management investment
company organized as a "Business Trust" under the laws of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts on January 7, 1987. Trust shares are offered only to separate
accounts of various insurance companies to fund the benefits of variable
insurance and annuity policies. The investment adviser and manager is Van Eck
Associates Corporation.

       -GOLD AND NATURAL RESOURCES FUND

       Investment Objective: To seek long-term capital appreciation by investing
       in equity and debt securities of companies engaged in the exploration,
       development, production and Distribution of gold and other natural
       resources, such as strategic and other metals, minerals, forest products,
       oil, natural gas and coal. Current income is not an objective.

       -WORLDWIDE BOND FUND

       Investment Objective: To seek high total return through a flexible policy
       of investing globally, primarily in debt securities.

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VAN KAMPEN AMERICAN CAPITAL LIFE INVESTMENT TRUST

       The Van Kampen American Capital Life Investment Trust is an open-end
diversified management investment company organized as a Massachusetts business
trust on June 3, 1985. The Trust offers shares in separate funds which are sold
only to insurance companies to provide funding for variable life insurance
policies and variable annuity contracts. Van Kampen American Capital Asset
Management, Inc. serves as the Fund's investment adviser.

       -REAL ESTATE SECURITIES FUND

       Investment Objective: To seek long-term capital growth by investing in a
       portfolio of securities of companies operating in the real estate
       industry ("Real Estate Securities"). Current income is a secondary
       consideration. Real Estate Securities include equity securities,
       including common stocks and convertible securities, as well as
       non-convertible preferred stocks and debt securities of real estate
       industry companies. A "real estate industry company" is a company that
       derives at least 50% of its assets (marked to market), gross income or
       net profits from the ownership, construction, management or sale of
       residential, commercial or industrial real estate. Under normal market
       conditions, at least 65% of the Fund's total assets will be invested in
       Real Estate Securities, primarily equity securities of real estate
       investment trusts. The Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in
       securities issued by foreign issuers, some or all of which may also be
       Real Estate Securities. There can be no assurance that the Fund will
       achieve its investment objective.

WARBURG PINCUS TRUST

       The Warburg Pincus Trust ("Trust") is an open-end management investment
company organized in March 1995 as a business trust under the laws of The
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Trust offers its shares to insurance
companies for allocation to separate accounts for the purpose of funding
variable annuity and variable life contracts. Trust portfolios are managed by
Warburg, Pincus Counsellors, Inc. ("Counsellors.")

       -INTERNATIONAL EQUITY PORTFOLIO

       Investment Objective: To seek long-term capital appreciation by investing
       primarily in a broadly diversified portfolio of equity securities of
       companies, wherever organized, that in the judgment of "Counsellors" have
       their principal business activities and interests outside the United
       States. The Portfolio will ordinarily invest substantially all of its
       assets, but no less than 65% of its total assets, in common stocks,
       warrants and securities convertible into or exchangeable for common
       stocks. The Portfolio intends to invest principally in the securities of
       financially strong companies with opportunities for growth within growing
       international economies and markets through increased earning power and
       improved utilization or recognition of assets.

       -SMALL COMPANY GROWTH PORTFOLIO

       Investment Objective: To seek capital growth by investing in a portfolio
       of equity securities of small-sized domestic companies. The Portfolio
       ordinarily will invest at least 65% of its total assets in common stocks
       or warrants of small-sized companies (i.e., companies having stock market
       capitalizations of between $25 million and $1 billion at the time of
       purchase) that represent attractive opportunities for capital growth. The
       Portfolio intends to invest primarily in companies whose securities are
       traded on domestic stock exchanges or in the over-the-counter market. The
       Portfolio's investments will be made on the basis of their equity
       characteristics and securities ratings generally will not be a factor in
       the selection process.

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<PAGE>   43
                       STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
                                 OCTOBER 1, 1996
INDIVIDUAL MODIFIED SINGLE PREMIUM DEFERRED VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACTS ISSUED BY
                      THE NATIONWIDE VA SEPARATE ACCOUNT-B
                OF NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY

       This Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus. It contains
information in addition to and more detailed than set forth in the prospectus
and should be read in conjunction with the prospectus dated October 1, 1996. The
prospectus may be obtained from Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company by
writing P.O. Box 16609, Columbus, Ohio 43216-6609, or calling 1-800-848-6331,
TDD 1-800-238-3035.

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                      PAGE

General Information and History........................................1
Services...............................................................1
Purchase of Securities Being Offered...................................1
Underwriters...........................................................2
Calculations of Performance............................................2
Annuity Payments.......................................................3
Financial Statements...................................................4

GENERAL INFORMATION AND HISTORY

       The Nationwide VA Separate Account-B, (formerly Financial Horizons VA
Separate Account-2) is a separate investment account of Nationwide Life and
Annuity Company ("Company")(formerly Financial Horizons Life Insurance Company).
On April 7, 1988, ownership of the Company changed from Nationwide Mutual
Insurance Company to Nationwide Life Insurance Company. The Company is a member
of the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise and all of the Company's common stock is
owned entirely by Nationwide Life Insurance Company. The common stock of
Nationwide Life Insurance Company is owed by Nationwide Corporation. Nationwide
Corporation is a holding company. All of its common stock is held by Nationwide
Mutual Insurance Company (95.3%) and Nationwide Mutual Fire Insurance Company
(4.7%).

SERVICES

       The Company, which has responsibility for administration of the Contracts
and the Variable Account, maintains records of the name, address, taxpayer
identification number, and other pertinent information for each Contract Owner
and the number and type of Contract issued to each such Contract Owner and
records with respect to the Contract Value of each Contract.

       The Custodian of the assets of the Variable Account is the Company. The
Company will maintain a record of all purchases and redemptions of shares of the
underlying Mutual Funds. The Company, or affiliates of the Company may have
entered into agreements with either the investment adviser or distributor for
several of the underlying Mutual Funds. The agreements relate to administrative
services furnished by the Company or an affiliate of the Company and provide for
an annual fee based on the average aggregate net assets of the Variable Account
(and other separate accounts of the Company or life insurance company
subsidiaries of the Company) invested in particular underlying Mutual Funds.
These fees in no way affect the Net Asset Value of the underlying Mutual Funds
or fees paid by the Contract Owner.

       The financial statements and schedules have been included herein in
reliance upon the reports of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, independent certified public
accountants, Two Nationwide Plaza, Columbus, Ohio 43215, and upon the authority
of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

PURCHASE OF SECURITIES BEING OFFERED

       The Contracts will be sold by licensed insurance agents in the states
where the Contracts may be lawfully sold. Such agents will be registered
representatives of broker-dealers registered under the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934 who are members of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
("NASD").

                                       1

                                    43 of 84
<PAGE>   44
       The Contract Owner may transfer up to 100% of the Contract Value from the
Variable Account to the Fixed Account. However, the Company, at its sole
discretion, reserves the right to limit such transfers to 25% of the Contract
Value for any 12 month period. Contract Owners may at the maturity of an
Interest Rate Guarantee Period transfer a portion of the Contract Value of the
Fixed Account to the Variable Account. Such portion will be determined by the
Company at its sole discretion (but will not be less than 10% of the total value
of the portion of the Fixed Account that is maturing), and will be declared upon
the expiration date of the then current Interest Rate Guarantee Period. The
Interest Rate Guarantee Period expires on the final day of a calendar quarter.
Transfers under this provision must be made within 45 days after the termination
date of the guarantee period. Owners who have entered into a Dollar Cost
Averaging agreement with the Company may transfer from the Fixed Account under
the terms of that agreement.

       Transfers from the Fixed and Variable Accounts may not be made prior to
the first Contract Anniversary. Transfers from the Fixed Account may not be made
within 12 months of any prior Transfer. Transfers must also be made prior to the
Annuitization Date.

UNDERWRITERS

       The Contracts, which are offered continuously, are distributed by
Nationwide Financial Services, Inc. ("NFS"), One Nationwide Plaza, Columbus,
Ohio 43216, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. During the fiscal years
ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993, no underwriting commissions were paid by
the Company to NFS.

CALCULATIONS OF PERFORMANCE

       Any current yield quotations of the Nationwide Separate Account Trust
Money Market Fund Sub-Account, subject to Rule 482 of the Securities Act of
1933, shall consist of a seven calendar day historical yield, carried at least
to the nearest hundredth of a percent. The yield shall be calculated by
determining the net change, exclusive of capital changes, in the value of
hypothetical pre-existing account having a balance of one accumulation unit at
the beginning of the base period, subtracting a hypothetical charge reflecting
deductions from Contract Owner accounts, and dividing the net change in account
value by the value of the account at the beginning of the period to obtain a
base period return, and multiplying the base period return by (365/7) or (366/7)
in a leap year. The Nationwide Separate Account Trust Money Market Fund
Sub-Account's effective yield is computed similarly but includes the effect of
assumed compounding on an annualized basis of the current unit value yield
quotations of the Nationwide Separate Account Trust Money Market Fund.

       The Nationwide Separate Account Trust Money Market Fund Sub-Account's
yield and effective yield will fluctuate daily. Actual yields will depend on
factors such as the type of instruments in the Nationwide Separate Account Trust
Money Market Fund's portfolio, portfolio quality and average maturity, changes
in interest rates, and the Fund's expenses. Although the Sub-Account determines
its yield on the basis of a seven calendar day period, it may use a different
time period on occasion. The yield quotes may reflect the expense limitation
described "Investment Manager and Other Services" in the Fund's Statement of
Additional Information. There is no assurance that the yields quoted on any
given occasion will remain in effect for any period of time and there is no
guarantee that the Net Asset Values will remain constant. It should be noted
that a Contract Owner's investment in the Nationwide Separate Account Trust
Money Market Fund Sub-Account is not guaranteed or insured. Yield of other money
market funds may not be comparable if a different base period or another method
of calculation is used.

       All performance advertising shall also include quotations of standardized
average annual total return, calculated in accordance with a standard method
prescribed by rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, to facilitate
comparison with standardized Average annual total return advertised for a
specific period is found by first taking a hypothetical $1,000 investment in
each of the Sub-Accounts' units on the first day of the period at the offering
price, which is the Accumulation Unit Value per unit ("initial investment") and
computing the ending redeemable value ("redeemable value") of that investment at
the end of the period. The redeemable value is then divided by the initial
investment and this quotient is taken to the Nth root (N represents the number
of years in the period) and 1 is subtracted from the result which is then
expressed as a percentage, carried to at least the nearest hundredth of a
percent. Standardized average annual total return reflects the deduction of a
1.40% Mortality, Expense Risk and Administration Charge. The redeemable value
also reflects the effect of any applicable Contingent Deferred Sales Charge that
may be imposed at the end of

                                       2

                                    44 of 84
<PAGE>   45

the period (see "Contingent Deferred Sales Charge" located in the prospectus).
No deduction is made for premium taxes which may be assessed by certain states.
Nonstandardized total return may also be advertised, and is calculated in a
manner similar to standardized average annual total return except the
nonstandardized total return is based on a hypothetical initial investment of
$25,000 and does not reflect the deduction of any applicable Contingent Deferred
Sales Charge. Reflecting the Contingent Deferred Sales Charge would decrease the
level of the performance advertised. The Contingent Deferred Sales Charge is not
reflected because the Contract is designed for long term investment. An assumed
initial investment of $25,000 will be used because that figure more closely
approximates the size of a typical Contract than does the $1,000 figure used in
calculating the standardized average annual total return quotations.

       The standardized average annual total return and nonstandardized total
return quotations will be current to the last day of the calendar quarter
preceding the date on which an advertisement is submitted for publication. Both
the standardized average annual return and the nonstandardized total return will
be based on rolling calendar quarters and will cover periods of one, five, and
ten years, or a period covering the time the underlying Mutual Fund option held
in the Sub-Account has been in existence, if the underlying Mutual Fund option
has not been in existence for one of the prescribed periods. For those
underlying Mutual Fund options which have not been held as Sub-Accounts within
the Variable Account for one of the quoted periods, the standardized average
annual total return and nonstandardized total return quotations will show the
investment performance such underlying Mutual Fund options would have achieved
(reduced by the applicable charges) had they been held as Sub-Accounts within
the Variable Account for the period quoted.

       Quotations of standardized average annual total return and
non-standardized total return are based upon historical earnings and will
fluctuate. Any quotation of performance, therefore, would not be considered a
guarantee of future performance. Factors affecting a Sub-Account's performance
include general market conditions, operating expenses and investment management.
A Contract Owner's account when redeemed may be more or less than original cost.

ANNUITY PAYMENTS

     See "Frequency and Amount of Annuity payments" located in the prospectus.

                                       3

                                    45 of 84
<PAGE>   46

<PAGE>   1
                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT

The Board of Directors 
     Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company:

     We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Nationwide Life and
Annuity Insurance Company (formerly Financial Horizons Life Insurance Company)
(a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company) as of December
31, 1995 and 1994, and the related statements of income, shareholder's equity
and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31,
1995. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audits.

     We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

     In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of Nationwide Life and Annuity
Insurance Company as of December 31, 1995 and 1994, and the results of its
operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period
ended December 31, 1995, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.

     In 1994, the Company adopted the provisions of the Financial Accounting
Standards Board's Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 115,
Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities.

     In 1993, the Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 109, Accounting for
Income Taxes and SFAS No. 106, Employers' Accounting for Postretirement Benefits
Other Than Pensions.

                                                          KPMG Peat Marwick LLP

Columbus, Ohio
February 26, 1996

<PAGE>   2
                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
              (formerly Financial Horizons Life Insurance Company)
        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                                 Balance Sheets

                           December 31, 1995 and 1994
                                 (000's omitted)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         Assets                                              1995            1994
                                         ------                                            --------       --------

<S>                                                                                        <C>             <C>
Investments (notes 5, 8 and 9):
   Securities available-for-sale, at fair value:
      Fixed maturities (cost $539,214 in 1995; $427,874 in 1994)                           $555,751        413,764
      Equity securities (cost $10,256 in 1995; $9,543 in 1994)                               11,407          9,411
   Fixed maturities held-to-maturity, at amortized cost (fair value $78,690 in 1994)           --           82,631
   Mortgage loans on real estate                                                            104,736         95,281
   Real estate                                                                                1,117          1,802
   Policy loans                                                                                  94             79
   Short-term investments (note 13)                                                           4,844            365
                                                                                           --------       --------
                                                                                            677,949        603,333
                                                                                           --------       --------

Accrued investment income                                                                     8,464          8,041
Deferred policy acquisition costs                                                            23,405         41,540
Deferred Federal income tax                                                                    --            1,923
Other assets                                                                                    208            270
Assets held in Separate Accounts (note 8)                                                   257,556        177,933
                                                                                           --------       --------
                                                                                           $967,582        833,040
                                                                                           ========       ========

                          Liabilities and Shareholder's Equity
                          ------------------------------------

Future policy benefits and claims (notes 6 and 8)                                           621,280        583,188
Accrued Federal income tax (note 7):
   Current                                                                                      708             10
   Deferred                                                                                   2,830           --
                                                                                           --------       --------
                                                                                              3,538             10
                                                                                           --------       --------

Other liabilities                                                                             5,031          4,663
Liabilities related to Separate Accounts (note 8)                                           257,556        177,933
                                                                                           --------       --------
                                                                                            887,405        765,794
                                                                                           --------       --------

Shareholder's equity (notes 3, 4, 5 and 12):
   Capital shares, $40 par value.  Authorized, issued and outstanding 66 shares               2,640          2,640
   Additional paid-in capital                                                                52,960         52,960
   Retained earnings                                                                         20,123         15,349
   Unrealized gains (losses) on securities available-for-sale, net                            4,454         (3,703)
                                                                                           --------       --------
                                                                                             80,177         67,246
                                                                                           --------       --------
Commitments (note 9)

                                                                                           $967,582        833,040
                                                                                           ========       ========
</TABLE>


See accompanying notes to financial statements.


<PAGE>   3

                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
              (formerly Financial Horizons Life Insurance Company)
        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                              Statements of Income

                  Years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993
                                 (000's omitted)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  1995            1994            1993
                                                                                --------        --------        --------

<S>                                                                             <C>               <C>             <C>
Revenues (note 14):
   Traditional life insurance premiums                                          $    674             311              85
   Universal life and investment product policy charges                            4,322           3,601           2,345
   Net investment income (note 5)                                                 49,108          45,030          40,477
   Realized (losses) gains on investments (note 5)                                  (702)           (625)            420
                                                                                --------        --------        --------
                                                                                  53,402          48,317          43,327
                                                                                --------        --------        --------
Benefits and expenses:
   Benefits and claims                                                            34,180          29,870          29,439
   Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs                               5,508           6,940           4,128
   Other operating costs and expenses                                              6,567           6,320           5,424
                                                                                --------        --------        --------
                                                                                  46,255          43,130          38,991
                                                                                --------        --------        --------
      Income before Federal income tax expense and cumulative effect of
         changes in accounting principles                                          7,147           5,187           4,336
                                                                                --------        --------        --------

Federal income tax expense (benefit) (note 7):
   Current                                                                         2,012           2,103           1,982
   Deferred                                                                          361            (244)           (630)
                                                                                --------        --------        --------
                                                                                   2,373           1,859           1,352
                                                                                --------        --------        --------

      Income before cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles          4,774           3,328           2,984

Cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles, net (note 3)                 --              --              (514)
                                                                                --------        --------        --------

      Net income                                                                $  4,774           3,328           2,470
                                                                                ========        ========        ========
</TABLE>


See accompanying notes to financial statements.


