Making medical aid unaffordable and unattainable for the unemployed!!!!!!!!

I have been looking for an affordable medical aid for my mother, whom is currently unemployed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

I researched a few plans and found that the myFed plan seemed to fit her needs and was affordable for her. I was swiftly assisted however, after I explained to the sales agent that my mom is unemployed he advised that she would not be allowed to take the myFed plan. Thus, he offered another plan, which was almost double the plan that was initially quoted for. I explained that she could go back to work if/ when the COVID-19 rules are more relaxed, he went on to explain that she would need to provide proof of an income - but how? She is unemployed and her employer cannot promise she will have her job in the months to come.

While I understand there are penalties for not being on medical aid and there are rules to be followed when taking a plan, what I cannot understand is that how can FedHealth offer a different plan that costs more after explaining my mother is unemployed?

It is shocking to know that medical aids offer a cheaper option to those employed and a more expensive option to an unemployed person - HOW DOES THAT WORK?

One would think that companies would adjust to a pandemic, especially the health care industry but I guess it is all about profits and less about meeting the needs of those that have been negatively impacted by this dreaded virus.