Despite the popularity of Medicare Advantage plans, research has called into question whether they serve sicker beneficiaries as well as those who are healthy, according to a post for the New York Times' The Upshot. Medicare Advantage can be more efficient than its fee-for-service counterpart, but often that efficiency is achieved by excluding some providers from networks, which can make it more difficult for sick beneficiaries to access care. For example, the post notes that a study published last September found MA Medicare Advantage enrollees with depression had more difficulty getting needed care and medication. And another study from last fall found that many seniors switch from Medicare Advantage plans to traditional Medicare when they become seriously ill. Post