<PAGE>   4

                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
              (formerly Financial Horizons Life Insurance Company)

        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                       Statements of Shareholder's Equity

                  Years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993
                                 (000's omitted)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                   Unrealized
                                                                                                 gains (losses)
                                                                 Additional                      on securities         Total
                                                    Capital       paid-in        Retained       available-for-    shareholder's
                                                    shares        capital        earnings         sale, net           equity
                                                   --------      ----------      ---------      ---------------   --------------
<S>                                                 <C>            <C>          <C>                 <C>                <C>
1993:                                                                                                              
   Balance, beginning of year                       $ 2,640        43,960         9,551                 21              56,172
   Net income                                          --            --           2,470               --                 2,470
   Unrealized gains on equity securities, net          --            --            --                   17                  17
                                                    -------       -------       -------             ------
                                                                                                                       -------
   Balance, end of year                             $ 2,640        43,960        12,021                 38              58,659
                                                    =======       =======       =======             ======             =======
                                                                                                                   
1994:                                                                                                              
   Balance, beginning of year                         2,640        43,960        12,021                 38              58,659
   Capital contribution                                --           9,000          --                 --                 9,000
   Net income                                          --            --           3,328               --                 3,328
   Adjustment for change in accounting for                                                                         
      certain investments in debt and equity                                                                       
      securities, net (note 3)                         --            --            --                4,698               4,698
   Unrealized losses on securities available-                                                                      
      for-sale, net                                    --            --            --               (8,439)             (8,439)
                                                    -------       -------       -------            -------             -------
   Balance, end of year                             $ 2,640        52,960        15,349             (3,703)             67,246
                                                    =======       =======       =======            =======             =======
                                                                                                                   
1995:                                                                                                              
   Balance, beginning of year                         2,640        52,960        15,349             (3,703)             67,246
   Net income                                          --            --           4,774               --                 4,774
   Unrealized gains on securities available-                                                                       
      for-sale, net                                    --            --            --                8,157               8,157
                                                    -------       -------       -------            -------             -------
   Balance, end of year                             $ 2,640        52,960        20,123              4,454              80,177
                                                    =======       =======       =======            =======             =======
</TABLE>


See accompanying notes to financial statements.


<PAGE>   5

                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
              (formerly Financial Horizons Life Insurance Company)

        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                            Statements of Cash Flows

                  Years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993
                                 (000's omitted)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              1994            1994            1993
                                                                            --------        --------        --------

<S>                                                                         <C>             <C>             <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
   Net income                                                               $  4,774           3,328           2,470
   Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
      (used in) operating activities:
         Capitalization of deferred policy acquisition costs                  (6,754)         (7,283)        (10,351)
         Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs                     5,508           6,940           4,128
         Amortization and depreciation                                           878             473             660
         Realized losses (gains) on invested assets, net                         702             625            (420)
         Deferred Federal income tax expense (benefit)                           361            (244)           (784)
         Increase in accrued investment income                                  (423)           (750)         (1,078)
         Decrease (increase) in other assets                                      62            (126)            326
         Increase (decrease) in policy liabilities                               627             926            (202)
         Increase (decrease) in accrued Federal income tax payable               698            (254)            666
         Increase (decrease) in other liabilities                                368            (505)          2,843
                                                                            --------        --------        --------
            Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities                6,801           3,130          (1,742)
                                                                            --------        --------        --------

Cash flows from investing activities:
   Proceeds from maturity of securities available-for-sale                    41,729          24,850            --
   Proceeds from sale of securities available-for-sale                         3,070          13,170             134
   Proceeds from maturity of fixed maturities held-to-maturity                11,251           8,483          28,829
   Proceeds from sale of fixed maturities                                       --              --             2,136
   Proceeds from repayments of mortgage loans on real estate                   8,673           5,733           3,804
   Proceeds from sale of real estate                                             655            --              --
   Proceeds from repayments of policy loans                                       50               2               2
   Cost of securities available-for-sale acquired                            (79,140)        (94,130)           (661)
   Cost of fixed maturities held-to maturity acquired                         (8,000)        (15,544)       (100,671)
   Cost of mortgage loans on real estate acquired                            (18,000)        (11,000)        (31,200)
   Cost of real estate acquired                                                  (10)            (52)             (2)
   Policy loans issued                                                           (66)            (80)             (2)
                                                                            --------        --------        --------
            Net cash used in investing activities                            (39,788)        (68,568)        (97,631)
                                                                            --------        --------        --------

Cash flows form financing activities:
   Proceeds from capital contribution                                           --             9,000            --
   Increase in universal life and investment product account balances         79,523          95,254         127,050
   Decrease in universal life and investment product account balances        (42,057)        (40,223)        (33,159)
                                                                            --------        --------        --------
            Net cash provided by financing activities                         37,466          64,031          93,891
                                                                            --------        --------        --------

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents                           4,479          (1,407)         (5,482)

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year                                     365           1,772           7,254
                                                                            --------        --------        --------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year                                      $  4,844             365           1,772
                                                                            ========        ========        ========
</TABLE>


See accompanying notes to financial statements.


<PAGE>   6

                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
              (formerly Financial Horizons Life Insurance Company)

        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                          Notes to Financial Statements

                        December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993
                                 (000's omitted)

(1)      Organization and Description of Business

         Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company, formerly Financial
         Horizons Life Insurance Company, (the Company) is a wholly owned
         subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company (NLIC).

         The Company is a life insurer licensed in 42 states and the District of
         Columbia. The Company sells primarily fixed and variable rate annuities
         through banks and other financial institutions. In addition, the
         Company sells universal life and other interest-sensitive life
         insurance products and is subject to competition from other insurers
         throughout the United States. The Company is subject to regulation by
         the Insurance Departments of states in which it is licensed, and
         undergoes periodic examinations by those departments.

         The following is a description of the most significant risks facing
         life insurers and how the Company mitigates those risks:

              Legal/Regulatory Risk is the risk that changes in the legal or
              regulatory environment in which an insurer operates will create
              additional expenses not anticipated by the insurer in pricing its
              products. That is, regulatory initiatives designed to reduce
              insurer profits, new legal theories or insurance company
              insolvencies through guaranty fund assessments may create costs
              for the insurer beyond those currently recorded in the financial
              statements. The Company mitigates this risk by operating
              throughout the United States, thus reducing its exposure to any
              single jurisdiction, and also by employing underwriting practices
              which identify and minimize the adverse impact of this risk.

              Credit Risk is the risk that issuers of securities owned by the
              Company or mortgagors on mortgage loans on real estate owned by
              the Company will default. The Company minimizes this risk by
              adhering to a conservative investment strategy, by maintaining
              sound credit and collection policies and by providing for any
              amounts deemed uncollectible.

              Interest Rate Risk is the risk that interest rates will change and
              cause a decrease in the value of an insurer's investments. This
              change in rates may cause certain interest-sensitive products to
              become uncompetitive or may cause disintermediation. The Company
              mitigates this risk by charging fees for non-conformance with
              certain policy provisions, by offering products that transfer this
              risk to the purchaser, and/or by attempting to match the maturity
              schedule of its assets with the expected payouts of its
              liabilities. To the extent that liabilities come due more quickly
              than assets mature, an insurer would have to borrow funds or sell
              assets prior to maturity and potentially recognize a gain or loss.

(2)      Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

         The significant accounting policies followed by the Company that
         materially affect financial reporting are summarized below. The
         accompanying financial statements have been prepared in accordance with
         generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) which differ from
         statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted by regulatory
         authorities. See note 4.

         In preparing the financial statements, management is required to make
         estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets
         and liabilities and the disclosures of contingent assets and
         liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported
         amounts of revenues and expenses for the reporting period. Actual
         results could differ significantly from those estimates.

         The most significant estimates include those used in determining
         deferred policy acquisition costs, valuation allowances for mortgage
         loans on real estate and real estate investments and the liability for
         future policy benefits and claims. Although some variability is
         inherent in these estimates, management believes the amounts provided
         are adequate.


<PAGE>   7

                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
              (formerly Financial Horizons Life Insurance Company)

        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued

     (a)      Valuation of Investments and Related Gains and Losses

              The Company is required to classify its fixed maturity securities
              and equity securities as held-to-maturity, available-for-sale or
              trading. Fixed maturity securities are classified as
              held-to-maturity when the Company has the positive intent and
              ability to hold the securities to maturity and are stated at
              amortized cost. Fixed maturity securities not classified as
              held-to-maturity and all equity securities are classified as
              available-for-sale and are stated at fair value, with the
              unrealized gains and losses, net of adjustments to deferred policy
              acquisition costs and deferred Federal income tax, reported as a
              separate component of shareholder's equity. The adjustment to
              deferred policy acquisition costs represents the change in
              amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs that would have
              been required as a charge or credit to operations had such
              unrealized amounts been realized. The Company has no fixed
              maturity securities classified as held-to-maturity or trading as
              of December 31, 1995.

              Mortgage loans on real estate are carried at the unpaid principal
              balance less valuation allowances. The Company provides valuation
              allowances for impairments of mortgage loans on real estate based
              on a review by portfolio managers. The measurement of impaired
              loans is based on the present value of expected future cash flows
              discounted at the loan's effective interest rate or, as a
              practical expedient, at the fair value of the collateral, if the
              loan is collateral dependent. Loans in foreclosure and loans
              considered to be impaired are placed on non-accrual status.
              Interest received on non-accrual status mortgage loans on real
              estate are included in interest income in the period received.

              Real estate is carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and
              valuation allowances.

              Realized gains and losses on the sale of investments are
              determined on the basis of specific security identification.
              Estimates for valuation allowances and other than temporary
              declines are included in realized gains and losses on investments.

              In March, 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB)
              issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 121 -
              Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for
              Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of (SFAS 121). SFAS 121 requires
              impairment losses to be recorded on long-lived assets used in
              operations when indicators of impairment are present and the
              undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets
              are less than the assets' carrying amount. SFAS 121 also addresses
              the accounting for long-lived assets that are expected to be
              disposed of. The statement is effective for fiscal years beginning
              after December 15, 1995 and earlier application is permitted.
              Previously issued financial statements shall not be restated. The
              Company will adopt SFAS 121 in 1996 and the impact on the
              financial statements is not expected to be material.

     (b)      Revenues and Benefits

              Traditional Life Insurance Products: Traditional life insurance
              products include those products with fixed and guaranteed premiums
              and benefits and consist primarily of certain annuities with life
              contingencies. Premiums for traditional life insurance products
              are recognized as revenue when due. Benefits and expenses are
              associated with earned premiums so as to result in recognition of
              profits over the life of the contract. This association is
              accomplished by the provision for future policy benefits.

              Universal Life and Investment Products: Universal life products
              include universal life, variable universal life and other
              interest-sensitive life insurance policies. Investment products
              consist primarily of individual deferred annuities and immediate
              annuities without life contingencies. Revenues for universal life
              and investment products consist of asset fees, cost of insurance,
              policy administration and surrender charges that have been earned
              and assessed against policy account balances during the period.
              Policy benefits and claims that are charged to expense include
              benefits and claims incurred in the period in excess of related
              policy account balances and interest credited to policy account
              balances.


<PAGE>   8

                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
              (formerly Financial Horizons Life Insurance Company)

        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued


     (c)      Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs

              The costs of acquiring new business, principally commissions,
              certain expenses of the policy issue and underwriting department
              and certain variable selling expenses have been deferred for
              universal life and investment products. Deferred policy
              acquisition costs are being amortized with interest over the lives
              of the policies in relation to the present value of estimated
              future gross profits from projected interest margins, asset fees,
              cost of insurance, policy administration and surrender charges.
              For years in which gross profits are negative, deferred policy
              acquisition costs are amortized based on the present value of
              gross revenues. Deferred policy acquisition costs are adjusted to
              reflect the impact of unrealized gains and losses on fixed
              maturity securities available-for-sale as described in note 2(a).

     (d)      Separate Accounts

              Separate Account assets and liabilities represent contractholders'
              funds which have been segregated into accounts with specific
              investment objectives. The investment income and gains or losses
              of these accounts accrue directly to the contractholders. The
              activity of the Separate Accounts is not reflected in the
              statements of income and cash flows except for the fees the
              Company receives for administrative services and risks assumed.

     (e)      Future Policy Benefits

              Future policy benefits for annuity policies in the accumulation
              phase, universal life and variable universal life policies have
              been calculated based on participants' contributions plus interest
              credited less applicable contract charges.

     (f)      Federal Income Tax

              The Company files a consolidated Federal income tax return with
              Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company (NMIC).

              In 1993, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting
              Standards No. 109 - Accounting for Income Taxes, which required a
              change from the deferred method of accounting for income tax of
              APB Opinion 11 to the asset and liability method of accounting for
              income tax. Under the asset and liability method, deferred tax
              assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax
              consequences attributable to differences between the financial
              statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and
              their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit
              carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured
              using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the
              years in which those temporary differences are expected to be
              recovered or settled. Under this method, the effect on deferred
              tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized
              in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
              Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce the
              deferred tax assets to the amounts expected to be realized.

              The Company has reported the cumulative effect of the change in
              method of accounting for income tax in the 1993 statement of
              income. See note 3.

     (g)      Cash Equivalents

              For purposes of the statements of cash flows, the Company
              considers all short-term investments with original maturities of
              three months or less to be cash equivalents.


<PAGE>   9

                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
              (formerly Financial Horizons Life Insurance Company)

        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued

     (h)      Reclassification

              Certain items in the 1994 and 1993 financial statements have been
              reclassified to conform to the 1995 presentation.

(3)      Changes in Accounting Principles

         Effective January 1, 1994, the Company changed its method of accounting
         for certain investments in debt and equity securities in connection
         with the issuance of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
         115 - Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities.
         As of January 1, 1994, the Company classified fixed maturity securities
         with amortized cost and fair value of $380,974 and $399,556,
         respectively, as available-for-sale and recorded the securities at fair
         value. Previously, these securities were recorded at amortized cost.
         The effect as of January 1, 1994, has been recorded as a direct credit
         to shareholder's equity as follows:

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                        <C>
              Excess of fair value over amortized cost of fixed maturity securities
                 available-for-sale                                                       $ 18,582
              Adjustment to deferred policy acquisition costs                              (11,355)
              Deferred Federal income tax                                                   (2,529)
                                                                                          --------
                                                                                          $  4,698
                                                                                          ========
</TABLE>


         During 1993, the Company adopted accounting principles in connection
         with the issuance of two accounting standards by the FASB. The effect
         as of January 1, 1993, the date of adoption, has been recognized in the
         1993 statement of income as the cumulative effect of changes in
         accounting principles, as follows:

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                  <C>   
              Asset/liability method of recognizing income tax (note 2(f))           $ (79)
              Accrual method of recognizing postretirement benefits other than
                 pensions (net of tax benefit of $234) (note 11)                      (435)
                                                                                     -----
                                                                                     $(514)
                                                                                     =====
</TABLE>


(4)      Basis of Presentation

         The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. An
         Annual Statement, filed with the Department of Insurance of the State
         of Ohio (the Department), is prepared on the basis of accounting
         practices prescribed or permitted by such regulatory authority.
         Prescribed statutory accounting practices include a variety of
         publications of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners
         (NAIC), as well as state laws, regulations and general administrative
         rules. Permitted statutory accounting practices encompass all
         accounting practices not so prescribed. The Company has no material
         permitted statutory accounting practices.

         The statutory capital shares and surplus of the Company as reported to
         regulatory authorities as of December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993 was
         $54,978, $48,947 and $35,875, respectively. The statutory net income of
         the Company as reported to regulatory authorities for the years ended
         December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993 was $8,023, $6,173 and $3,539,
         respectively.


