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 premiums of those receiving benefits through Social. Security are deducted from their monthly payments. Each year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) determines the Medicare Part B. premiums for the following year. The standard monthly Part B premium for 2016 is $121.80. However, due to a 0% Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in 2016, the hold-. harmless provision applies to about 70% of Part B enrollees; their premiums are being held flat at. the 2015 premium amount of $104.90 through 2016.