Spouse Inside Canada - Health care considerations

I've sent an e-mail to the Ministry of Health inquiring if one can apply for OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan) upon arrival to settle in Ontario, or after submitting a PR app (in anticipation of CIC confirmation), or if one has to wait until CIC confirmation to apply and then still wait another 3 months for coverage. The amount of time Nickie will have to go without health coverage is a major consideration, if not the most important one, for us to determine whether it's better to do an Inside Canada or an Outside Canada application. Knowledge is power. :)

Follow-up: The e-mail address given for eligibility questions doesn't appear to exist. I filled out a feedback form on their website pointing this out. I will try by phone tomorrow (8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.). It says if you're in Toronto you can call 416-314-5518 (there's a toll-free number for the rest of Ontario), but I assume I can also call long-distance from here and get through.

Follow-up: I called and was told that you must have the written confirmation from CIC first before you will be eligible. The date of eligibility to apply will be based on the date on the letter. The 3-month waiting period begins then.

Next step: Find out about how long the confirmation usually takes, and whether CIC just sends it or you have to request it.

Follow-up: I can't seem to find an answer on this anywhere on the web. CIC has an 800 phone number but that's only usable from within Canada. For those outside Canada it directs you to your nearest Consulate. I will call the Consulate General in Los Angeles between 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. to ask those questions. (213) 625-7154.

Follow-up: Oops. That's a fax number and there's no phone option for immigration questions. So I faxed my questions and await an answer.