Until the end of 2018, the ACA required that all US taxpayers had to have health insurance that met a minimum standard. Some taxpayers are eligible for exemptions from this due to certain life events, financial status or other factors. If you had affordable health care options open to you and you chose not to avail of health insurance, then you would have to pay a fee when filing your taxes
Doing so could impact your health care coverage requirements under the Affordable Care Act, if you do not have other health care.
Also, Is there an applicable penalty if I don't have health insurance?   How do I get a Veterans Health ID card?
To obtain your card, you should contact your local VA medical center and ask to speak with an enrollment coordinator. This person can help arrange a time for you to come in and have your picture taken for the ID card.