1. I am in NYC. I received an advertising mail from Healthfirst. On its
envelope, it says:

> 
> Urgent: Get health insurance for 2017 now to avoid a tax penalty.
> 
> 
> 

What does it mean, and why?
2. In 2016, I didn't have health insurance, and my income was around
$15k, which might be too low to be taxable, although I haven't checked
it yet. Will I receive a tax penalty for not having health insurance
in 2016?

Thanks.