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.
This means, Medicare Part B premiums have increased from $121.80 in 2016 to $134 in 2017. However, because the Part B premium increased more than the cost-of-living increase for 2017 Social Security benefits, most people who get Social Security benefits will pay less than this amount (on average $109).