<PAGE>   10

                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
              (formerly Financial Horizons Life Insurance Company)

        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued


(5)      Investments

         An analysis of investment income by investment type follows for the
         years ended December 31:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          1995          1994           1993
                                                         -------       -------       -------

<S>                                                      <C>            <C>           <C>
              Gross investment income:
                 Securities available-for-sale:
                    Fixed maturities                     $35,093        36,720          --
                    Equity securities                        713            16            13
                 Fixed maturities held-to-maturity         4,530           540        34,023
                 Mortgage loans on real estate             9,106         8,437         7,082
                 Real estate                                 273           175           167
                 Short-term investments                      348           207           295
                 Other                                        41            19          --
                                                         -------       -------       -------
                        Total investment income           50,104        46,114        41,580
              Less: investment expenses                      996         1,084         1,103
                                                         -------       -------       -------
                        Net investment income            $49,108        45,030        40,477
                                                         =======       =======       =======
</TABLE>


         An analysis of realized gains (losses) on investments, net of valuation
         allowances, by investment type follows for the years ended December 31:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 1995         1994          1993
                                                                 -----        -----        -----

<S>                                                              <C>           <C>          <C>
              Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale       $(822)         260         --
              Fixed maturities                                    --           --            856
              Mortgage loans on real estate                        110         (832)        (246)
              Real estate and other                                 10          (53)        (190)
                                                                 -----        -----        -----
                                                                 $(702)        (625)         420
                                                                 =====        =====        =====
</TABLE>


         The components of unrealized gains (losses) on securities
         available-for-sale, net, were as follows as of December 31:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        1995            1994
                                                                      --------        --------

<S>                                                                   <C>              <C>
                Gross unrealized gains (losses)                       $ 17,688         (14,242)
                Adjustment to deferred policy acquisition costs        (10,836)          8,545
                Deferred Federal income tax                             (2,398)          1,994
                                                                      --------        --------
                                                                      $  4,454          (3,703)
                                                                      ========        ========
</TABLE>


         An analysis of the change in gross unrealized gains (losses) on
         securities available-for-sale and fixed maturities held-to-maturity
         follows for the years ended December 31:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       1995            1994            1993
                                                      --------        --------        --------
<S>                                                   <C>              <C>               <C>  
              Securities available-for-sale:
                 Fixed maturities                     $ 30,647         (32,692)           --
                 Equity securities                       1,283            (190)             26
              Fixed maturities held-to-maturity          3,941          (8,407)          5,710
                                                      --------        --------        --------
                                                      $ 35,871         (41,289)          5,736
                                                      ========        ========        ========
</TABLE>


<PAGE>   11

                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
              (formerly Financial Horizons Life Insurance Company)

        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued

         The amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities
         available-for-sale were as follow as of December 31, 1995:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             Gross          Gross     
                                                                            Amortized      unrealized     unrealized      Estimated
                                                                               cost          gains          losses        fair value
                                                                             --------       --------       --------        --------
<S>                                                                          <C>              <C>             <C>           <C>
                Fixed maturities:            
                  U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. 
                    government corporations and agencies                     $  3,492             18            --            3,510
                  Obligations of states and political subdivisions 271           --               (1)            270
                  Debt securities issued by foreign governments                 6,177            301            --            6,478
                  Corporate securities                                        332,425         10,116            (925)       341,616
                  Mortgage-backed securities                                  196,849          7,649            (621)       203,877
                                                                             --------       --------        --------       --------
                      Total fixed maturities                                  539,214         18,084          (1,547)       555,751
                Equity securities                                              10,256          1,151            --           11,407
                                                                             --------       --------        --------       --------
                                                                             $549,470         19,235          (1,547)       567,158
                                                                             ========       ========        ========       ========
</TABLE>


         The amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities
         available-for-sale were as follow as of December 31, 1994:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            Gross          Gross
                                                                           Amortized      unrealized     unrealized      Estimated
                                                                             cost           gains          losses        fair value
                                                                           --------       --------        --------        --------

<S>                                                                        <C>               <C>           <C>             <C>
              Fixed maturities:
                U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. 
                  government corporations and agencies                     $  4,442             92            --             4,534
                Obligations of states and political subdivisions 273           --              (21)            252
                Debt securities issued by foreign governments                 8,517             15            (452)          8,080
                Corporate securities                                        214,332            518          (7,903)        206,947
                Mortgage-backed securities                                  200,310          1,291          (7,650)        193,951
                                                                           --------       --------        --------        --------
                    Total fixed maturities                                  427,874          1,916         (16,026)        413,764
              Equity securities                                               9,543             45            (177)          9,411
                                                                           --------       --------        --------        --------
                                                                           $437,417          1,961         (16,203)        423,175
                                                                           ========       ========        ========        ========
</TABLE>


         The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity corporate
         securities held-to-maturity as of December 31, 1994 are $82,631 and
         $78,690, respectively. Gross gains of $130 and gross losses of $4,071
         were unrealized on those securities.

         The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity
         securities available-for-sale as of December 31, 1995, by contractual
         maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities will differ from
         contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or
         prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          Amortized       Estimated
                                                            cost          fair value
                                                           --------       --------
<S>                                                        <C>              <C>   
              Due in one year or less                      $ 39,072         39,427
              Due after one year through five years         224,262        231,200
              Due after five years through ten years         75,380         77,726
              Due after ten years                             3,651          3,521
                                                           --------       --------
                                                            342,365        351,874
              Mortgage-backed securities                    196,849        203,877
                                                           --------       --------
                                                           $539,214        555,751
                                                           ========       ========
</TABLE>


<PAGE>   12

                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
              (formerly Financial Horizons Life Insurance Company)

        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued


         Proceeds from the sale of securities available-for-sale during
         1995 and 1994 were $3,070 and $13,170, respectively, while proceeds
         from sales of investments in fixed maturity securities during 1993 were
         $2,136. Gross gains of $64 ($373 in 1994 and $205 in 1993) and gross
         losses of $6 ($73 1994 and none in 1993) were realized on those sales.

         During 1995, the Company transferred fixed maturity securities
         classified as held-to-maturity with amortized cost of $2,000 to
         available-for-sale securities due to evidence of a significant
         deterioration in the issuer's creditworthiness. The transfer of those
         fixed maturity securities resulted in a gross unrealized loss of $600.

         As permitted by the FASB's Special Report, A Guide to Implementation of
         Statement 115 on Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity
         Securities, issued in November, 1995, the Company transferred all of
         its fixed maturity securities previously classified as held-to-maturity
         to available-for-sale. As of December 14, 1995, the date of transfer,
         the fixed maturity securities had amortized cost of $77,405, resulting
         in a gross unrealized gain of $1,709.

         Fixed maturity securities that were non-income producing for the twelve
         month period preceding December 31, 1995 had a carrying value of $996
         (none in 1994).

         Real estate is presented at cost less accumulated depreciation of $81
         in 1995 ($97 in 1994) and valuation allowances of $229 in 1995 ($472 in
         1994).

         As of December 31, 1995, the recorded investment of mortgage loans on
         real estate considered to be impaired (under Statement of Financial
         Accounting Standards No. 114, Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of
         a Loan as amended by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
         118, Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a Loan - Income
         Recognition and Disclosure) was $966, for which there was no valuation
         allowance. During 1995, the average recorded investment in impaired
         mortgage loans on real estate was approximately $242 and no interest
         income was recognized on those loans.

         Activity in the valuation allowance account for mortgage loans on real
         estate is summarized for the year ended December 31, 1995:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            1995
                                                                            ----

<S>                                                                        <C>  
              Allowance, beginning of year                                 $ 860
                   Reduction of the allowance credited to operations        (110)
                                                                           -----
              Allowance, end of year                                       $ 750
                                                                           =====
</TABLE>


         Foreclosures of mortgage loans on real estate were $631 in 1994. No
         mortgage loans on real estate were in process of foreclosure or
         in-substance foreclosed as of December 31, 1994 .

         Fixed maturity securities with an amortized cost of $2,806 and $2,786
         as of December 31, 1995 and 1994, respectively, were on deposit with
         various regulatory agencies as required by law.

(6)      Future Policy Benefits

         The liability for future policy benefits for investment products has
         been established based on policy terms, interest rates and various
         contract provisions. The average interest rate credited on investment
         product policies was approximately 5.6%, 5.3% and 6.0% for the years
         ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively.


<PAGE>   13

                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
              (formerly Financial Horizons Life Insurance Company)

        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued


(7)      Federal Income Tax

         The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant
         components of the net deferred tax asset (liability) as of December 31,
         1995 and 1994 are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       1995            1994
                                                                     --------        --------

<S>                                                                  <C>              <C>  
              Deferred tax assets:
                 Future policy benefits                              $  5,249           5,879
                 Securities available-for-sale                           --             4,985
                 Liabilities in Separate Accounts                       3,445           3,111
                 Mortgage loans on real estate and real estate            338             458
                 Other assets and other liabilities                       708             101
                                                                     --------        --------
                   Total gross deferred tax assets                      9,740          14,534
                                                                     --------        --------

              Deferred tax liabilities:
                 Securities available-for-sale                          6,308            --
                 Deferred policy acquisition costs                      6,262          12,611
                                                                     --------        --------
                   Total gross deferred tax liabilities                12,570          12,611
                                                                     --------        --------
                                                                     $ (2,830)          1,923
                                                                     ========        ========
</TABLE>


         The Company has determined that valuation allowances are not necessary
         as of December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993 based on its analysis of future
         deductible amounts. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax
         assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that
         some portion of the total gross deferred tax assets will not be
         realized. All future deductible amounts can be offset by future taxable
         amounts or recovery of Federal income tax paid within the statutory
         carryback period. In addition, for future deductible amounts for
         securities available-for-sale, affiliates of the Company which are
         included in the same consolidated Federal income tax return hold
         investments that could be sold for capital gains that could offset
         capital losses realized by the Company should securities
         available-for-sale be sold at a loss.

         Total Federal income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 1995,
         1994 and 1993 differs from the amount computed by applying the U.S.
         Federal income tax rate to income before tax as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   1995                    1994                  1993
                                                           ---------------------  ---------------------  ---------------------
                                                           Amount          %       Amount         %      Amount          %
                                                           ------------  -------  ------------  -------  ------------- -------

<S>                                                        <C>            <C>     <C>            <C>     <C>            <C> 
              Computed (expected) tax expense              $ 2,501        35.0    $ 1,815        35.0    $ 1,518        35.0
              Tax exempt interest and dividends
                 received deduction                           (150)       (2.1)       (50)       (1.0)      (206)       (4.7)
              Current year increase in U.S. Federal
                 income tax rate                              --           --        --           --          36         0.8
              Other, net                                        22         0.3         94         1.8          4         0.1
                                                           -------        ----    -------        ----    -------        ----
                    Total (effective rate of each year     $ 2,373        33.2    $ 1,859        35.8    $ 1,352        31.2
                                                           =======        ====    =======        ====    =======        ====
</TABLE>


         Total Federal income tax paid was $1,314, $2,357 and $1,316 during the
         years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively.


<PAGE>   14

                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
              (formerly Financial Horizons Life Insurance Company)

        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued


(8)      Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments

         Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 107 - Disclosures about
         Fair Value of Financial Instruments (SFAS 107) requires disclosure of
         fair value information about existing on and off-balance sheet
         financial instruments. SFAS 107 defines the fair value of a financial
         instrument as the amount at which the financial instrument could be
         exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties. In cases
         where quoted market prices are not available, fair value is based on
         estimates using present value or other valuation techniques.

         These techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used,
         including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows.
         Although fair value estimates are calculated using assumptions that
         management believes are appropriate, changes in assumptions could cause
         these estimates to vary materially. In that regard, the derived fair
         value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent
         markets and, in many cases, could not be realized in the immediate
         settlement of the instruments. SFAS 107 excludes certain assets and
         liabilities from its disclosure requirements. Accordingly, the
         aggregate fair value amounts presented do not represent the underlying
         value of the Company.

         Although insurance contracts, other than policies such as annuities
         that are classified as investment contracts, are specifically exempted
         from SFAS 107 disclosures, estimated fair value of policy reserves on
         life insurance contracts are provided to make the fair value
         disclosures more meaningful.

         The tax ramifications of the related unrealized gains and losses can
         have a significant effect on fair value estimates and have not been
         considered in the estimates.

         The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in
         estimating its fair value disclosures:

              Short-term investments and policy loans: The carrying amount
              reported in the balance sheets for these instruments approximates
              their fair value.

              Fixed maturity and equity securities: Fair value for fixed
              maturity securities is based on quoted market prices, where
              available. For fixed maturity securities not actively traded, fair
              value is estimated using values obtained from independent pricing
              services or, in the case of private placements, is estimated by
              discounting expected future cash flows using a current market rate
              applicable to the yield, credit quality and maturity of the
              investments. The fair value for equity securities is based on
              quoted market prices.

              Separate Account assets and liabilities: The fair value of assets
              held in Separate Accounts is based on quoted market prices. The
              fair value of liabilities related to Separate Accounts is the
              amount payable on demand.

              Mortgage loans on real estate: The fair value for mortgage loans
              on real estate is estimated using discounted cash flow analyses,
              using interest rates currently being offered for similar loans to
              borrowers with similar credit ratings. Loans with similar
              characteristics are aggregated for purposes of the calculations.
              Fair value for mortgages in default is the estimated fair value of
              the underlying collateral.

              Investment contracts: Fair value for the Company's liabilities
              under investment type contracts is disclosed using two methods.
              For investment contracts without defined maturities, fair value is
              the amount payable on demand. For investment contracts with known
              or determined maturities, fair value is estimated using discounted
              cash flow analysis. Interest rates used are similar to currently
              offered contracts with maturities consistent with those remaining
              for the contracts being valued.


<PAGE>   15

                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
              (formerly Financial Horizons Life Insurance Company)

        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued

              Policy reserves on life insurance contracts: The estimated
              fair value is the amount payable on demand. Also included are
              disclosures for the Company's limited payment policies, which the
              Company has used discounted cash flow analyses similar to those
              used for investment contracts with known maturities to estimate
              fair value.

         Carrying amount and estimated fair value of financial instruments
         subject to SFAS 107 and policy reserves on life insurance contracts
         were as follows as of December 31, 1995 and 1994:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     1995                        1994
                                                            ------------------------     ----------------------
                                                            Carrying      Estimated      Carrying    Estimated
                                                             amount       fair value      amount     fair value
                                                             ------       ----------      ------     ----------

<S>                                                           <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>
              Assets
              ------
              Investments:
                 Securities available-for-sale:
                    Fixed maturities                          $555,751      555,751      413,764      413,764
                    Equity securities                           11,407       11,407        9,411        9,411
                 Fixed maturities held-to-maturity                --           --         82,631       78,690
                 Mortgage loans on real estate                 104,736      111,501       95,281       92,340
                 Policy loans                                       94           94           79           79
                 Short-term investments                          4,844        4,844          365          365
              Assets held in Separate Accounts                 257,556      257,556      177,933      177,933

              Liabilities
              -----------
              Investment contracts                             616,984      601,582      579,903      563,331
              Policy reserves on life insurance contracts        4,296        4,520        3,285        3,141
              Liabilities related to Separate Accounts         257,556      246,996      177,933      168,749
</TABLE>


(9)      Additional Financial Instruments Disclosures

         Financial Instruments with Off-Balance-Sheet Risk: The Company is a
         party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the
         normal course of business through management of its investment
         portfolio. These financial instruments include commitments to extend
         credit in the form of loans. These instruments involve, to varying
         degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of amounts recognized on the
         balance sheets.

         Commitments to fund fixed rate mortgage loans on real estate are
         agreements to lend to a borrower, and are subject to conditions
         established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed
         expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment
         of a deposit. Commitments extended by the Company are based on
         management's case-by-case credit evaluation of the borrower and the
         borrower's loan collateral. The underlying mortgage property represents
         the collateral if the commitment is funded. The Company's policy for
         new mortgage loans on real estate is to lend no more than 80% of
         collateral value. Should the commitment be funded, the Company's
         exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the borrower
         is represented by the contractual amounts of these commitments less the
         net realizable value of the collateral. The contractual amounts also
         represent the cash requirements for all unfunded commitments.
         Commitments on mortgage loans on real estate of $8,500 extending into
         1996 were outstanding as of December 31, 1995.

         Significant Concentrations of Credit Risk: The Company grants mainly
         commercial mortgage loans on real estate to customers throughout the
         United States. The Company has a diversified portfolio with no more
         than 28% (27% in 1994) in any geographic area and no more than 14.8%
         (8.2% in 1994) with any one borrower.


<PAGE>   16

                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
              (formerly Financial Horizons Life Insurance Company)

        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued

         The summary below depicts loans by remaining principal balance as of
         December 31, 1995 and 1994:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                              Apartment
                                                                          Office      Warehouse    Retail     & other      Total
                                                                          ------      ---------    ------     -------      -----

<S>                                                                      <C>           <C>         <C>         <C>       <C>
              1995:
                East North Central                                       $  1,854         878       8,263       3,940      14,935
                East South Central                                           --          --         1,877      11,753      13,630
                Mountain                                                     --          --          --         1,964       1,964
                Middle Atlantic                                               882       1,820         901        --         3,603
                New England                                                  --           895       1,963        --         2,858
                Pacific                                                     1,923       8,600       8,211       8,838      27,572
                South Atlantic                                              3,953        --         9,928      15,797      29,678
                West North Central                                           --         1,500        --          --         1,500
                West South Central                                          3,881         969        --         4,932       9,782
                                                                         --------    --------    --------    --------    --------
                                                                         $ 12,493      14,662      31,143      47,224     105,522
                                                                         ========    ========    ========    ========    ========
                   Less valuation allowances and unamortized discount                                                         786
                                                                                                                         --------
                        Total mortgage loans on real estate, net                                                         $104,736
                                                                                                                         ========
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                          Apartment
                                                                          Office    Warehouse   Retail     & other    Total
                                                                          ------    ---------   ------     -------    -----

<S>                                                                      <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>   
              1994:
                East North Central                                       $ 1,921      2,254     10,290      4,959     19,424
                East South Central                                          --         --        1,921      9,876     11,797
                Mountain                                                    --         --         --        1,986      1,986
                Middle Atlantic                                              882      1,872      1,909       --        4,663
                New England                                                 --          921      1,983       --        2,904
                Pacific                                                    1,952      6,873      6,310      4,910     20,045
                South Atlantic                                             1,965       --       10,049     13,970     25,984
                West North Central                                          --        1,500       --         --        1,500
                West South Central                                         1,921        978       --        4,973      7,872
                                                                         -------     ------     ------     ------    -------
                                                                         $ 8,641     14,398     32,462     40,674     96,175
                                                                         =======     ======     ======     ======    
                   Less valuation allowances and unamortized discount                                                    894
                                                                                                                     -------
                        Total mortgage loans on real estate, net                                                     $95,281
                                                                                                                     =======
</TABLE>


(10)     Pension Plan

         The Company is a participant, together with other affiliated companies,
         in a pension plan covering all employees who have completed at least
         one thousand hours of service within a twelve-month period and who have
         met certain age requirements. Benefits are based upon the highest
         average annual salary of a specified number of consecutive years of the
         last ten years of service. The Company funds an allocation of pension
         costs accrued for employees of affiliates whose work efforts benefit
         the Company.

