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.
Part B Deductible. The annual deductible for Part B is $183 in 2017, a 10.2 percent increase from $166 in 2016. You are required to pay the full deductible amount before Medicare will start paying towards your health expenses.