(a) The commissioner shall consider any claim filed under this article and may hold a hearing and receive evidence concerning it. If a hearing is held, he shall prepare a finding and a decision in writing on each claim filed, stating the substance of any evidence heard by him and the reasons for his decision. The decision shall be a public record.

(b) If the claim is allowed, the commissioner shall make payment forthwith. The claim shall be paid without deduction for costs of notice.