         Effective January 1, 1995, the plan was amended to provide enhanced
         benefits for participants who met certain eligibility requirements and
         elected early retirement no later than March 15, 1995. The entire cost
         of the enhanced benefit was borne by NMIC and certain of its property
         and casualty insurance company affiliates.


<PAGE>   17

                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
              (formerly Financial Horizons Life Insurance Company)

        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued

         Effective December 31, 1995, the Nationwide Insurance
         Companies and Affiliates Retirement Plan was merged with the Farmland
         Mutual Insurance Company Employees' Retirement Plan and the Wausau
         Insurance Companies Pension Plan to form the Nationwide Insurance
         Enterprise Retirement Plan. Immediately prior to the merger, the plans
         were amended to provide consistent benefits for service after January
         1, 1996. These amendments had no significant impact on the accumulated
         benefit obligation or projected benefit obligation as of December 31,
         1995.

         Pension costs charged to operations by the Company during the years
         ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993 were $214, $265 and $131,
         respectively.

         The net periodic pension cost for the Nationwide Insurance Companies
         and Affiliates Retirement Plan as a whole for the years ended December
         31, 1995, 1994 and 1993 follows:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    1995          1994           1993
                                                                  ---------     ---------     ---------
<S>                                                               <C>             <C>          <C>   
              Service cost (benefits earned during the period)    $  64,524        64,740        47,694
              Interest cost on projected benefit obligation          95,283        73,951        70,543
              Actual return on plan assets                         (249,294)      (21,495)     (105,002)
              Net amortization and deferral                         143,353       (62,150)       20,832
                                                                  ---------     ---------     ---------
                                                                  $  53,866        55,046        34,067
                                                                  =========     =========     =========
</TABLE>


         Basis for measurements, net periodic pension cost:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    1995      1994     1993
                                                                    ----      ----     ----

<S>                                                                  <C>      <C>      <C>  
              Weighted average discount rate                         7.50%    5.75%    6.75%
              Rate of increase in future compensation levels         6.25%    4.50%    4.75%
              Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets       8.75%    7.00%    7.50%
</TABLE>


         Information regarding the funded status of the Nationwide Insurance
         Enterprise Retirement Plan as a whole as of December 31, 1995
         (post-merger) and the Nationwide Insurance Companies and Affiliates
         Retirement Plan as of December 31, 1995 (pre-merger) and 1994 follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      Post-merger      Pre-merger                   
                                                                          1995            1995             1994
                                                                       -----------     -----------     -----------

<S>                                                                    <C>               <C>             <C>    
              Accumulated benefit obligation:
                 Vested                                                $ 1,236,730       1,002,079         914,850
                 Nonvested                                                  26,503           8,998           7,570
                                                                       -----------     -----------     -----------
                                                                       $ 1,263,233       1,011,077         922,420
                                                                       ===========     ===========     ===========

              Net accrued pension expense:
                 Projected benefit obligation for services rendered
                    to date                                            $ 1,780,616       1,447,522       1,305,547
                 Plan assets at fair value                               1,738,004       1,508,781       1,241,771
                                                                       -----------     -----------     -----------
                    Plan assets (less than) in excess of  projected
                       benefit obligation                                  (42,612)         61,259         (63,776)
                 Unrecognized prior service cost                            42,845          42,850          46,201
                 Unrecognized net (gains) losses                           (63,130)        (86,195)         39,408
                 Unrecognized net obligation (asset) at transition          41,305         (19,841)        (21,994)
                                                                       -----------     -----------     -----------
                                                                       $   (21,592)         (1,927)           (161)
                                                                       ===========     ===========     ===========
</TABLE>

                                                     


<PAGE>   18

                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
              (formerly Financial Horizons Life Insurance Company)

        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued

         Basis for measurements, funded status of plan:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      Post-merger        Pre-merger
                                                          1995              1995             1994
                                                     --------------    --------------   --------------

<S>                                                      <C>               <C>              <C>  
Weighted average discount rate                           6.00%             6.00%            7.50%
Rate of increase in future compensation levels           4.25%             4.25%            6.25%
</TABLE>


         Assets of the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise Retirement Plan are
         invested in group annuity contracts of NLIC and Employers Life
         Insurance Company of Wausau, a wholly owned subsidiary of NLIC. Prior
         to the merger, the assets of the Nationwide Insurance Companies and
         Affiliates Retirement Plan were invested in a group annuity contract of
         NLIC.

(11)     Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions

         In addition to the defined benefit pension plan, the Company, together
         with other affiliated companies, participates in life and health care
         defined benefit plans for qualifying retirees. Postretirement life and
         health care benefits are contributory and generally available to full
         time employees who have attained age 55 and have accumulated 15 years
         of service with the Company after reaching age 40. Postretirement
         health care benefit contributions are adjusted annually and contain
         cost-sharing features such as deductibles and coinsurance. In addition,
         there are caps on the Company's portion of the per-participant cost of
         the postretirement health care benefits. These caps can increase
         annually, but not more than three percent. The Company's policy is to
         fund the cost of health care benefits in amounts determined at the
         discretion of management. Plan assets are invested primarily in group
         annuity contracts of NLIC.

         Effective January 1, 1993, the Company adopted the provisions of
         Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 106 - Employers'
         Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions (SFAS 106),
         which requires the accrual method of accounting for postretirement life
         and health care insurance benefits based on actuarially determined
         costs to be recognized over the period from the date of hire to the
         full eligibility date of employees who are expected to qualify for such
         benefits.

         The Company elected to immediately recognize its estimated accumulated
         postretirement benefit obligation as of January 1, 1993. Accordingly, a
         noncash charge of $669 ($435 net of related income tax benefit) was
         recorded in the 1993 statement of income as a cumulative effect of a
         change in accounting principle. See note 3. The adoption of SFAS 106,
         including the cumulative effect of the change in accounting principle,
         increased the expense for postretirement benefits by $739 to $761 in
         1993. Certain affiliated companies elected to amortize their initial
         transition obligation over periods ranging from 10 to 20 years.

         The Company's accrued postretirement benefit expense as of December 31,
         1995 and 1994 was $808 and $771, respectively, and the net periodic
         postretirement benefit cost (NPPBC) for 1995 and 1994 was $66 and $119,
         respectively.

         The amount of NPPBC for the plan as a whole for the years ended
         December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993 was as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         1995           1994         1993
                                                                                      -----------    ----------   ----------

<S>                                                                                     <C>           <C>          <C>  
              Service cost - benefits attributed to employee service during the year    $  6,235        8,586        7,090
              Interest cost on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation              14,151       14,011       13,928
              Actual return on plan assets                                                (2,657)      (1,622)        --
              Amortization of unrecognized transition obligation of affiliates             2,966          568          568
              Net amortization and deferral                                               (1,619)       1,622         --
                                                                                        --------     --------     --------
                                                                                        $ 19,076       23,165       21,586
                                                                                        ========     ========     ========
</TABLE>


<PAGE>   19

                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
              (formerly Financial Horizons Life Insurance Company)

        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued

         Information regarding the funded status of the plan as a whole
         as of December 31, 1995 and 1994 follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             1995           1994
                                                                                           ---------     ---------
<S>                                                                                        <C>            <C>
              Accrued postretirement benefit expense:
                 Retirees                                                                  $  88,680        76,677
                 Fully eligible, active plan participants                                     28,793        22,013
                 Other active plan participants                                               90,375        59,089
                                                                                           ---------     ---------
                    Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (APBO)                     207,848       157,779
                 Plan assets at fair value                                                    54,325        49,012
                                                                                           ---------     ---------
                    Plan assets less than accumulated postretirement benefit obligation     (153,523)     (108,767)
                 Unrecognized transition obligation of affiliates                              1,827         6,577
                 Unrecognized net gains                                                       (1,038)      (41,497)
                                                                                           ---------     ---------
                                                                                           $(152,734)     (143,687)
                                                                                           =========     =========
</TABLE>


         Actuarial assumptions used for the measurement of the APBO as of
         December 31, 1995 and 1994 and the NPPBC for 1995, 1994 and 1993 were
         as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               1995          1995          1994           1994          1993
                                               APBO          NPPBC         APBO          NPPBC         NPPBC
                                            -----------   -----------   -----------    ----------    ----------

<S>                                         <C>           <C>           <C>            <C>           <C>     
Discount rate                                   6.75%            8%            8%             7%            8%
Assumed health care cost trend rate:
    Initial rate                                  11%           10%           11%            12%           14%
    Ultimate rate                                  6%            6%            6%             6%            6%
    Uniform declining period                12 Years      12 Years      12 Years       12 Years      12 Years
</TABLE>


         The health care cost trend rate assumption has an effect on the amounts
         reported. For the plan as a whole, a one percentage point increase in
         the assumed health care cost trend rate would increase the APBO as of
         December 31, 1995 by $641 and the NPPBC for the year ended December 31,
         1995 by $107.

(12)     Regulatory Risk-Based Capital and Dividend Restriction

         Ohio, the Company's state of domicile, imposes minimum risk-based
         capital requirements that were developed by the NAIC. The formulas for
         determining the amount of risk-based capital specify various weighting
         factors that are applied to financial balances or various levels of
         activity based on the perceived degree of risk. Regulatory compliance
         is determined by a ratio of the company's regulatory total adjusted
         capital, as defined by the NAIC, to its authorized control level
         risk-based capital, as defined by the NAIC. Companies below specific
         trigger points or ratios are classified within certain levels, each of
         which requires specified corrective action. The Company exceeds the
         minimum risk-based capital requirements.

         Ohio law limits the payment of dividends to shareholders. The maximum
         dividend that may be paid by the Company without prior approval of the
         Director of the Department is limited to the greater of statutory gain
         from operations of the preceding calendar year or 10% of statutory
         shareholder's surplus as of the prior December 31. Therefore, $70,034
         of shareholder's equity, as presented in the accompanying financial
         statements, is so restricted as to dividend payments in 1996.


<PAGE>   20

                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
              (formerly Financial Horizons Life Insurance Company)

        (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nationwide Life Insurance Company)

                    Notes to Financial Statements, Continued

(13)     Transactions With Affiliates

         The Company shares home office, other facilities, equipment and common
         management and administrative services with affiliates.

         The Company and various affiliates entered into agreements with
         Nationwide Cash Management Company (NCMC) and California Cash
         Management Company (CCMC), both affiliates, under which NCMC and CCMC
         act as common agents in handling the purchase and sale of short-term
         securities for the respective accounts of the participants. Amounts on
         deposit with NCMC and CCMC were $4,844 and $365 as of December 31, 1995
         and 1994, respectively, and are included in short-term investments on
         the accompanying balance sheets.

         Certain annuity products are sold through an affiliated company, which
         is a subsidiary of Nationwide Corporation. Total commissions paid to
         the affiliate for the three years ended December 31, 1995 were $6,638,
         $6,935 and $10,041, respectively.

(14)     Segment Information

         The Company operates in the long-term savings and life insurance lines
         of business in the life insurance industry. Long-term savings
         operations include both qualified and non-qualified individual annuity
         contracts. Life insurance operations include universal life and
         variable universal life issued to individuals. Corporate primarily
         includes investments, and the related investment income, which are not
         specifically allocated to one of the two operating segments. In
         addition, realized gains and losses on all general account investments
         are reported as a component of the corporate segment.

         During 1995, the Company changed its reporting segments to better
         reflect the way the businesses are managed. Prior periods have been
         restated to reflect these changes.

         The following table summarizes the revenues and income (loss) before
         Federal income tax expense and cumulative effect of changes in
         accounting principles for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and
         1993 and assets as of December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993, by business
         segment.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              1995          1994           1993
                                                                            ---------     ---------     ---------

<S>                                                                         <C>             <C>           <C>    
              Revenues:
                   Long-term savings                                        $  50,669        45,234        39,684
                   Life insurance                                                 179           173           187
                   Corporate                                                    2,554         2,910         3,456
                                                                            ---------     ---------     ---------
                                                                            $  53,402        48,317        43,327
                                                                            =========     =========     =========

              Income (loss) before Federal income tax expense and
                  cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles:
                   Long-term savings                                            4,514         3,739         2,134
                   Life insurance                                                (387)         (996)       (1,254)
                   Corporate                                                    3,020         2,444         3,456
                                                                            ---------     ---------     ---------
                                                                            $   7,147         5,187         4,336
                                                                            =========     =========     =========

              Assets:
                   Long-term savings                                          931,939       789,147       693,915
                   Life insurance                                               2,565         2,393         2,027
                   Corporate                                                   33,078        41,500        30,097
                                                                            ---------     ---------     ---------
                                                                            $ 967,582       833,040       726,039
                                                                            =========     =========     =========
</TABLE>



<PAGE>   47

PART C. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 24.           FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS

              (a) Financial Statements:                                   PAGE

                   (1) Financial statements and schedule included
                       in Prospectus.
                       (Part A):
                       Condensed Financial Information.                    N/A
                   (2) Financial statements and schedule included
                       in Part B:
                       Those financial statements and schedule             46
                       required by Item 23 to be included in Part B
                       have been incorporated therein by reference
                       to the Prospectus (Part A).

Nationwide VA Separate Account-B:                                          N/A

Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company:

                       Independent Auditors' Report.                       46
                       Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1995              47
                       and 1994.
                       Statements of Income for the years ended            48
                       December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993.
                       Statements of Shareholder's Equity for the          49
                       years ended December 31,1995, 1994
                       and 1993.
                       Statements of Cash Flows for the years              50
                       ended December 31, 1995, 1994
                       and 1993.
                       Notes to Financial Statements.                      51




                                    66 of 84
<PAGE>   48

Item 24.  (b) Exhibits

              (1)    Resolution of the Depositor's Board of Directors
                     authorizing the establishment of the Registrant - Filed
                     previously in connection with Registration Statement (SEC
                     File No. 33-86408) on November 14, 1994 and hereby
                     incorporated herein by reference.

              (2)    Not Applicable

              (3)    Underwriting or Distribution of contracts between the
                     Registrant and Principal Underwriter - Filed previously in
                     connection with Registration Statement (SEC File No.
                     33-86408) on November 14, 1994 and hereby incorporated
                     herein by reference.

              (4)    The form of the variable annuity contract - Attached
                     hereto.

              (5)    Variable Annuity Application - Attached hereto

              (6)    Articles of Incorporation of Depositor - Filed previously
                     in connection with Registration Statement (SEC File No.
                     33-86408) on November 14, 1994 and hereby incorporated
                     herein by reference.

              (7)    Not Applicable

              (8)    Not Applicable

              (9)    Opinion of Counsel - Filed previously in connection with
                     Registration Statement (SEC File No. 33-86408) on November
                     14, 1994 and hereby incorporated herein by reference.

              (10)   Not Applicable

              (11)   Not Applicable

              (12)   Not Applicable

              (13)   Performance Advertising Calculation Schedule - Filed
                     previously in connection with Registration Statement (SEC
                     File No. 33-86408) on November 14, 1994 and hereby
                     incorporated herein by reference.

