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.
Most people pay enough into the Medicare system during their working lives that they do not have to pay for their Medicare Part A coverage. For more on Part A costs, go . The 2016 standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B coverage is $121.80. If you make more than $85,000 ($170,000 for couples), you will pay more.