I sent my application in Sept 2013. I realized this August that according to BC MSP medicare protection Act, AIP is not a requirement for a spouse to get on MSP. I sent in a letter & form to add my husband to my MSP on Aug 29, 2014, and just two days ago my husband received his care card. The effective date is September 1, 2014. I believe there is a 3 month waiting period from when you first become eligible, which, according to the Act, would likely have been a while ago.
I believe that the 3 month 'clock' starts when you've been in Canada for at least 6 months, and have applied for sponsorship/permanent residence.