I have received CSS (CMU-C) for over 11 years now. It takes quite a while to be approved at the first application and then you have to re-apply each year for it to continue, updating your Impôts and other info all the time. You are given a list of approved mutuelles for the complimentaire to choose one from and then they send an official client certificate but everything will be recorded on your CV so you need to update it every six months minimum for the info to continue. If you need specialist health treatment, you need to ask and make sure they will do it under the CSS and not every cabinet does. I also find that printing out the paperwork end of each year and sending LRAR has served me well and proof you have renewed it rather than trust an online system that can go wrong and you get lost. You also need to print out your yearly certificate from the Assurance Maladie and carry with you as visible proof along with the mutualle paperwork
Thanks for your thoughts, Karen
The dentist aspect is not a problem a.t.mo. I am 75% thru’ a root-canal/implant procedure, which I have paid for in part.
On my last visit, which was to finish the job, Denis ['A Visit To The Denis’/In His Own Write - J.Lennon] found that one of the three roots was still infected so had to do a number, replace the old crown and tell me to come back ‘mañana’ and ‘mañana’ could be as long as a piece of string.
I can choose my moment to return to VLC as it suits both parties. Returning to VLC is no hardship. 
Indeed, it may come to it. I still get Billy Doos from the Dr in the health centre in WIlliton about stuff - an on-line B.P. query last month.
I will crack on with the CSS. Having that sorted will be a definite boost to morale.
What is that, please?
In my case, seems I can whistle “Dixie”.
Lettre recommandée avec réception. A registered and tracked letter. Works wonders here.
Bearing in mind that no form of tracking seems to work any more if the letter is heading to the UK - not once it gets to the UK anyway…
I agree that it works wonders here though 
I was going to use doctor lib to find an English speaking ophtalmologiste but bearing in mind what’s been said it’s probably not a good idea. Whenever we make an appointment with our GP we get confirmation from Keldoc. So maybe I’ll should try Keldoc to find an ophtalmologiste?
If Keldoc is the one used in your area (like Maiia is in mine), I’d certainly start there. I also use Doctolib from time to time but it’s only a partial list so I also use Yellow Pages online and Ameli to give me a spread of the Profession liberale ones. Lately, I’ve also been turning up at the main reception of public hospitals and asking the receptionist if there’s the relevant department there and then trotting along to see if they have appointments since they almost certainly won’t be on Doctolib or any of the others…
Good luck!
?? I haven’t been given any list of mutuelles to choose from and wasn’t told anything else other than updating CV then reaplying yearly if still eligible was required. Should I be worried?
Well if you don’t already have a mutuelle complimentaire to back up the CPAM part of any costs, then yes, I would ring and ask about it because it can add upto quite a bit if you have something done. Each year they sent a list of approved insurers they use so I chose Grou*ama already being with them for house and car but three years back, they stopped being complimentaire to CSS applicants and so I had to re-choose from the list again and so far, all has been settled. The paperwork I fill in each year is at least four pages worth so maybe you havn’t got the right ones or you are not eligible any more due to your avis d’imposition taking you over the ceiling. I should also add that you are emailed by Ameli before the expiration of the yearly CSS to renew and also reminded to update your CV a week after the newly acquired year comes into force and then again every six months. If you look on Ameli there would be an online certificate of rights including the name of the complimentaire that you can print out and keep safe.
I di use Doctolib and have found it quite useful, however a small word of warning.
Medical staff listed as English speaking may mean only a few words. We have found these can often be the same few words my husband speaks in French, so not very illuminating conversation.
It may on the other hand, mean that practice is willing to see English speakers and make an effort to communicate. This is good to know.
They also have to do everything in french because although they may speak english, it can be full of gramatical errors and give the wrong info so no written english. A few words to help but on record, all in french to protect themselves in case of litigation by patients who misunderstood.
And French is the language of France and the only one recognised for contracts and transactions of whatever sort.
One way that might help is to ask if you can record the consultation. That allows you to do two things - listen afterwards (more than once) so you understand more and also to begin to pick up whole phrases that you can learn and use in future conversations.
The Drs may speak English but before you get to them it is unlikely that anyone in the chain prior to the Drs does, including recorded messages rattled off at a lick.