Yes I receive SSI (not full disability but you can apply for both, there is someone on the site who I think has both if not then its disability) and am on Medi-Cal.
Apply at your local Social Security office NOW (it takes time to be accepted plus your payments will begin on the date that they received your application so if you apply today and aren't approved until next year, you'll get a check that has a large sum from the months you didn't get a check from when you first applied till the month you were accepted, then you'll get a check each month after that) or apply online:
http://www.ssa.gov/applyfordisability/
Apply for SSI:
http://www.ssa.gov/pgm/ssi.htm
If you are denied
appeal. Just about everyone is denied their first time. A lawyer can help (I had to use one). They take a small percentage of the first check you get which I described above. SS hates dealing with lawyers so you're more likely to get benefits sooner with one (you can start with one if you like to help fill out the paperwork properly).
When you fill out the paperwork only talk about worst days possible. Never ever say that you sometimes feel fine. Exampe: If you run into a question that asks, "do you need help dressing yourself?" If there were some days where you actually needed help but don't always, say "yes" anyway.
Have a doctor back you up. Tell your GI or GP what you're trying to accomplish and they will fill out the paperwork accordingly. My lawyer worked with a doctor so that's the doctor who helped me (he wasn't even my doctor). He knew a lot about Crohn's and the legal system so knew exactly what to say.
If he has any other medical conditions he may be able to use those to help his case as well (even depression and anxiety).
Check out the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act):
http://www.crohnsforum.com/wiki/Disability-and-Crohns-USA
Know your rights: "a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities of such individual"
"major life activities include, but are not limited to, caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, seeing, hearing, eating, sleeping, walking, standing, lifting, bending, speaking, breathing, learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating, and working."
"Major bodily functions:
For purposes of paragraph (1), a
major life activity also includes the operation of a major bodily function, including but not limited to, functions of the immune system, normal cell growth, digestive, bowel, bladder, neurological, brain, respiratory, circulatory, endocrine, and reproductive functions."
The more you know your own rights, the better chance you'll have at being accepted. The quotes above are the things they are looking for.
Once you're approved for SSI, SSDI or both, then you should qualify for Medi-Cal. Here's a link that explains the difference:
http://ssa-custhelp.ssa.gov/app/ans...social-security-disability-and-ssi-disability Anywhere it says Medicaid, its Medi-Cal here in Ca.
If you need more information feel free to ask but you can also get lots of information from your local Social Security office and from a lawyer (many do free consultations).
Edit: Benefits aren't forever. He will go up for review from time to time. He may be denied in the future and THAT'S when you get a lawyer for sure! I had to do that one time.
