If bleeding occurs in the stomach or the upper part of the small intestine, the stool may turn black and sticky, and be described medically as black, tarry stool (melena). Generally, black, tarry stool also is foul-smelling.
Q. I have Original Medicare. A. The Part B costs for Original Medicare are as follows: Premium - $104.90 per month (in 2015); Deductible - $147 per year (in 2015); and Coinsurance - 20 percent for most services Medicare Part B covers.
The estimated average monthly premium for Medicare Part B in 2017 is $149, up from 2016's rate of $121.80 and 2015's rate of $104.90. About 70% of Part B enrollees will be able to avoid the portion of the premium increase that exceeds their Social Security benefit increase, according to the health-insurance report.