Oldham

Introduction

Appellant Gino Oldham appeals from a judgment denying his petition for a writ of mandate to set aside respondent’s decision denying him Medi-Cal benefits.

Statement of Facts

On August 27, 1982, appellant was shot in the back and through the abdomen; the bullet traversed his colon, small bowel, pancreas, stomach and esophagus. Appellant underwent emergency surgery to repair the damage. He remained hospitalized until October 10, 1982. Details concerning appellant’s injury, treatment and condition will be presented in the discussion portion of this opinion as they become necessary to the resolution of the issues.

On November 4, 1982, appellant applied for Medi-Cal benefits; the application was denied for failure to provide verification of income, Social Security number, identification and address. Appellant reapplied on November 29; a notice of action dated December 14 informed him he was entitled to receive Medi-Cal benefits as of November 1.

Appellant applied for retroactive Medi-Cal benefits for August through October 1982 on September 16,1983; a notice of action dated September 27 informed him his application was denied for failure to provide…