(a) (1) The commission may, in its discretion, hold a hearing, or assign the matter to an administrative law judge for a hearing, for the purpose of determining a question presented to it involving a right, benefit, or obligation of a person under this article.
(2) Paragraph (1) does not apply to an eligibility determination made pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 18888.6.
(b) If a hearing is held pursuant to this section, the proceedings shall be conducted in accordance with Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 11500) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, except that Section 11508 of the Government Code shall not apply, and the hearing shall be held at the time and place determined by the commission.