LaCroix

Erm, what's a CPAM and what's a Carte Vitale?

I recently taught english for a few weeks in the school my daughter used to attend when she lived out here with me, I haven't been paid yet and I received a letter from l'Assurance Maladie (Charente) telling me that in order to do something or other they need, a passport, a birth certificate etc etc. They also ask for 'votre attestation Vitale d'Assuree', what is one of them and how on Earth do I go about getting one if I don't have one. Thank you! Jackie