(VOXtra) - The National Association of Voice Actors (NAVA), a new non-profit association for voice actors, opened the door to membership this week touting numerous member benefits including the availability of four health insurance options starting in 2023.

"We're excited about all that NAVA will do for the voice acting community," says well-known voice actor and NAVA President Tim Friedlander. "We'd been working on providing access to health insurance plans to professional voice actors for almost two years, and it's amazing to see it finally coming to fruition."

In announcing its launch, NAVA explains that the association was "created to advocate and promote the advancement of the voice acting industry through action, education, inclusion and benefits."

In addition to health insurance options, those benefits include:

Applications will be reviewed and "membership will be offered to those who meet qualifications," says NAVA. The cost of membership is $120 per year.

Though the association is new, its officers and Advisory Board members are seasoned veterans of the voice over industry.

The officers and initial board members are:

And the Advisory Board's 15 members are among a "who's who" of the voice over industry, including Dave Fennoy, David Toback, Jamie Muffett, Jay Preston and Maria Pendolino.

For more about NAVA and how to join, visit www.NAVAvoices.org.