Fall is almost upon us, bringing with it colorful leaves, cozy sweaters, and, for a growing segment of the population, Medicare open enrollment.

Though less delightful than apple picking, asses sing your Medicare coverage should be an autumn ritual for anyone who is part of the program. The annual window for making changes starts Oct. 15 and runs until Dec. 7, so now is the time for Medicare participants to start thinking about what, if any, move to make this year.

“Open enrollment is your one opportunity each year to make changes in your coverage that best meet your current needs, help you save money, and see if a different plan may work better for you,’’ said Mike Festa, state director of AARP Massachusetts.

What can you do during this period? If you are part of traditional Medicare, you can switch to a Medicare Advantage plan: private, subsidized coverage that might offer additional, well, advantages, such as prescription drug coverage, vision and dental benefits, or lower out-of-pocket costs.

You can also switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, enroll in standalone prescription drug coverage, or change prescription drug plans.

If you are already a Medicare patient, your first step is to read carefully through the Annual Notice of Change your current plan should have sent you by mail.

Then, AARP recommends assessing your options by considering four factors: cost, coverage, convenience, and quality. When evaluating cost, don’t just look at the premium; check out the deductible and any co-pays or co-insurance you might be on the hook for.

Make sure the coverage includes the doctors you want to see, the facilities you’re likely to visit, and the drugs you have to take. Look for features that make your life more convenient: doctors near your home, for example, or mail-order prescription coverage. When you’ve identified plans that might be a good fit for you, research their quality ratings by visiting Medicare.gov/quality-care-finder.

Simple, right?

If you’re still a bit uncertain about tackling all of Medicare on your own, take comfort: There are free counselors out there ready to help Massachusetts residents navigate the complex system. SHINE — Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone — is a program of the state Executive Office of Elder Affairs that offers free counseling to those trying to plot a course through the Medicare wilderness. To schedule an appointment, call 1-800-243-4636.

Got a consumer question or complaint? Contact Sarah Shemkus at sarah.shemkus@gmail.com.