How healthy is it to skip the placebo week of birth control and start a brand new pack instead?

Doesn't matter: The bleeding that happens in between packs of birth control pills is what is called a withdrawal bleed, and it only happens because of the break in hormones, not because it is necessary. The pills themselves cause the lining of the uterus, the endometrium, to thin out, and so there is relatively little endometrium present and no need to empty or clean the uterus.

Skipping dummy pills: Many gynecologists will do just that - give active pills for longer than the one pack. This changes the timing and frequency of the withdrawal bleed. Discuss with your GYN. People manipulate the period for many reasons but it is best your doctor knows.