Swordman,
I was totally unaware British people who are French residents but work in the UK and pay UK taxes and National Insurance contributions could get a carte vitale on that basis without contributing to the French social system in any way. I presume your UK contribution to the UK health care system pays for any health care you need in France in the form of issuing you with a carte vitale. The previous posting is correct the carte vitale has to be renewed by inseting into a machine located in pharmacies etc.
I assume then that the commuters could get a carte vitale too as they pay UK NI contributions.
My apparently incorrect understanding was people in your situation received health care in France under the E106 scheme which lasts for 2 years and is renewable.
Take a look at this link which relates to health care for UK citizens becoming residents of another EU country but are employed and paid in the UK and pay UK taxes and NI contributions without contributing to the health care of their country of residence.
http://www.dwp.gov.uk/international/...edical_06.aspt
You will now see why I thought only retired people over 65 get free health care in France as it has been in the media recently. Their pensions are taxable in France but the 8% social charge is not paid by them nor by French pensioners, that is seperate from French income tax anyway.
I beleived the under 65's could only use the E106 scheme which is not a carte vitale.
So sorry if I have confused the issue if I have.