                                                
                                    67 of 84
<PAGE>   49

Item 25.  DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF THE DEPOSITOR

        NAME AND PRINCIPAL                     POSITIONS AND OFFICES
         BUSINESS ADDRESS                         WITH DEPOSITOR

       Lewis J. Alphin                                Director
       519 Bethel Church Road
       Mount Olives, NC  28365

       Keith W. Eckel                                 Director
       1647 Falls Road
       Clarks Summit, PA 18411

       Willard J. Engel                               Director
       1100 East Main Street
       Marshall, MN 56258

       Fred C. Finney                                 Director
       1558 West Moreland Road
       Wooster, OH 44691

       Charles L. Fuellgraf, Jr.                      Director
       600 South Washington Street
       Butler, PA  16001

       Joseph J. Gasper                 President and Chief Operating Officer
       One Nationwide Plaza                         and Director
       Columbus, OH  43215

       Henry S. Holloway                           Chairman of the
       1247 Stafford Road                               Board
       Darlington, MD  21034

       D. Richard McFerson              Chairman and Chief Executive Officer-
       One Nationwide Plaza                Nationwide Insurance Enterprise
       Columbus, OH  43215                          and Director

       David O. Miller                                Director
       115 Sprague Drive
       Hebron, Ohio  43025

       C. Ray Noecker                                 Director
       2770 State Route 674 South
       Ashville, OH 43103

       James F. Patterson                             Director
       8765 Mulberry Road
       Chesterland, OH  44026


                                    68 of 84
<PAGE>   50
        NAME AND PRINCIPAL                     POSITIONS AND OFFICES
         BUSINESS ADDRESS                         WITH DEPOSITOR

       Arden L. Shisler                               Director
       1356 North Wenger Road
       Dalton, OH  44618

       Robert L. Stewart                              Director
       88740 Fairview Road
       Jewett, OH  43986

       Nancy C. Thomas                                Director
       10835 Georgetown Street NE
       Louisville, OH  44641

       Harold W. Weihl                                Director
       14282 King Road
       Bowling Green, OH  43402

       Gordon E. McCutchan                    Executive Vice President,
       One Nationwide Plaza                  Law and Corporate Services
       Columbus, OH  43215                          and Secretary

       Robert A. Oakley                       Executive Vice President-
       One Nationwide Plaza                    Chief Financial Officer
       Columbus, Ohio  43215

       James E. Brock                          Senior Vice President -
       One Nationwide Plaza                    Life Company Operations
       Columbus, OH  43215

       W. Sidney Druen                    Senior Vice President and General
       One Nationwide Plaza                Counsel and Assistant Secretary
       Columbus, OH  43215

       Harvey S. Galloway, Jr.          Senior Vice President-Chief Actuary-
       One Nationwide Plaza                  Life, Health and Annuities
       Columbus, OH  43215

       Richard A. Karas                    Senior Vice President - Sales -
       One Nationwide Plaza                      Financial Services
       Columbus, OH  43215

       Michael D. Bleiweiss                        Vice President-
       One Nationwide Plaza                     Deferred Compensation
       Columbus, OH  43215



                                    69 of 84
<PAGE>   51

        NAME AND PRINCIPAL                     POSITIONS AND OFFICES
         BUSINESS ADDRESS                         WITH DEPOSITOR

       Matthew S. Easley                          Vice President -
       One Nationwide Plaza          Life Marketing and Administrative Services
       Columbus, OH  43215

       Ronald L. Eppley                            Vice President-
       One Nationwide Plaza                           Pensions
       Columbus, OH  43215

       Timothy E. Murphy                           Vice President-
       One Nationwide Plaza                      Strategic Marketing
       Columbus, Ohio  43215

       R. Dennis Noice                             Vice President-
       One Nationwide Plaza                Individual Investment Products
       Columbus, OH  43215

       Joseph P. Rath                             Vice President -
       One Nationwide Plaza                   Associate General Counsel
       Columbus, OH  43215        

Item 26.  PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH THE DEPOSITOR OR 
          REGISTRANT.

       *      Subsidiaries for which separate financial statements are filed

       **     Subsidiaries included in the respective consolidated financial
              statements

       ***    Subsidiaries included in the respective group financial statements
              filed for unconsolidated subsidiaries

       ****   other subsidiaries


                                    70 of 84
<PAGE>   52
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          NO. VOTING
                                                                          SECURITIES
                                                       STATE            (SEE ATTACHED
                                                        OF              CHART) UNLESS
                       COMPANY                     ORGANIZATION           OTHERWISE                      PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                          INDICATED

<S>                                            <C>                                     <C>  

       Affiliate Agency of Ohio, Inc.                  Ohio                               Life Insurance Agency

       Affiliate Agency, Inc.                        Delaware                             Life Insurance Agency

       Allnations, Inc.                                Ohio                               Promotes cooperative insurance
                                                                                          corporations worldwide

       American Marine Underwriters,                  Florida                             Underwriting Manager
       Inc.

       Auto Direkt Insurance Company                  Germany                             Insurance Company

       The Beak and Wire Corporation                   Ohio                               Radio Tower Joint Venture

       California Cash Management                   California                            Investment Securities Agent
       Company

       Colonial County Mutual insurance                Texas                              Insurance Company
       Company

       Colonial Insurance Company of                California                            Insurance Company
       California

       Columbus Insurance Brokerage                   Germany                             Insurance Broker
       and Service GMBH

       Companies Agency Insurance                   California                            Insurance  Broker
       Services of California

       Companies Agency of Alabama,                   Alabama                             Insurance Broker
       Inc.

       Companies Agency of Idaho, Inc.                 Idaho                              Insurance Broker

       Companies Agency of Illinois, Inc.            Illinois                             Acts as Collection Agent for Policies
                                                                                          placed through Brokers

       Companies Agency of Kentucky,                 Kentucky                             Insurance Broker
       Inc.

       Companies Agency of                         Massachusetts                          Insurance Broker
       Massachusetts, Inc.

       Companies Agency of New York,                 New York                             Insurance Broker
       Inc.

       Companies Agency of                         Pennsylvania                           Insurance Broker
       Pennsylvania, Inc.

       Companies Agency of Phoenix,                   Arizona                             Insurance Broker
       Inc.

       Companies Agency of Texas, Inc.                 Texas                              Insurance Broker

       Companies Annuity Agency of                     Texas                              Insurance Broker
       Texas, Inc.

       Companies Agency, Inc.                        Wisconsin                            Insurance Broker

       Companies Annuity Agency of                     Texas                              Insurance Broker
       Texas, Inc.

</TABLE>

                                    71 of 84
<PAGE>   53

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          NO. VOTING
                                                                          SECURITIES
                                                       STATE            (SEE ATTACHED
                                                        OF              CHART) UNLESS
                       COMPANY                     ORGANIZATION           OTHERWISE                      PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                          INDICATED

<S>                                            <C>                                       <C>   

       Countrywide Services                          Delaware                             Products Liability, Investigative and
       Corporation                                                                        Claims Management Services

       Employers Insurance of Wausau                 Wisconsin                            Insurance Company
       A Mutual Company

 **    Employers Life Insurance                      Wisconsin                            Life Insurance Company
       Company of Wausau

       F & B, Inc.                                     Iowa                               Insurance Agency

       Farmland Mutual Insurance                       Iowa                               Insurance Company
       Company

       Financial Horizons Distributors                Alabama                             Life Insurance Agency
       Agency of Alabama, Inc.

       Financial Horizons Distributors                 Ohio                               Insurance Agency
       Agency of Ohio

       Financial Horizons Distributors               Oklahoma                             Life Insurance Agency
       Agency of Oklahoma, Inc.

       Financial Horizons Distributors                 Texas                              Life Insurance Agency
       Agency of Texas, Inc.

  *    Financial Horizons Investment               Massachusetts                          Investment Company
       Trust

       Financial Horizons Securities                 Oklahoma                             Broker Dealer
       Corporation

       Gates, McDonald & Company                       Ohio                               Cost Control Business

       Gates, McDonald & Company of                   Nevada                              Self-Insurance Administration Claims
       Nevada                                                                             Examinations and Data Processing
                                                                                          Services

       Gates, McDonald & Company of                  New York                             Workers Compensation Claims
       New York, Inc.                                                                     Administration

       Greater La Crosse Health Plans,               Wisconsin                            Writes Commercial Health and Medicare
       Inc.                                                                               Supplement Insurance
 
       InHealth Agency, Inc.                           Ohio                               Insurance Agency

       InHealth Management Systems,                    Ohio                               Develops and operates Managed Care
       Inc.                                                                               Delivery System
 
      Insurance Intermediaries, Inc.                  Ohio                               Insurance Broker and Insurance Agency

       Key Health Plan, Inc.                        California                            Pre-paid health plans

       Landmark Financial Services of                New York                             Life Insurance Agency
       New York, Inc.

       Leben Direkt Insurance Company                 Germany                             Life Insurance Company

       Lone Star General Agency, Inc.                  Texas                              Insurance Agency

 **    MRM Investments, Inc.                           Ohio                               Owns and operates a Recreational Ski
                                                                                          Facility

 **    National Casualty Company                     Michigan                             Insurance Company

</TABLE>

                                    72 of 84
<PAGE>   54

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          NO. VOTING
                                                                          SECURITIES
                                                       STATE            (SEE ATTACHED
                                                        OF              CHART) UNLESS
                       COMPANY                     ORGANIZATION           OTHERWISE                      PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                          INDICATED

<S>                                            <C>                                       <C>  

       National Casualty Company of                Great Britain                          Insurance Company
       America, Ltd.


 **    National Premium and Benefit                  Delaware                             Insurance Administrative Services
       Administration Company

       Nationwide Agribusiness                         Iowa                               Insurance Company
       Insurance Company

       Nationwide Cash Management                      Ohio                               Investment Securities Agent
       Company

       Nationwide Communications, Inc.                 Ohio                               Radio Broadcasting Business

       Nationwide Community Urban                      Ohio                               Redevelopment of blighted areas within
       Redevelopment Corporation                                                          the City of Columbus, Ohio

       Nationwide Corporation                          Ohio                               Organized for the purpose of acquiring,
                                                                                          holding, encumbering, transferring,  
                                                                                          or otherwise disposing of shares,    
                                                                                          bonds, and other evidences of        
                                                                                          indebtedness, securities, and        
                                                                                          contracts of other persons,          
                                                                                          associations, corporations, domestic 
                                                                                          or foreign and to form or acquire the
                                                                                          control of other corporations        

       Nationwide Development                          Ohio                               Owns, leases and manages commercial
       Company                                                                            real estate

       Nationwide Financial Institution              Delaware                             Insurance Agency
       Distributors Agency, Inc.

 **    Nationwide Financial Services,                  Ohio                               Registered Broker-Dealer, Investment
       Inc.                                                                               Manager and Administrator

       Nationwide General Insurance                    Ohio                               Insurance Company
       Company

       Nationwide HMO, Inc.                            Ohio                               Health Maintenance Organization

  *    Nationwide Indemnity Company                    Ohio                               Reinsurance Company

       Nationwide Insurance Enterprise                 Ohio                               Membership Non-Profit Corporation
       Foundation

       Nationwide Insurance Golf                       Ohio                               Membership Non-Profit Corporation
       Charities, Inc.

       Nationwide Investing Foundation               Michigan                             Investment Company

  *    Nationwide Investing                        Massachusetts                          Investment Company
       Foundation II

       Nationwide Investment Services                Oklahoma                             Registered Broker-Dealer
       Corporation

       Nationwide Investors Services,                  Ohio                               Stock Transfer Agent
       Inc.

 **    Nationwide Life and Annuity                     Ohio                               Life Insurance Company
       Insurance Company

</TABLE>

                                    73 of 84
<PAGE>   55

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          NO. VOTING
                                                                          SECURITIES
                                                       STATE            (SEE ATTACHED
                                                        OF              CHART) UNLESS
                       COMPANY                     ORGANIZATION           OTHERWISE                      PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                          INDICATED
<S>                                             <C>                                      <C>  

 **    Nationwide Life Insurance                       Ohio                               Life Insurance Company
       Company

       Nationwide Lloyds                               Texas                              Texas Lloyds Company

       Nationwide Mutual Fire Insurance                Ohio                               Insurance Company
       Company

       Nationwide Mutual Insurance                     Ohio                               Insurance Company
       Company

       Nationwide Property and                         Ohio                               Insurance Company
       Casualty Insurance Company

 **    Nationwide Property                             Ohio                               Owns, leases, manages and deals in Real
       Management, Inc.                                                                   Property

  *    Nationwide Separate Account                 Massachusetts                          Investment Company
       Trust

       NEA Valuebuilder Investor                      Alabama                             Life Insurance Agency
       Services of Alabama, Inc.

       NEA Valuebuilder Investor                      Arizona                             Life Insurance Agency
       Services of Arizona, Inc.

       NEA Valuebuilder Investor                   Massachusetts                          Life Insurance Agency
       Services of Massachusetts, Inc.

       NEA Valuebuilder Investor                      Montana                             Life Insurance Agency
       Services of Montana, Inc.

       NEA Valuebuilder Investor                      Nevada                              Life Insurance Agency
       Services of Nevada, Inc.

       NEA Valuebuilder Investor                       Ohio                               Life Insurance Agency
       Services of Ohio, Inc.

       NEA Valuebuilder Investor                     Oklahoma                             Life Insurance Agency
       Services of Oklahoma, Inc.

       NEA Valuebuilder Investor                       Texas                              Life Insurance Agency
       Services of Texas, Inc.

       NEA Valuebuilder Investor                      Wyoming                             Life Insurance Agency
       Services of Wyoming

       NEA Valuebuilder Investor                     Delaware                             Life Insurance Agency
       Services, Inc.

       NEA Valuebuilder Services                   Massachusetts                          Life Insurance Agency
       Insurance Agency, Inc.

       Neckura General Insurance                      Germany                             Insurance Company
       Company

       Neckura Holding Company                        Germany                             Administrative Service for Neckura
                                                                                          Insurance Group

       Neckura Insurance Company                      Germany                             Insurance Company

       Neckura Life Insurance Company                 Germany                             Life Insurance Company

</TABLE>

                                    74 of 84
<PAGE>   56

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          NO. VOTING
                                                                          SECURITIES
                                                       STATE            (SEE ATTACHED
                                                        OF              CHART) UNLESS
                       COMPANY                     ORGANIZATION           OTHERWISE                      PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
                                                                          INDICATED

<S>                                             <C>                                     <C>   

       NWE, Inc.                                       Ohio                               Special Investments

       PEBSCO of Massachusetts                     Massachusetts                          Markets and Administers Deferred
       Insurance Agency, Inc.                                                             Compensation Plans for Public Employees

       PEBSCO of Texas, Inc.                           Texas                              Markets and Administers Deferred
                                                                                          Compensation Plans for Public Employees

       Pension Associates of Wausau,                 Wisconsin                            Pension plan administration, record
       Inc.                                                                               keeping and consulting and compensation
                                                                                          consulting

       Public Employees Benefit                      Delaware                             Marketing and Administration of Deferred
       Services corporation                                                               Employee Compensation Plans for Public
                                                                                          Employees

       Public Employees Benefit                       Alabama                             Markets and Administers Deferred
       Services Corporation of Alabama                                                    Compensation Plans for Public Employees

       Public Employees Benefit                      Arkansas                             Markets and Administers Deferred
       Services Corporation of Arkansas                                                   Compensation Plans for Public Employees

       Public Employees Benefit                       Montana                             Markets and Administers Deferred
       Services Corporation of Montana                                                    Compensation Plans for Public Employees

       Public Employees Benefit                     New Mexico                            Markets and Administers Deferred
       Services Corporation of New                                                        Compensation Plans for Public Employees
       Mexico

       Scottsdale Indemnity Company                    Ohio                               Insurance Company

       Scottsdale Insurance Company                    Ohio                               Insurance Company

       SVM Sales GmbH, Neckura                        Germany                             Sales support for Neckura Insurance
       Insurance Group                                                                    Group

       Wausau Business Insurance                     Illinois                             Insurance Company
       Company

       Wausau General Insurance                      Illinois                             Insurance Company
       Company

       Wausau Insurance Company                   United Kingdom                          Insurance and Reinsurance Company
       (U.K.) Limited

       Wausau International                         California                            Special Risks, Excess and Surplus Lines
       Underwriters                                                                       Insurance Underwriting Manager

**     Wausau Preferred Health                       Wisconsin                            Insurance and Reinsurance Company
       Insurance Company

       Wausau Service Corporation                    Wisconsin                            Holding Company

       Wausau Underwriters Insurance                 Wisconsin                            Insurance Company
       Company

**     West Coast Life Insurance                    California                            Life Insurance Company
       Company

</TABLE>


                                    75 of 84
<PAGE>   57





<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           NO. VOTING SECURITIES
                                                                            (SEE ATTACHED CHART)
                                                       STATE                  UNLESS OTHERWISE
                                                        OF                       INDICATED
                       COMPANY                     ORGANIZATION                                                 PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
<S>                                                   <C>            <C>                               <C>   
  *    MFS Variable Account                            Ohio           Nationwide Life Separate          Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                      Account

  *    NACo Variable Account                           Ohio           Nationwide Life Separate          Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                      Account

  *    Nationwide DC Variable                          Ohio           Nationwide Life Separate          Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                      Account

  *    Separate Account No. 1                          Ohio           Nationwide Life Separate          Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                      Account

  *    Nationwide Multi-Flex Variable                  Ohio           Nationwide Life Separate          Issuer of Annuity Contracts
       Account                                                        Account

  *    Nationwide VA Separate                          Ohio           Nationwide Life and               Issuer of Annuity Contracts
       Account-A                                                      Annuity Separate Account

  *    Nationwide VA Separate                          Ohio           Nationwide Life and               Issuer of Annuity Contracts
       Account-B                                                      Annuity Separate Account

