** Shares of hospital operators are poised to close the year on a high, buoyed by sustained demand for healthcare services

** HCA Healthcare HCA.N stock gained 57.7%; Tenet Healthcare THC.N stock rose 59.5% - the third straight year of gain

** Universal Health Services UHS.N rose 25.4% this year

** For recent quarters, hospital operators are benefiting from higher utilization, underpinned by steady demand for surgical procedures, particularly among older adults, who are covered under the government's Medicare insurance plans

** J.P. Morgan analysts said the strong start to Q4 signals consistent demand, partly driven by early purchases through ACA exchanges.

** This is likely due to expectations that enhanced Advance Premium Tax Credits will expire next year amid broader policy uncertainty, they said

(Reporting by Siddhi Mahatole)

((siddhi.mahatole@thomsonreuters.com))