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.
Medicare Part B covers durable medical equipment, including CPAP equipment. For 2012, Medicare Part B beneficiaries can expect to pay between $99.90 and $319.70 per month in insurance premiums - depending on income level - with a $140 deductible. After the deductible is met Medicare will pay 80% of allowable expenses with the beneficiary picking up the remaining 20%.