       Nationwide VA Separate                          Ohio           Nationwide Life and               Issuer of Annuity Contracts
       Account-C                                                      Annuity Separate Account

  *    Nationwide VA Separate                          Ohio           Nationwide Life and               Issuer of Annuity Contracts
       Account-Q                                                      Annuity Separate Account

  *    Nationwide Variable Account                     Ohio           Nationwide Life Separate          Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                      Account

  *    Nationwide Variable Account-II                  Ohio           Nationwide Life Separate          Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                      Account

  *    Nationwide Variable Account-3                   Ohio           Nationwide Life Separate          Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                      Account

  *    Nationwide Variable Account-4                   Ohio           Nationwide Life Separate          Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                      Account

  *    Nationwide Variable Account-5                   Ohio           Nationwide Life Separate          Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                      Account

  *    Nationwide Fidelity Advisor                     Ohio           Nationwide Life Separate          Issuer of Annuity Contracts
       Variable Account                                               Account

  *    Nationwide Variable Account-6                   Ohio           Nationwide Life Separate          Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                      Account

  *    Nationwide Variable Account-8                   Ohio           Nationwide Life Separate          Issuer of Annuity Contracts
                                                                      Account

  *    Nationwide VL Separate                          Ohio           Nationwide Life and               Issuer of Life Insurance
       Account-A                                                      Annuity Separate Account          Contracts

  *    Nationwide VLI Separate Account                 Ohio           Nationwide Life Separate          Issuer of Life Insurance
                                                                      Account                           Contracts

  *    Nationwide VLI Separate                         Ohio           Nationwide Life Separate          Issuer of Life Insurance
       Account-2                                                      Account                           Contracts

  *    Nationwide VLI Separate                         Ohio           Nationwide Life Separate          Issuer of Life Insurance
       Account-3                                                      Account                           Contracts

  *    Nationwide DCVA II                              Ohio           Nationwide Life Separate          Issuer of Annuity Contracts
  -                                                                   Account
</TABLE>


                                    76 of 84
<PAGE>   58

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 NATIONWIDE INSURANCE ENTERPRISE                                        (left side}
 ______________________
| NATIONWIDE INSURANCE |            
| GOLF CHARITIES, INC. |
|                      |
|     MEMBERSHIP       |
|     NONPROFIT        |
|    CORPORATION       |
|______________________|
<S>                                      <C>                                           <C>
 ________________________________________________________________________________________________
|                               EMPLOYERS INSURANCE OF WAUSAU                                    |         
|                                    A MUTUAL COMPANY                                            |       
|                                      (EMPLOYERS)                                               |_________________________________
|                         Contribution Note          Cost                                        |_________________________________
|                         -----------------          ----                                        |         
|                         Casualty                   $400,000,000                                |              
|________________________________________________________________________________________________|              
                 |                                    |
    _____________|_________________      _____________|__________________       _____________________       __________________
   |      WAUSAU INSURANCE CO.     |    |        WAUSAU SERVICE          |     |                     |     |                  |
   |        (U.K.) LIMITED         |    |      CORPORATION (WSC)         |     |                     |     |                  |
   |                               |    |                                |     |  NATIONWIDE  LLOYDS |     |    COMPANIES     |
   |  Common Stock:   8,506,800    |    |   Common Stock:   1,000        |     |                     |     |                  |
   |  -------------   Shares       |    |   -------------   Shares       |_____|                     |_____|    AGENCY OF     |
   |                               |    |                                |_____|                     |_____|                  |
   |                  Cost         |    |                   Cost         |     |                     |     |    TEXAS, INC.   |
   |                  ----         |    |                   ----         |     |    A TEXAS LLOYDS   |     |                  |
   |  Employers--                  |    |   Employers--                  |     |                     |     |                  |
   |  100%            $15,683,300  |    |   100%            $106,763,000 |     |                     |     |                  |
   |_______________________________|    |________________________________|     |_____________________|     |__________________|
                                                        |
                                                        |     ______________________________
                                                        |    |        WAUSAU BUSINESS       |
                                                        |    |       INSURANCE COMPANY      |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |  Common Stock:  10,900,000   |                    
                                                        |____|  -------------  Shares       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |                 Cost         |
                                                        |    |                 -----        |
                                                        |    |  WSC-100%       $21,800,000  |
                                                        |    |______________________________|                             
                                                        |
                                                        |     ______________________________
                                                        |    |       WAUSAU UNDERWRITERS    |
                                                        |    |       INSURANCE COMPANY      |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |  Common Stock:  8,750        |                    
                                                        |____|  -------------  Shares       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |                  Cost        |
                                                        |    |                  ----        |
                                                        |    |  WSC-100%        $44,560,006 |
                                                        |    |______________________________|                             
                                                        |
                                                        |     ______________________________
                                                        |    |       GREATER LA CROSSE      |
                                                        |    |       HEALTH PLANS, INC.     |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |  Common Stock:  3,000        |                    
                                                        |____|  -------------  Shares       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |                 Cost         |
                                                        |    |                 ----         |
                                                        |    |  WSC-33.3%      $861,761     |
                                                        |    |______________________________|                             
                                                        |
                                                        |     ______________________________
                                                        |    |       COMPANIES AGENCY       |
                                                        |    |       OF ALABAMA, INC.       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |  Common Stock:  1,000        |                    
                                                        |____|  -------------  Shares       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |                 Cost         |
                                                        |    |                 ----         |
                                                        |    |  WSC-100%       $100         |
                                                        |    |______________________________|                             
                                                        |
                                                        |
                                                        |











                                                        |     ______________________________
                                                        |    |       COMPANIES AGENCY       |
                                                        |    |       OF KENTUCKY, INC.      |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |  Common Stock:  1,000        |                    
                                                        |____|  ------------   Shares       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |                 Cost         |
                                                        |    |                 ----         |
                                                        |    |  WSC-100%       $1,000       |
                                                        |    |______________________________|                             
                                                        |
                                                        |
                                                        |     ______________________________
                                                        |    |       COMPANIES AGENCY       |
                                                        |    |     OF PENNSYLVANIA, INC.    |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |  Common Stock:  1,000        |                    
                                                        |____|  -------------  Shares       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |                 Cost         |
                                                        |    |                 ----         |
                                                        |    |  WSC-100%       $100         |
                                                        |    |______________________________|                             
                                                        |
                                                        |
                                                        |     ______________________________
                                                        |    |       COMPANIES AGENCY       |
                                                        |    |     OF MASSACHUSETTS, INC.   |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |  Common Stock:  1,000        |                    
                                                        |____|  -------------  Shares       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |                 Cost         |
                                                        |    |                 ----         |
                                                        |    |  WSC-100%       $1,000       |
                                                        |    |______________________________|                             
                                                        |
                                                        |
                                                        |     ______________________________
                                                        |    |       COMPANIES AGENCY       |
                                                        |    |       OF NEW YORK, INC.      |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |  Common Stock:  1,000        |                    
                                                        |____|  -------------  Shares       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |                 Cost         |
                                                        |    |                 ----         |
                                                        |    |  WSC-100%       $1,000       |
                                                        |    |______________________________|                             
                                                        |
                                                        |
                                                        |     ______________________________
                                                        |    |       COMPANIES AGENCY       |
                                                        |    |       OF PHOENIX, INC.       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |  Common Stock:  1,000        |                    
                                                        |____|  -------------  Shares       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |                 Cost         |
                                                        |    |                 ----         |
                                                        |    |  WSC-100%       $1,000       |
                                                        |    |______________________________|                             
                                                        |
                                                        |
                                                        |     ______________________________
                                                        |    |       COMPANIES AGENCY       |
                                                        |    |         OF IDAHO, INC.       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |  Common Stock:  1,000        |                    
                                                        |____|  -------------  Shares       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |                 Cost         |
                                                        |    |                 ----         |
                                                        |    |  WSC-100%       $1,000       |
                                                        |    |______________________________|                             
                                                        |
                                                        |
                                                        |     ______________________________
                                                        |    |     COUNTRYWIDE SERVICES     |
                                                        |    |          CORPORATION         |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |  Common Stock:  100          |                    
                                                        |____|  -------------  Shares       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |                 Cost         |
                                                        |    |                 ----         |
                                                        |    |  WSC-100%       $145,852     |
                                                        |    |______________________________|                             
                                                        |










                                                        |
                                                        |     ______________________________
                                                        |    |         WAUSAU GENERAL       |
                                                        |    |       INSURANCE COMPANY      |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |  Common Stock:  200,000      |                    
                                                        |____|  ------------   Shares       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |                 Cost         |
                                                        |    |                 ----         |
                                                        |    |  WSC-100%       $31,000,000  |
                                                        |    |______________________________|                             
                                                        |
                                                        |     ______________________________
                                                        |    |     WAUSAU INTERNATIONAL     |
                                                        |    |         UNDERWRITERS         |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |  Common Stock:  1,000        |                    
                                                        |____|  -------------  Shares       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |                 Cost         |
                                                        |    |                 ----         |
                                                        |    |  WSC-100%       $10,000      |
                                                        |    |______________________________|                             
                                                        |
                                                        |     ______________________________
                                                        |    |       COMPANIES AGENCY       |
                                                        |    |      INSURANCE SERVICES      |
                                                        |    |        OF CALIFORNIA         |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |____|  Common Stock:  1,000        |                    
                                                        |    |  -------------  Shares       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |                 Cost         |
                                                        |    |                 ----         |
                                                        |    |  WSC-100%       $1,000       |
                                                        |    |______________________________|                             
                                                        |      
                                                        |     ______________________________
                                                        |    |        AMERICAN MARINE       |
                                                        |    |       UNDERWRITERS, INC.     |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |  Common Stock:  20           |                    
                                                        |____|  -------------  Shares       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |                 Cost         |
                                                        |    |                 ----         |
                                                        |    |  WSC-100%       $248,222     |
                                                        |    |______________________________|                             
                                                        |
                                                        |     ______________________________
                                                        |    |       COMPANIES AGENCY       |
                                                        |    |       OF ILLINOIS, INC.      |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |  Common Stock:  250          |                    
                                                        |____|  -------------  Shares       |
                                                        |    |                              |
                                                        |    |                 Cost         |
                                                        |    |                 ----         |
                                                        |    |  WSC-100%       $2,500       |
                                                        |    |______________________________|                             
                                                        |
                                                        |     ______________________________      _____________________________
                                                        |    |    COMPANIES AGENCY, INC.    |    |     PENSION ASSOCIATES      |  
                                                        |    |                              |    |       OF WAUSAU, INC.       |
                                                        |    |                              |    |                             |
                                                        |    |  Common Stock:  100          |    |  Common Stock:  1,000       |
                                                        |____|  -------------  Shares       |____|  -------------  Shares      |
                                                             |                              |    |                             |
                                                             |                 Cost         |    |  Companies        Cost      |
                                                             |                 ----         |    |  Agency, Inc.     ----      |
                                                             |  WSC-100%       $10,000      |    |  (Wisconsin) --   $10,000   |
                                                             |______________________________|    |  100%                       |  
                                                                                                 |_____________________________|
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   59


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  NATIONWIDE INSURANCE ENTERPRISE                                (right side)
<S>                                         <C>                                  <C>             <C>
                                                                                            _________________________________
                                                                                           |                                 |
                                                                                           |       NATIONWIDE INSURANCE      |
                                                                                           |      ENTERPRISE FOUNDATION      |
                                                                                           |                                 | 
                                                                                           |            MEMBERSHIP           |
                                                                                           |            NONPROFIT            |
                                                                                           |           CORPORATION           |
                                                                                           |_________________________________|      
                                                       
    _________________________________________                                               ___________________________
   |                                         |                                             |                           |
___|           NATIONWIDE MUTUAL             |_____________________________________________|     NATIONWIDE MUTUAL     |
___|           INSURANCE COMPANY             |_____________________________________________|  FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY   |
   |              (CASUALTY)                 |                                             |          (FIRE)           |
   |_________________________________________|                                             |___________________________|        
                  |                 ||  |________________________________________________________________        |
                  |                 ||  |                                                                |       |
    ______________|_______________  ||  |    _____________________________                  _____________|_______|______________
   |                              | ||  |   |                             |                |                                    |
   |      ALLNATIONS, INC.        | ||  |   |      NATIONWIDE GENERAL     |                |            NATIONWIDE              |
   |                              | ||  |   |      INSURANCE COMPANY      |                |            CORPORATION             |
   | Common Stock:  2,936         | ||  |   |                             |                |                                    |
   | -------------  Shares        | ||  |   | Common Stock: 20,000 Shares |                | Common Stock:           Control    |
   |                   Cost       | ||  |___| -------------               |                | -------------           -------    |
   |                   ----       | ||  |   |                             |                | $13,642,432             100%       |
   | Casualty-26%     $88,320     | ||  |   |                Cost         |                |                                    |
   | Fire-26%         $88,463     | ||  |   |                ----         |                |          Shares      Cost          |
   | Preferred Stock: 1,466 Shares| ||  |   | Casualty-100%    $5,944,422 |                |          -----       ----          | 
   | ----------------             | ||  |   |_____________________________|                |  Casualty  12,992,922 $751,352,485 |
   |                  Cost        | ||  |                                                  |  Fire         649,510   24,007,936 |
   |                  ----        | ||  |                                                  |                                    | 
   | Casualty-6.8%    $100,000    | ||  |                                                  |           (See Page 2)             |
   | Fire-6.8%        $100,000    | ||  |                                                  |____________________________________|
   |______________________________| ||  |                                                  
                                    ||  |                                                 
    _________________________       ||  |    _____________________________  
   |                         |      ||  |   |                             |
   |      FARMLAND MUTUAL    |      ||  |   |     NATIONWIDE PROPERTY     |                  
   |     INSURANCE COMPANY   |      ||  |   |        AND CASUALTY         |                  
   |                         |      ||  |   |      INSURANCE COMPANY      |
   | Guaranty Fund           |______||  |   |                             |
   | -------------           |_______|  |   | Common Stock: 60,000 Shares |
   | Certificate             |          |   | -------------               |
   | -----------             |          |   |                   Cost      |
   |                         |          |   |                   ----      |
   |                Cost     |          |   | Casualty-100%    $6,000,000 |
   |                ----     |          |   |_____________________________|
   | Casualty       $500,000 |          |   
   |_________________________|          |    _____________________________
                   |                    |   |                             |
                   |                    |   |      COLONIAL INSURANCE     |
    _______________|___________         |   |    COMPANY OF CALIFORNIA    |     
   |          F & B, INC.      |        |   |         (COLONIAL)          |
   |                           |        |   |                             |
   | Common Stock:    1 Share  |        |___| Common Stock: 1,750 Shares  |
   | -------------             |        |   | -------------               |
   |                           |        |   |                 Cost        |
   |                   Cost    |        |   |                 ----        |
   |                   ----    |        |   | Casualty-100%   $11,750,000 |
   | Farmland Mutual-  $10     |        |   |_____________________________|
   | 100%                      |        |
   |___________________________|        |    _____________________________        __________________________ 
        ____________________________    |   |                             |      |                          |
       |                            |   |   |         SCOTTSDALE          |      |    NATIONAL PREMIUM &    | 
       |   NATIONWIDE AGRIBUSINESS  |   |   |     INSURANCE COMPANY       |      |  BENEFIT ADMINISTRATION  |
       |     INSURANCE COMPANY      |   |   |                             |      |         COMPANY          |
       |                            |   |   | Common Stock: 30,136 Shares |      |                          |
       | Common Stock:  1,000,000   |___|___| -------------               |______| Common Stock: 10,000     |
       | -------------  Shares      |   |   |                             |      | ------------  Shares     |
       |                            |   |   |                Cost         |      |                          | 
       |                            |   |   |                ----         |      |                   Cost   |
       |                            |   |   | Casualty-100%  $150,000,000 |      |                   ----   |                    
       | Casualty-99.9% $26,714,335 |   |   |_____________________________|      | Scottsdale-100%  $10,000 |
       |                            |   |                                        |__________________________|
       | Other Capital:             |   |
       | --------------             |   |
       | Casualty-Ptd.  $   713,567 |   |
       |____________________________|   |
                                        |       
                                              
                                             
                                              



                                                 
                                           
                                              
                                             
                                             
                                                                 
                                             
                                                                                                                                   






