I called them today, they said if my application was denied that I would have heard from them straight away. The fact that I've not been given the card yet is indeed a good thing. As pointed out, I can start growing now but my expiration/renewal date doesn't begin it's tenure until I have received my card. Good for me but a pretty damning commentary on the efficiency of government. Slow as a slug for something as simple as issuing a card. And these are the same people that want to manage our health care?? Sorry I'll pass on that one.