Hello AnnH, I came to live in France a year and a half ago, after reaching retirement age, and I didn't have any problems at all regarding a Carte Vitale - I think I had to produce my birth certificate, passport, proof that I was resident in France etc., etc., in fact I took just about every bit of paper I could think of, as you can be sure they will ask for something you have not taken. It can take a few weeks before the Carte Vitale is issued, but I don't imagine you will have any problems. I didn't have form E121, so don't really think it is relevant, though maybe it depends of whereabouts in France you live.