                                        |
                                        |
                                        | 
                                        |    _____________________________                       ______________________________
                                        |   |      NECKURA HOLDING        |                     |           NECKURA            |
                                        |   |     COMPANY (NECKURA)       |                     |      INSURANCE COMPANY       |
                                        |   |                             |                     |                              |
                                        |   | Common Stock: 10,000 Shares |                     | Common Stock: 6,000 Shares   |
                                        |___| -------------               |_____________________| -------------                |
                                        |   |                             |               |     |                              |
                                        |   |                 Cost        |               |     |               Cost           |
                                        |   |                 ---         |               |     |               ----           |
                                        |   | Casualty-100%   $87,943,140 |               |     | Neckura-100%  DM 6,000,000   |
                                        |   |_____________________________|               |     |______________________________|   
                                        |                                                 |
                                        |                                                 |      _____________________________
                                        |                                                 |     |        NECKURA LIFE         |
                                        |                                                 |     |      INSURANCE COMPANY      |
                                        |                                                 |     |                             |
                                        |                                                 |     | Common Stock: 4,000 Shares  |
                                        |                                                 |_____| -------------               |
                                        |                                                 |     |                             |
                                        |                                                 |     |                  Cost       |
                                        |                                                 |     |                  ----       |
                                        |                                                 |     | Neckura-100%  DM 15,825,681 |   
                                        |                                                 |     |_____________________________|
                                        |                                                 |
                                        |                                                 |      _____________________________
                                        |                                                 |     |      NECKURA GENERAL        |
                                        |                                                 |     |     INSURANCE COMPANY       |
                                        |                                                 |     |                             |
                                        |                                                 |     | Common Stock: 1,500 Shares  |
                                        |                                                 |_____| ------------                |
                                        |                                                 |     |                             |
                                        |                                                 |     |               Cost          |
                                        |                                                 |     |               ----          |
                                        |                                                 |     | Neckura-100%  DM 1,656,925  |
                                        |                                                 |     |_____________________________|
                                        |                                                 | 
                                        |                                                 |      _____________________________
                                        |                                                 |     |      COLUMBUS INSURANCE     |
                                        |                                                 |     |    BROKERAGE AND SERVICE    |
                                        |                                                 |     |            GmbH             |
                                        |                                                 |     |                             |
                                        |                                                 |     | Common Stock: 1 Share       |
                                        |                                                 |_____| -------------               |
                                        |                                                 |     |                             |
                                        |                                                 |     |                Cost         |
                                        |                                                 |     |                -----        |
                                        |                                                 |     |  Neckura-100%   DM 51,639   |
                                        |                                                 |     |_____________________________|
                                        |                                                 |
                                        |                                                 |      _____________________________
                                        |                                                 |     |        AUTO DIREKT          |
                                        |                                                 |     |     INSURANCE COMPANY       |
                                        |                                                 |     |                             |
                                        |                                                 |     | Common Stock: 1,500 Shares  |
                                        |                                                 |     | -------------               |
                                        |                                                 |_____|                             |
                                        |                                                 |     |               Cost          |
                                        |                                                 |     |               ----          |
                                        |                                                 |     | Neckura-100%  DM 1,643,149  |
                                        |                                                 |     |_____________________________|
                                        |                                                 |
                                        |    _____________________________                |      ____________________________
                                        |   |          NATIONWIDE         |               |     |         SVM SALES          |
                                        |   |    DEVELOPMENT COMPANY      |               |     |           GmbH             |
                                        |   |                             |               |     |                            |
                                        |   | Common Stock: 99,000 Shares |               |     | Common Stock: 50 Shares    |
                                        |   | -------------               |               |_____| -------------              |
                                        |   |                             |                     |                            |
                                        |___|                Cost         |                     |              Cost          |
                                        |   |                ---          |                     |              ----          |
                                        |   | Casualty-100%  $15,100,000  |                     | Neckura-100%  DM 50,000    |
                                        |   | Other Capital:              |                     |____________________________|
                                        |   | --------------              |
                                        |   | Casualty-Ptd.  $ 2,796,100  | 
                                        |   |_____________________________|
                                        |
                                        |


















                                        |    _____________________________
                                        |   |          SCOTTSDALE         |
                                        |   |      INDEMNITY COMPANY      |
                                        |   |                             |
                                        |___| Common Stock: 50,000 Shares |
                                        |   | -------------               |
                                        |   |                             |
                                        |   |                Cost         |
                                        |   |                ----         |
                                        |   | Casualty-100%  $8,800,000   |
                                        |   |_____________________________|
                                        | 
                                        |    _____________________________
                                        |   |         NATIONWIDE          |
                                        |   |     INDEMNITY COMPANY       |
                                        |   |                             |
                                        |   | Common Stock: 28,000 Shares |
                                        |___| -------------               |
                                        |   |                             |
                                        |   |                Cost         |
                                        |   |                ----         |
                                        |   | Casualty-100%  $294,529,000 |
                                        |   |_____________________________|
                                        |
                                        |    _____________________________        __________________________
                                        |   |          LONE STAR          |      |   COLONIAL COUNTY MUTUAL |
                                        |   |     GENERAL AGENCY, INC.    |      |     INSURANCE COMPANY    |
                                        |   |                             |      |                          |
                                        |   | Common Stock:  1,000 Shares |______| Surplus Debentures:      |
                                        |___| -------------               |______| -------------------      |
                                        |   |                             |      |                          |
                                        |   |                Cost         |      |          Cost            |
                                        |   |                ----         |      |          ----            |
                                        |   | Casualty-100%  $5,000,000   |      | Colonial $500,000        |
                                        |   |_____________________________|      | Lone Star 150,000        |
                                        |                                        |__________________________|
                                        |
                                        |    _____________________________
                                        |   |         NATIONWIDE          |
                                        |   |      COMMUNITY URBAN        |
                                        |   |       REDEVELOPMENT         |
                                        |   |        CORPORATION          |
                                        |   |                             |
                                        |   | Common Stock: 10 Shares     |
                                        |___| -------------               |
                                        |   |                             |
                                        |   |                Cost         |
                                        |   |                ----         |
                                        |   | Casualty-100%  $1,000       |
                                        |   |_____________________________|
                                        |
                                        |    _____________________________
                                        |   |         INSURANCE           |
                                        |   |    INTERMEDIARIES, INC.     |
                                        |   |                             |
                                        |   | Common Stock: 1,615 Shares  |
                                        |___| -------------               |
                                        |   |                             |
                                        |   |                Cost         |
                                        |   |                ----         |
                                        |   | Casualty-100%  $1,615,000   |
                                        |   |_____________________________|
                                        |
                                        |    _____________________________
                                        |   |      NATIONWIDE CASH        |
                                        |   |    MANAGEMENT COMPANY       |
                                        |   |                             |
                                        |   | Common Stock: 100 Shares    |
                                        |   | -------------               |
                                        |___|                             |
                                        |   |                Cost         |
                                        |   |                ----         |
                                        |   | Casualty-90%   $9,000       |
                                        |   | NW Fin Serv-    1,000       |
                                        |   | 10%                         | 
                                        |   |_____________________________|
                                        |
                                        |
                                        |    _____________________________  
                                        |   |       CALIFORNIA CASH       | 
                                        |   |     MANAGEMENT COMPANY      | 
                                        |   |                             | 
                                        |   | Common Stock:  90 Shares    | 
                                        |___| -------------               | 
                                        |   |                             | 
                                        |   |                Cost         | 
                                        |   |                ----         | 
                                        |   | Casualty-100%  $9,000       | 
                                        |   |_____________________________|        
                                        |                                   
                                                                           











                                        |                                   
                                        |    _____________________________       __________________________
                                        |   |          NATIONWIDE         |     |       THE BEAK AND       |
                                        |   |     COMMUNICATIONS, INC.    |     |     WIRE CORPORATION     |
                                        |   |                             |     |                          |
                                        |   | Common Stock: 14,750 Shares |     | Common Stock: 750 Shares |
                                        |___| -------------               |_____| -------------            |
                                            |                             |     |                          |
                                            |                Cost         |     |           Cost           |
                                            |                ----         |     |           ----           |
                                            | Casualty-100%  $11,510,000  |     | NW Comm-  $531,000       |
                                            |                             |     | 100%                     |
                                            | Other Capital:              |     |__________________________|
                                            | --------------              |
                                            | Casualty-Ptd.     1,000,000 |
                                            |_____________________________|
    

<FN>
                                                                                          Subsidiary Companies     - Solid Line
                                                                                          Contractual Association  - Double Line

                                                                                                          December 31, 1995
</TABLE>


<PAGE>   60
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              NATIONWIDE INSURANCE ENTERPRISE                                           (left side)
<S>                                       <C>                                            <C>
                                           _______________________________________
                                          |                                       |
                                          |          EMPLOYERS INSURANCE          |___________________________________________
                                          |              OF WAUSAU                |___________________________________________
                                          |           A MUTUAL COMPANY            |
                                          |_______________________________________|













                                                                                                        __________________________
                                                                                                       |
                                                                                           ____________|_________________
                                                                                          |   NATIONWIDE LIFE INSURANCE  |
                                                                                          |      COMPANY (NW LIFE)       |
                                                                                          |Common Stock: 3,814,779 Shares|
                                                                                          | -------------                |
                                                                                          |                              |
                                                                                          | NW Corp.-    Cost            |
                                                                                          | 100%         ----            |
                                                                                          |              $950,226,915    |
                                                                                          |______________________________|
                     _________________________________________________________________________________| 
        ____________|_____________               ___________|_______________       |        ______________________________       
       |        NATIONWIDE        |             |     NATIONAL CASUALTY     |      |       |      NATIONWIDE LIFE AND     |
       | FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. |             |       COMPANY (NC)        |      |       |   ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY  |
       |     (NW FIN. SERV.)      |             | Common Stock: 100 Shares  |      |       |                              |
 ______|Common Stock: 7,676 Shares|             | -------------             |      |       | Common Stock: 66,000 Shares  |
 | ____|-------------             |             |                           |      |_______| -------------                |
 | |   |               Cost       |             |               Cost        |      |       | NW Life-       Cost          |
 | |   |               ----       |             |               ----        |      |       | 100%           ----          |
 | |   | NW Life-100% $5,996,261  |             | NW Life-100%  $66,132,811 |      |       |               $58,070,003    |
 | |   |__________________________|             |___________________________|      |       |______________________________|
 | |    __________________________               ___________|_______________       |        ________________________________ 
 | |   |         NATIONWIDE       |             |                           |      |       |        WEST COAST LIFE         |   
 | |   |  INVESTOR SERVICES, INC. |             |                           |      |       |       INSURANCE COMPANY        |
 | |   |  Common Stock: 5 Shares  |             |   NCC OF AMERICA, INC.    |      |       | Common Stock:  1,000,000 Shares|
 | |___|  -------------           |             |         (INACTIVE)        |      |_______| -------------                  |
 | |   |  NW Fin. Serv.-100%      |             |                           |      |       |                                |
 | |   |                  Cost    |             |          NC-100%          |      |       |                     Cost       |
 | |   |                  ----    |             |                           |      |       |                     ----       |
 | |   |                  $5,000  |             |                           |      |       | NW Life-100%    $133,809,265   |
 | |   |__________________________|             |___________________________|      |       |________________________________|
 | |    __________________________               ______________________________    |        ____________________________  
 | |   |        NATIONWIDE        |            | EMPLOYERS LIFE INSURANCE CO. |    |       |   NATIONWIDE PROPERTY     | 
 | |   |        INVESTING         |            |     OF WAUSAU (ELIOW)        |    |       |    MANAGEMENT, INC.       | 
 | |   |        FOUNDATION        |            |                              |    |       | Common Stock: 59 Shares   | 
 | |___|                          |      ______| Common Stock: 250,000 Shares |____|_______| ------------              | 
 |  ___|                          |      |     | -------------  Cost          |    |       |                 Cost      | 
 | |   |                          |      |     |                ----          |    |       |                 ----      |
 | |   |                          |      |     | NW Life-100%   $155,000,000  |    |       |  NW Life-100%  $1,907,896 |
 | |   |   COMMON LAW TRUST       |      |     |______________________________|    |       |__________________________ |
 | |   |__________________________|      |                                         |                  |               
 | |                                     |       _____________________________     |        __________|_______________ 
 | |    __________________________       |      |       WAUSAU PREFERRED      |    |       |   MRM INVESTMENTS, INC.   |
 | |   |        NATIONWIDE        |      |      |     HEALTH INSURANCE CO.    |    |       |                           |
 | |   |        INVESTING         |      |      |                             |    |       | Common Stock: 1 Share     |
 | |___|        FOUNDATION II     |      |______| Common Stock: 200 Shares    |    |       | ------------              |
 |  ___|                          |      |      | -------------               |    |       |                           |
 | |   |                          |      |      |                  Cost       |    |       |                 Cost      |
 | |   |                          |      |      |                  ----       |    |       |  Nat. Prop.     ----      |
 | |   |    COMMON LAW TRUST      |      |      |  ELIOW -- 100%  $57,413,193 |    |       |  Mgmt.-100%    $550,000   |
 | |   |__________________________|      |      |_____________________________|    |       |___________________________|
 | |                                     |                                         |                                  
 | |                                     |       _____________________________     |       ___________________________ 
 | |    __________________________       |      |    KEY HEALTH PLAN, INC.    |    |      |          NWE, INC.        |
 | |   |       NATIONWIDE         |      |      |                             |    |      |                           |
 | |   |    SEPARATE ACCOUNT      |      |______| Common Stock:  1,000 Shares |    |______| Common Stock: 100 Shares  |
 | |   |          TRUST           |             | -------------               |           | ------------              |
 | |___|                          |             |                  Cost       |           |                 Cost      | 
 |  ___|                          |             |                  ----       |           |                 ----      | 
 | |   |    COMMON LAW TRUST      |             | ELIOW-80%        $2,700,000 |           |  NW Life-100% $35,971,375 | 
 | |   |                          |             |_____________________________|           |___________________________| 
 | |   |__________________________|                                                                                     
 | |                                                                                      
 | |    __________________________                                                                
 | |   |    FINANCIAL HORIZONS    |                                           
 | |   |    INVESTMENT TRUST      |    
 | |___|                          |    
 |_____|                          |    
       |    COMMON LAW TRUST      |    
       |__________________________|    
</TABLE>                                                                       
                                                 
<PAGE>   61

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              NATIONWIDE INSURANCE ENTERPRISE                                           (middle)

<S>                              <C>                        <C>                                      <C>
                                 _______________________________________
                                |                                       |
________________________________|          NATIONWIDE MUTUAL            |___________________________________________________________
________________________________|          INSURANCE COMPANY            |___________________________________________________________
                                |              (CASUALTY)               |
                                |_______________________________________|
                                                    |               _______________________________________________________________
                                  __________________|______________|___       
                                 |  NATIONWIDE CORPORATION (NW Corp)   |      
                                 | Common Stock:     Control:          |
                                 | -------------     -------           |
                                 |  13,642,432         100%            |                        
                                 |                                     |
                                 |           Shares       Cost         |                 
                                 |           ------       ----         |
                                 | Casualty   12,992,922  $751,352,485 |
                                 | Fire          649,510    24,007,936 |
                                 |_____________________________________|
                                                    |
____________________________________________________|______________________________________________________________________________
                   |                                                    |                                          |
        ___________|_________________                      _____________|_____________                 ____________|______________
       | PUBLIC EMPLOYEES BENEFIT     |                   |      GATES, McDONALD      |               |    NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL   |
       |SERVICES CORPORATION (PEBSCO) |                   |      & COMPANY (GATES)    |               |  INSTITUTION DISTRIBUTORS |
 ______| Common Stock: 236,494 Shares |                   | Common Stock: 254 Shares  |               |      AGENCY, INC. (NFIDAI)|
|  ____| -------------                |                   | -------------             |___       _____| Common Stock: 1,000 Shares|
| |    |               Cost           |                   |                           |   |     |  ___| -------------             |
| |    | NW Corp.-     ----           |                   |               Cost        |   |     | |   |               Cost        |
| |    | 100%          $ 7,830,936    |                   |               ----        |   |     | |   | NW Corp.      ----        |
| |    |______________________________|                   | NW Corp.-     $25,683,532 |   |     | |   | 100%          $19,501,000 |
| |                                                       | 100%                      |   |     | |   |___________________________|
| |                                                       |___________________________|   |     | |
| |                                                                                       |     | |
| |                                                        ___________________________    |     | |                                
| |     ____________________________                      |  GATES, McDONALD & COMPANY|   |     | |    ___________________________ 
| |    |     PEBSCO SECURITIES      |                     |     OF NEW YORK, INC.     |   |     | |   |    FINANCIAL HORIZONS     |
| |    |           CORP.            |                     | Common Stock: 3 Shares    |   |     | |   |     DISTRIBUTORS AGY.     |
| |____| Common Stock: 5,000 Shares |                     | -------------             |___|     | |   |      OF ALABAMA, INC.     |
| |    | -------------              |                     |                           |   |     | |___|Common Stock: 10,000 Shares|
| |    |                  Cost      |                     |                Cost       |   |     | |   |-----------                |
| |    |                  ----      |                     |                ----       |   |     | |   |               Cost        |
| |    |     PEBSCO-100%  $25,000   |                     | Gates-100%     $106,947   |   |     | |   |               ----        |
| |    |____________________________|                     |                           |   |     | |   | NFIDAI-100%    $100       |
| |                                                       |___________________________|   |     | |   |___________________________|
| |                                                                                       |     | |                                
| |                                                                                       |     | |                                
| |                                                        ___________________________    |     | |                                
| |     ____________________________                      |  GATES, McDONALD & COMPANY|   |     | |                                
| |    |          PEBSCO OF         |                     |         OF NEVADA         |   |     | |    ___________________________ 
| |    |           ALABAMA          |                     |                           |   |     | |   |    LANDMARK FINANCIAL     |
| |    |Common Stock: 100,000 Shares|                     |   Common Stock: 40 Shares |___|     | |   |        SERVICES OF        |
| |____|-------------               |                     |                           |         | |   |       NEW YORK, INC.      |
| |    |                   Cost     |                     |   Gates-100%    Cost      |         | |___|Common Stock: 10,000 Shares|
| |    |                   ----     |                     |                 ----      |         | |   |-------------              |
| |    |  PEBSCO-100%      $1,000   |                     |                 $93,750   |         | |   |               Cost        |
| |    |____________________________|                     |___________________________|         | |   |               ----        |
| |                                                                                             | |   | NFIDAI-100%    $10,100    |
| |                                                                                             | |   |___________________________|
| |                                                                                             | |                                
| |                                                                                             | |                                
| |     ____________________________                                                            | |                                
| |    |         PEBSCO OF          |                                                           | |                                
| |    |         ARKANSAS           |                                                           | |    ___________________________ 
| |    | Common Stock: 50,000 Shares|                                                           | |   |    FINANCIAL HORIZONS     |
| |____| -------------              |                                                           | |   |      SECURITIES CORP.     |
| |    |                  Cost      |                           ________________________________|_|___|Common Stock: 10,000 Shares|
| |    |                  ----      |                          |  AFFILIATE AGENCY, INC.   |    | |   |-------------              |
| |    | PEBSCO-100%      $500      |                          |                           |    | |   |               Cost        |
| |    |____________________________|                          |  Common Stock: 100 Shares |    | |   |               ----        |
| |                                                            |                           |    | |   | NFIDAI-100%   $153,000    |
| |                                                            |   NFIDAI-100%   Cost      |    | |   |___________________________|
| |                                                            |                 ----      |    | |                                
| |     ___________________________                            |                 $100      |    | |                                
| |    | PEBSCO OF MASSACHUSETTS   |                           |___________________________|    | |                                
| |    |  INSURANCE AGENCY, INC.   |                                                            | |    ___________________________ 
| |____| Common Stock: 1,000 Shares|                                                            | |   |                           |
| |    | -------------             |                                                            | |   |     FINANCIAL HORIZONS    |
| |    |                   Cost    |                                                            | |___|        DISTRIBUTORS       |
| |    |                   ----    |                                                            |  ___|       AGENCY OF OHIO,     |
| |    | PEBSCO-100%      $1,000   |                                                            | |   |            INC.           |
| |    |___________________________|                                                            | |   |___________________________|
| |                                                                                             | |                                
| |                                                                                             | |                                












| |                                                                                             | |                                
| |     ___________________________                                                             | |    ___________________________ 
| |    |         PEBSCO OF         |                                                            | |   |                           |
| |    |         MONTANA           |                                                            | |___|     FINANCIAL HORIZONS    |
| |____| Common Stock: 500 Shares  |                                                            |  ___|    DISTRIBUTORS AGENCY    |
| |    | -------------             |                                                            | |   |     OF OKLAHOMA, INC.     |
| |    |                  Cost     |                                                            | |   |___________________________|
| |    |                  ----     |                                                            | |                              
| |    | PEBSCO-100%      $500     |                                                            | |                           
| |    |___________________________|                                                            | |                           
| |                                                                                             | |                                
| |     ___________________________                                                             | |                                
| |    |         PEBSCO OF         |                                                            | |    ___________________________ 
| |    |         NEW MEXICO        |                                                            | |   |                           |
| |    |                           |                                                            | |___|    FINANCIAL HORIZONS     |
| |____|Common Stock: 1,000 Shares |                                                            |  ___|    DISTRIBUTORS AGENCY    |
| |    |-------------              |                                                            | |   |       OF TEXAS, INC.      |
| |    |                   Cost    |                                                            | |   |___________________________|
| |    |                   -----   |                                                            | |                                
| |    | PEBSCO-100%      $1,000   |                                                            | |                                
| |    |___________________________|                                                            | |    ___________________________ 
| |                                                                                             | |   |                           |
| |     ___________________________                                                             | |___|         AFFILIATE         |
| |____|                           |                                                            |_____|         AGENCY OF         |
|______|         PEBSCO OF         |                                                                  |         OHIO, INC.        |
       |        TEXAS, INC.        |                                                                  |                           |
       |___________________________|                                                                  |___________________________|
                                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                   
</TABLE>
                                                    
<PAGE>   62
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              NATIONWIDE INSURANCE ENTERPRISE                                           (right side)
<S>                     <C>                             <C>                                      
                       _______________________________________
                      |                                       |
______________________|          NATIONWIDE MUTUAL            |
______________________|        FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY         |
                      |               (FIRE)                  |
                      |_______________________________________|
________________________________________|                                                  










                                                    
____________________________________________________________________
                        |                        |                  |
           _____________|_____________           |      ____________|______________
          |      NEA VALUEBUILDER     |          |     |    NATIONWIDE HMO, INC.   |
          |  INVESTOR SERVICES, INC.  |          |     |         (NW HMO)          |
          |           (NEA)           |          |     | Common Stock: 100 Shares  |
   _______| Common Stock: 500 Shares  |          |_____| ------------              |
  |  _____| -------------             |          |     |               Cost        |
  | |     |               Cost        |          |     |               ----        |
  | |     | NW Corp.-     ----        |          |     | NW Corp.-                 |
  | |     | 100%          $5,000      |          |     | 100%          $14,603,732 |
  | |     |___________________________|          |     |___________________________|
  | |                                            |                   
  | |      ___________________________           |      ___________________________ 
  | |     |      NEA VALUEBUILDER     |          |     |    INHEALTH MANAGEMENT    |
  | |     |     INVESTOR SERVICES     |          |     |       SYSTEMS, INC.       |
  | |_____|      OF ALABAMA, INC.     |          |     | Common Stock: 100 Shares  |
  | |     | Common Stock: 500 Shares  |          |_____| -------------             |
  | |     | -------------             |          |     |                           |
  | |     |               Cost        |          |     |               Cost        |
  | |     |               ----        |          |     | NW HMO        ----        |
  | |     | NEA-100%      $5,000      |          |     | INC.-100%   $25,149       |
  | |     |___________________________|          |     |___________________________|
  | |                                            |                                  
  | |      ___________________________           |      ___________________________ 
  | |     |      NEA VALUEBUILDER     |          |     |         INHEALTH          |
  | |     |     INVESTOR SERVICES     |          |     |        AGENCY, INC.       |
  | |     |      OF MONTANA, INC.     |          |     | Common Stock: 100 Shares  |
  | |_____| Common Stock: 500 Shares  |          |_____| -------------             |
  | |     | -------------             |                |               Cost        |
  | |     |               Cost        |                | NW HMO        ----        |
  | |     |               -----       |                | INC.-99%   $116,077       |
  | |     | NEA-100%      $500        |                |___________________________|
  | |     |___________________________|          
  | |                                            
  | |      ___________________________           
  | |     |      NEA VALUEBUILDER     |          
  | |     |     INVESTOR SERVICES     |          
  | |_____|       OF NEVADA, INC.     |          
  | |     | Common Stock:  500 Shares |          
  | |     | -------------  Cost       |          
  | |     |                ----       |          
  | |     | NEA-100%       $500       |          
  | |     |___________________________|          
  | |                                            
  | |      ___________________________           
  | |     |      NEA VALUEBUILDER     |          
  | |     |     INVESTOR SERVICES     |          
  | |_____|        OF OHIO, INC.      |          
  | |     | Common Stock:  100 Shares |          
  | |     | -------------  Cost       |          
  | |     |                ----       |          
  | |     | NEA-91%        $5,000     |          
  | |     |___________________________|          
  | |                                            
  | |      ___________________________           
  | |     |      NEA VALUEBUILDER     |          
  | |     |     INVESTOR SERVICES     |          
  | |_____|      OF WYOMING, INC.     |          
  | |     | Common Stock:  500 Shares |          
  | |     | -------------  Cost       |          
  | |     |                ----       |          
  | |     | NEA-100%       $500       |          
  | |     |___________________________|          
  | |                                            
  | |      ___________________________           
  | |     |                           |          
  | |     |      NEA VALUEBUILDER     |          
  | |_____|     INVESTOR SERVICES     |          
  | |     |       OF TEXAS, INC.      |          
  | |     |                           |          
  | |     |___________________________|          









  | |                                                               
  | |      ___________________________        
  | |     |                           |       
  | |_____|      NEA VALUEBUILDER     |       
  |_______|     INVESTOR SERVICES     |       
          |      OF OKLAHOMA, INC.    |       
          |                           |       
          |___________________________|       
                                              


</TABLE>



Subsidiary Companies     --  Solid Line
Contractual Association  --  Double Line

December 31, 1995
                                    Page 2
<PAGE>   63

Item 27.      NUMBER OF CONTRACT OWNERS

              N/A

Item  28.     INDEMNIFICATION

              Provision is made in the Company's Amended Code of Regulations and
              expressly authorized by the General Corporation Law of the State
              of Ohio, for indemnification by the Company of any person who was
              or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any
              threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding,
              whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative by reason
              of the fact that such person is or was a director, officer or
              employee of the Company, against expenses, including attorneys'
              fees, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and
              reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such action,
              suit or proceeding, to the extent and under the circumstances
              permitted by the General Corporation Law of the State of Ohio.

              Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
              Securities Act of 1933 ("Act") may be permitted to directors,
              officers or persons controlling the Company pursuant to the
              foregoing provisions, the Company has been informed that in the
              opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such
              indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act
              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 Act and will be governed by the final
              adjudication of such issue.

Item 29.      PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER

              (a)    Nationwide Financial Services, Inc. ("NFS") acts as general
                     distributor for the Nationwide Multi-Flex Variable Account,
                     Nationwide DC Variable Account, Nationwide DCVA II,
                     Nationwide Variable Account-II, Nationwide Variable
                     Account-5, Nationwide Variable Account-6, Nationwide
                     Variable Account-8, Nationwide VA Separate Account-A,
                     Nationwide VA Separate Account-B, Nationwide VA Separate
                     Account-C, Nationwide VL Separate Account-A, Nationwide VLI
                     Separate Account-2, Nationwide VLI Separate Account-3, NACo
                     Variable Account and the Nationwide Variable Account, all
                     of which are separate investment accounts of the Company or
                     its affiliates. 

                     NFS also acts as principal underwriter for the Nationwide
                     Investing Foundation, Nationwide Separate Account Trust,
                     Financial Horizons Investment Trust, and Nationwide
                     Investing Foundation II, which are open-end management
                     investment companies.

              (b)      NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.
                             DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

                                                 POSITIONS AND OFFICES
         NAME AND BUSINESS ADDRESS                  WITH UNDERWRITER
Joseph J. Gasper                                 President and Director
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, Ohio  43215

D. Richard McFerson                      Chairman of the Board of Directors and
One Nationwide Plaza                                  Chairman and
Columbus, OH  43215                       Chief Executive Officer--Nationwide
                                           Insurance Enterprise and Director

Gordon E. McCutchan                         Executive Vice President-Law and
One Nationwide Plaza                        Corporate Services and Director
Columbus, OH  43215

                                    79 of 84
<PAGE>   64

         (b)            NATIONWIDE FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.
                             DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

Robert A. Oakley                   Executive Vice President - Chief
One Nationwide Plaza                Financial Officer and Director
Columbus, Ohio  43215

Robert J. Woodward                 Executive Vice President - Chief
One Nationwide Plaza               Investment Officer and Director
Columbus, Ohio 43215

W. Sidney Druen                       Senior Vice President and
One Nationwide Plaza                     General Counsel and
Columbus, OH  43215                      Assistant Secretary

James F. Laird, Jr.                   Vice President and General
One Nationwide Plaza                           Manager
Columbus, OH  43215

Peter J. Neckermann                         Vice President
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH  43215

Harry S. Schermer                    Vice President - Investments
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH  43215

Rae I. Mercer                                 Secretary
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH  43215

William G. Goslee                             Treasurer
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, Ohio  43215

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(c)  NAME OF        NET UNDERWRITING        COMPENSATION ON
   PRINCIPAL         DISCOUNTS AND           REDEMPTION OR          BROKERAGE
  UNDERWRITER         COMMISSIONS            ANNUITIZATION         COMMISSIONS       COMPENSATION
  <S>                <C>                    <C>                   <C>             <C>
   Nationwide             N/A                     N/A                  N/A                N/A
    Financial
    Services,
      Inc.
</TABLE>


                                    80 of 84
<PAGE>   65
Item 30.      LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS

              Robert O. Cline
              Nationwide Life Insurance Company
              One Nationwide Plaza
              Columbus, OH  43216

Item 31.      MANAGEMENT SERVICES

              Not Applicable

Item 32.      UNDERTAKINGS

              The Registrant hereby undertakes to:

              (a) file a post-effective amendment to this registration statement
              as frequently as is necessary to ensure that the audited financial
              statements in the registration statement are never more than 16
              months old for so long as payments under the variable annuity
              contracts may be accepted;

              (b) include either (1) as part of any application to purchase a
              contract offered by the prospectus, a space that an applicant can
              check to request a Statement of Additional Information, or (2) a
              post card or similar written communication affixed to or included
              in the prospectus that the applicant can remove to send for a
              Statement of Additional Information; and

              (c) deliver any Statement of Additional Information and any
              financial statements required to be made available under this form
              promptly upon written or oral request.

              The Registrant hereby represents that any contract offered by the
              prospectus and which is issued pursuant to Section 403(b) of the
              Code, is issued by the Registrant in reliance upon, and in
              compliance with, the Securities and Exchange Commission's
              no-action letter to the American Council of Life Insurance
              (publicly available November 28, 1988) which permits withdrawal
              restrictions to the extent necessary to comply with IRC Section
              403(b)(11).

                                    81 of 84
<PAGE>   66
                                   Offered by
                  Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company




                  NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY




                        NATIONWIDE VA SEPARATE ACCOUNT-B

                  INDIVIDUAL DEFERRED VARIABLE ANNUITY CONTRACT



                                   PROSPECTUS



                                 October 1, 1996

                             
                                    82 of 84
<PAGE>   67




                              ACCOUNTANTS' CONSENT

The Board of Directors of Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company
(formerly Financial Horizons Life Insurance Company):

We consent to the use of our report included herein and to the reference to our
firm under the heading "Services" in the Statement of Additional Information.

                                                           KPMG Peat Marwick LLP

Columbus, Ohio
July 10, 1996


                                    83 of 84
<PAGE>   68

                                   SIGNATURES

As required by the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant, NATIONWIDE VA
SEPARATE ACCOUNT-B, has caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its
behalf in the City of Columbus, and State of Ohio, on this 10th day of July,
1996.

                              NATIONWIDE VA SEPARATE ACCOUNT-B          
                           ---------------------------------------------
                                        (Registrant)                    
                                                                        
                           NATIONWIDE LIFE AND ANNUITY INSURANCE COMPANY
                           ---------------------------------------------
                                        (Depositor)                     
                                                                        
                                    By/s/JOSEPH P. RATH                 
                           ---------------------------------------------
                                       Joseph P. Rath                   
                                     Vice President and                 
                                 Associate General Counsel              
                           
As required by the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been
signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated on the 10th day of
July, 1996.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
     SIGNATURE                                             TITLE
<S>                                                     <C>                 <C>
LEWIS J. ALPHIN                                          Director
- -----------------------------------------
Lewis J. Alphin

KEITH W. ECKEL                                           Director
- -----------------------------------------
Keith W. Eckel

WILLARD J. ENGEL                                         Director
- -----------------------------------------
Willard J. Engel

FRED C. FINNEY                                           Director
- -----------------------------------------
Fred C. Finney

CHARLES L. FUELLGRAF, JR.                                Director
- -----------------------------------------
Charles L. Fuellgraf, Jr.

JOSEPH J. GASPER                                President/Chief Operating 
                                                  Officer and Director
- -----------------------------------------
Joseph J. Gasper

HENRY S. HOLLOWAY                             Chairman of the Board and Director
- -----------------------------------------
Henry S. Holloway

D. RICHARD MCFERSON                           Chairman and Chief Executive 
                                                  Officer--Nationwide
                                              Insurance Enterprise and Director
- -----------------------------------------
D. Richard McFerson

DAVID O. MILLER                                          Director
- -----------------------------------------
David O. Miller

C. RAY NOECKER                                           Director
- -----------------------------------------
C. Ray Noecker

ROBERT A. OAKLEY                              Executive Vice President- Chief 
                                                     Financial Officer
- -----------------------------------------
Robert A. Oakley

JAMES F. PATTERSON                                       Director                           By/s/JOSEPH P. RATH
- -----------------------------------------                                        -----------------------------------------
James F. Patterson                                                                           Joseph P. Rath
                                                                                             Attorney-in-Fact
ARDEN L. SHISLER                                         Director
- -----------------------------------------
Arden L. Shisler

ROBERT L. STEWART                                        Director
- -----------------------------------------
Robert L. Stewart

NANCY C. THOMAS                                          Director
- -----------------------------------------
Nancy C. Thomas

HAROLD W. WEIHL                                          Director
- -----------------------------------------
Harold W. Weihl



</TABLE>
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